Shows
DataTalks.ClubAnalytics Engineering with dbt Workshop - Juan Manuel PerafanIn this talk, Juan, Analytics Engineer and author of Fundamentals of Analytics Engineering share his professional journey from studying psychological research in Colombia to becoming one of the first analytics engineers in the Netherlands. We explore the evolution of the role, the shift toward engineering rigor in data modeling, and how the landscape of tools like dbt and Databricks is changing the way teams work.You’ll learn about:- The fundamental differences between traditional BI engineering and modern analytics engineering.- How to bridge the gap between business stakeholders and technical data infrastructure.- The technical "glue" that co...
2026-02-271h 23
Data Career Transformations17: From Psychology to Analytics Engineering: Juan Manuel PerafanIn this episode, Bolaji interviews Juan Manuel Perafan, a psychology major turned analytics engineer, who shares his journey from Colombia to the Netherlands and his transition into the data field. They discuss the importance of networking, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the evolving role of analytics engineering. Juan emphasizes the value of being replaceable in a job and offers advice for aspiring data professionals, highlighting the significance of foundational skills and the need to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing industry. Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon Music
2025-07-0944 min
SQL Lingua Franca#16 - Sarah Levy - Data Governance vs. AI🎙️ Sarah Levy: Co-Founder & CEO at Eunohttps://euno.aiIn this episode of SQL Lingua Franca, Sarah Levy, co-founder and CEO of Yuno, discusses data model governance, semantic layers, and the path to AI adoption. She outlines the challenges of managing inconsistent business logic, the limitations of data catalogs, and the importance of metric utilization in driving governance decisions.The conversation covers the balance between analyst flexibility and centralized control, the shortcomings of existing observability tools, and the shift of dbt modeling responsibilities back to engineers. Sarah also shares findings from interviews with over 30...
2025-06-201h 02SQL Lingua Franca#15 - Dumky de Wilde - Hot Takes Special🎙️ Dumky de Wilde: Analytics Engineer at Xebia
In this podcast episode, the host welcomes Dumky, an analytics engineer
from Amsterdam and co-author of Fundamentals of Analytics Engineering.
Dumky shares his journey in the data world, discussing his background,
experiences, and the evolving landscape of analytics engineering. This
special "Hot Takes" edition dives into bold opinions on SQL, modern data
tooling, and the role of analytics professionals in an ever-changing
industry.
During the episode, we explore common misconceptions in analytics, the
challenges of working with modern data stacks, and the relevance of SQL
in an AI-driven world. Dumky emphasizes the importa...
2025-01-301h 05SQL Lingua Franca#14 - Lasse Benninga - Open Source Software in Data🎙️ Lasse Benninga: Analytics Engineer at Xebia
In this podcast episode, the host introduces Lasse, an analytics engineer from Utrecht with a diverse background in software engineering and data analytics. Lasse shares his journey into the data world, highlighting his experiences transitioning from software development to analytics engineering, including his work on predictive maintenance for KLM's aircraft fleet.
During the episode, we discussed the importance of understanding data quality, the challenges faced when working with large datasets, and the value of collaboration within mature data teams. Lasse emphasizes the significance of personal projects in developing skills and the rol...
2025-01-231h 02SQL Lingua Franca#13 - Guillermo Sanchez - The Evolution of Analytics Engineering🎙️ Guillermo Sanchez: Principal Consultant at Xebia
In this episode of SQL Lingua Franca, we explore the dynamic shifts in analytics engineering over the past four years. Together, they dive into the transformation of the modern data stack, from traditional tools like dbt to innovative platforms like SQLMesh. They also touch on the cutting-edge developments at Databricks and discuss how these advancements are reshaping the role of analytics engineers.
Tune in to hear expert insights, practical advice, and thought-provoking discussions that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Whether you're a seasone...
2024-12-1159 minSQL Lingua Franca#12 - Thomas in't Veld - Data Maturity & The Future of Analytics🎙️ Thomas in't Veld: CEO & Co-Founder at Tasman Analytics
In this episode of SQL Lingua Franca, Thomas shares actionable strategies for helping companies advance their data maturity. From moving beyond basic dashboards to building scalable data systems, he explains how businesses can use composable architectures and modern tools to gain actionable insights faster.
