Podcasts, Speaking, and Why I’m Doing This Now

Introduction

Within the professional world, I’m a firm believer in putting oneself in uncomfortable, but healthy, situations.
Uncomfortable situations are where development and growth occur. Sure, it’s nice knowing exactly what you’re doing some days, and you complete tasks so easily you could do them with your eyes closed - I get it, and I am exactly the same at times.
However, do that for too long dear reader and you risk becoming as stagnant as last year’s resolutions. This - at least - is how I feel.

Podcast Appearances

Recently I have taken some of my own medicine by putting myself in a situation or two where I hope to learn and grow. I appeared on not just one, but two data platform shows!

First up was the SQL_Squared show where I sat with David for just under an hour and talked all things data.

Between you, me, and the gatepost, I was a little nervous - but much to my surprise I really enjoyed it! Watching back now, sure I did a couple of goofy, wince-inducing things, but overall I was pleasantly surprised by how well I did. Additionally, may I be so bold as to say I had…fun? I think so.

David was a gracious host and his passion for data is rather infectious. He puts a serious amount of work into this show and community so do please go support him.

Next up, I appeared on the Finding Data Friends show. Jess Pomfret and Ben Weissman are the well-known hosts for this one and they couldn’t have been nicer. Any show where I can go talk about data and food is always going to get my attention.

Thanks to Jess and Ben for the chat - we had such fun.

Why I’m Doing This

Well, apart from the aforementioned nonsense about making oneself uncomfortable in order to develop (it’s not nonsense), I want to get better at speaking publicly about data and tech. It’s been something on the to-do list for a while now and so, I made a small, humble start on that journey.

Secondly, I have been on this planet now for more years than I care to admit, along the way I have picked up a LOT of real-world experience and insight regarding the Microsoft Data Platform.

I believe I have knowledge to share with the data community which could help others. And let’s face it, the data community is the best of the best when it comes to tech communities. This year, I made a vow to give back to that incredible community that has given me so much over the years. Speaking is simply one of the avenues which I feel I can give back.

What the future holds

How far does this journey go? I haven’t a clue at the moment. But what I do know is that I have had such a great time doing the two podcasts and want to do more. So much so that I’ve already been following up on a few leads, making sure they know I’m available if they ever want to talk about data.

Who knows? Maybe soon I’ll even get brave enough to start submitting some sessions to the next big conference!

Thanks for reading.