“Data engineers are like plumbers,” Edward Chenard, the Senior Director of Data Science and Analytics at Shipwell, said in this latest episode of the Data Futurology Podcast.

By that, Chenard means that data scientists are excellent at analysing what’s coming through the proverbial pipes, but if the “pipes” break for even a couple of hours the costs can be in the millions of dollars, and so you want specialised data engineers operating in the background, maintaining the stack and being the unsung heroes of the data practice.

This is just one insight on building effective data teams that Chenard shares on the podcast. In this in-depth discussion, he also:

• Highlights the changing dynamics within teams post COVID-19 and how interactions have changed with working from home.
• Discusses the disconnect between leadership and data scientists/engineers, and how many data scientists come to realise that their interests lie outside of leadership.
• Talks about finding ways to develop confidence into younger data professionals.
• The increasing value of humanities expertise in data.

Finally, Chenard shares his three key personality qualities that allow someone to succeed in data-based roles:

1) Creativity. If you don’t look at the space as a creative endeavour, you’re not going to be happy.

2) Curiosity. If you’re not naturally going out there and looking up stuff, going down different rabbit holes you’re not in the right mindset.

3) Openness. You need to be open to other perspectives – including those you don’t agree with – to be able to see the opportunities that come from data.

Tune in for these insights, and many more, around the dynamic roles and exciting opportunities facing data scientists ahead.

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Read the full podcast episode summary here.