Thomas discusses common challenges, such as balancing quick iterations with long-term data strategy and avoiding "project hell," where teams get stuck in endless feedback cycles. He also explores how the role of analysts is changing with automation, focusing on deeper business-driven analysis instead of routine reporti...
2024-11-201h 06SQL Lingua Franca#11 - Mariam Halfhide - Responsible AI🎙️ Mariam Halfhide: Practice Lead Responsible AI at Xebia
In this episode of SQL Lingua Franca, Mariam Halfhide, a data strategy expert, shares practical insights on integrating responsible AI into business operations. She explains how organizations can define ethical principles, implement governance frameworks, and address challenges like AI bias and privacy risks. Mariam also discusses real-world examples, such as the misuse of biometric data and the potential dangers of deepfakes.
Tune in to learn how businesses can align their AI strategies with core values, navigate regulatory requirements, and build multidisciplinary teams to manage risks effectively. Whether you're a tech professional or inte...
2024-10-2056 minSQL Lingua Franca#10 - Ruben Huidekoper - Analytics Engineering
🎙️ Ruben Huidekoper: Analytics Engineer at Xebia
In this episode of the SQL Lingua Franca podcast, guest Ruben Huidekoper shares his journey as an analytics engineer. He talks about the broad scope of the role, which involves translating business needs into technical data solutions, working on data modeling, and overseeing pipelines. Ruben emphasizes the versatility of the job, as it requires both strong technical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders, making sure the data solutions align with business goals.
Ruben also discusses the key traits that can help someone thrive in this field, particu...
2024-10-0754 minSQL Lingua Franca#9 - Travis Dent - DevOps & Project Management🎙️ Travis Dent: Data Engineer at Xebia
In this episode, Travis, an experienced professional in data engineering and DevOps, shares his journey from robotics to data analytics. The discussion covers the importance of DevOps practices in data projects, addressing challenges like long-running pipelines and changing data schemas. Travis emphasizes the cultural aspects of DevOps, including collaboration, automation, and continuous improvement, while also touching on different levels of DevOps knowledge for data professionals.
The conversation explores how project management and clear vision contribute to successful data initiatives. Travis and the host discuss how the data field can learn from other i...
2024-09-2157 minSQL Lingua Franca#8 - Pádraic Slattery - Mature Data Teams🎙️ Pádraic Slattery: Principal Analytics Engineer at Xebia
dbt beyond the basics: https://github.com/pgoslatara/dbt-beyond-the-basics
In this episode, Padraic shares his background, starting from mechanical engineering and transitioning into data analysis and data engineering roles. He dives into a GitHub repository he created called "dbt Beyond the Basics", showcasing CI/CD best practices for working with dbt.
Padraic explains his Airflow-based approach to orchestrating data pipelines, including techniques to improve fault tolerance. He also shares his thoughts on potential debt feature requests and emphasizes the importance of building a strong data engineering culture. Finally, we discussed how the list...
2024-09-1156 minSQL Lingua Franca#7 - Ksenia Iakovleva - KPIs & Django Girls
🎙️ Ksenia Iakovleva: IT Service Manager at flatexDEGIRO
Django Girls: https://djangogirls.org/en/amsterdam/
In this episode, Ksenia discusses her transition from journalism to data analysis in the Netherlands' financial sector. She delves into the challenges of working in a regulated industry, the importance of thoughtful KPI selection, and the balance between meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining meaningful metrics. Sena emphasizes the need for KPIs that accurately reflect process goals without pushing for unrealistic targets.
The conversation then shifts to Ksenia's involvement with Django Girls, an international non-profit introducing women to programming. She describ...
2024-09-0154 minSQL Lingua Franca#6 - Luuk Feitsma - Recruiting Data Professionals🎙️ Luuk Feitsma: Head of Recruitment
In this episode, Luuk shares his diverse professional journey, starting in the music industry as a producer and DJ before transitioning into the IT recruitment sector, where he now serves as the head of recruitment.
The conversation covers a range of topics related to recruitment, including the unique challenges of hiring data professionals versus other roles, the current volatility in the tech job market, the importance of company culture and purpose in attracting talent, strategies for assessing "soft skills" during the hiring process, addressing bias and fairness in recruitment, and the impact of AI o...
2024-08-2156 minSQL Lingua Franca#5 - Daniel Herrera - Product Advocacy & GenAI🎙️ Daniel Herrera: Principal Developer Advocate at Teradata
Toddler: https://github.com/Teradata/toddler
In this episode, we explore the global data landscape with Daniel Herrera, a developer advocate at Teradata. Daniel shares his unique journey from Guatemala to Taiwan and Europe, offering insights into how data practices and IT cultures differ across continents. The conversation covers the evolution of Taiwan's tech industry, Teradata's role in big data solutions, and practical advice on data modeling and understanding business needs.
Throughout the discussion, Daniel provides valuable perspectives on transitioning from social sciences to a tech career, cultural nuances in data engineering, and the...
2024-08-1149 minSQL Lingua Franca#4 - Jovan Gligorevic - Productionizing dbt🎙️ Jovan Gligorevic: Data Engineer at Bitpanda
In this episode, we explore the productionization of dbt (data build tool) with our guest, Jovan Gligorevic. The conversation delves into strategies for effectively deploying dbt, including using software engineering best practices, CI/CD pipelines, and orchestration tools.
Jovan emphasizes the importance of balancing speed of development with adherence to best practices and data security requirements. He also offers practical advice on improving the dbt deployment process, highlighting how these improvements can increase productivity and data quality in analytics engineering teams. The discussion covers topics such as pre-commit hooks, testing...
2024-08-0149 minSQL Lingua Franca#3 - Tony Zeljković - Enhancing Developer Experience🎙️ Tony Zeljković: Data Engineer at Full scale bioinformatics
In this episode, we explore the developer experience in data engineering with our guest, Tony. The conversation delves into strategies for enhancing developer experience, including the use of dev containers, proper system design with loose coupling, and effective testing practices.
Tony emphasizes the significance of stakeholder management and understanding different perspectives in data projects. He also offers practical advice on improving the overall developer experience, highlighting how these improvements can increase productivity and value in data engineering teams.
2024-07-2153 minSQL Lingua Franca#2 - Ricardo Granados Lopez - Data Modeling🎙️ Ricardo Granados Lopez: Analytics Engineer at Xebia
In this episode, we delve into the world of data careers and analytics engineering. Our guest, Ricardo Granados, shares his journey from medicine and industrial engineering to analytics.
The conversation explores the evolution of data roles, particularly the emergence of analytics engineering as a bridge between data engineering and data analysis.
We also touch on critical aspects of data work, including data modeling, the challenges of working with different data environments, and the importance of data quality and governance.
The discussion highlights the often-overlooked human a...
2024-07-1156 minSQL Lingua Franca#1 - Fanny Kassapian - Data Transformations🎙️ Fanny Kassapian: Principal Consultant at Xebia
In this episode, we dive into the world of data transformations. Our guest, Fanny Kassapian, shares insights on creating efficient, scalable, and user-friendly data pipelines, drawing unexpected parallels with IKEA furniture assembly. We also explore key principles such as code readability, modularity, and the art of documentation, debunking common misconceptions along the way.
The conversation touches on often-overlooked aspects of data work, including the importance of naming conventions, the power of well-designed dashboards, and the challenges of replicating real-world scenarios in data education.
2024-07-0451 min
Beyond CodingGoing the extra mile with Juan Manuel PerafanSome people have trouble starting, but that’s not Juan. Instead, he looks further ahead at his goal to become great at what he does.
Currently that’s analytics engineering, which fills the gap between data engineers and domain analysts in the data world!
During our conversation, I was truly impressed by his work ethic. I think it's pretty inspring.
Enjoy!
2021-09-0857 min