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High performance organisations with Steve Spear
Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Steve Spear, author of a High Velocity Edge, Wiring the Winning Organization and Decoding the DNA of the Toyota Production System.
We discuss how good leaders create a system that makes it easy for people to do quality work when and where it’s needed by continually asking, what’s the problem and how can I help?
Steve explains how to use a developmental leadership approach with collaborative problem solving, workflow visualization and iterative improvement to become a high performing organization with an unbeatable competitive edge.
Wiring the Winning Organisation with Gene Kim
Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Gene Kim, leader of the Enterprise Technology Leadership Conference and author of the Phoenix and Unicorn Projects.
Gene describes how DevOps research shows that excellent socio-technical leadership is critical to team success and failure. He explains how technical leaders can dramatically increase team effectiveness by improving the organisational architecture and wiring to support independence of action, rapid feedback and simplification while maintaining stability and security.
The Buurtzorg Model with Arnold Stroobach
Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Arnold Stroobach about the Buurtzorg organisation, which decentralised its management and administration to small cross-functional self-managed teams that deliver in-home medical care.
Buurtzorg is the Netherlands largest provider of home care with 16,000 clinical staff in more than 1500 local self-managing teams supported by only 50 admin people and 45 coaches at the company’s headquarters. Buurtzorg’s model allows the organisation to deliver health care at 40% less than traditional service providers with much better health outcomes and client satisfaction.
Arnold explains Buurtzorg’s origins methods, and success. Their team structure, responsibilities and roles. And the potential for other organisations to decentralise management to deliver services much more efficiently and effectively at scale.
Transforming to the Product Model with Chris Jones
Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Chris Jones from the Silicon Valley Product Group about the product operating model, emphasising the importance of cross-functional agile product teams.
He shares insights on transitioning to a product model. The value of rapid experimentation, product leadership and common pitfalls. And he discusses successful examples of product transformations at Adobe Cloud and Train Line in Europe.
NZ Scaleup AgileData achieves Google Cloud Ready – BigQuery Designation
AgileData has achieved Google Cloud Ready – BigQuery designation, streamlining data management for customers and partners. This certification confirms the integration’s functionality and reliability, reducing complexity through a low-code interface. By leveraging Google Cloud’s infrastructure and BigQuery, AgileData empowers business leaders to rapidly gain insights and make informed decisions efficiently.
The last (for now) of our #AgileDataDiscover summaries!
Shane Gibson and Nigel Vining completed a 30-day public experiment using a Large Language Model for legacy data warehouse discovery. They confirmed it was feasible, viable, and valuable, securing their first paying customer. They’re showcasing their progress at Big Data London in September under their new product, AgileData Disco.
#AgileDataDiscover weekly wrap No.5
We are in the final phase of building a new product, AgileData Disco, aimed at efficiently discovering and documenting data platforms. We are exploring various Go-to-Market strategies like SLG and PLG. Pricing strategies include options like pay per output or subscription models. We are building in public to gather feedback and refine their approach.
#AgileDataDiscover weekly wrap No.4
We review feedback, highlight emerging use cases like legacy data understanding, data governance, and automated data migration. New patterns are needed for moving from prototype to MVP. Challenges include managing tokens, logging responses, and secure data handling. The GTM strategy focuses on Partner/Channel Led Growth.
Mob Programming and Software Teaming with Woody Zuill
Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with with Woody Zuill about mob programming.
Woody explains the concept of mob programming where a cross-functional software development team focuses on completing one feature at a time. Woody describes how mobbing has increased the effectiveness of development teams he’s worked with by 10 times while rapidly increasing team learning, capability and skills. Tune in to learn about the practical implementation of mobbing techniques to improve your product development.
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Your data team are mercenaries, define your ways of working based on this
Modern data teams are transient, often staying less than 5 years, unlike past decades of long-term loyalty.
Companies should adapt by defining robust Ways of Working (WoW) that endure beyond individual tenures.
Balancing in-house teams with reliable data vendors for continuity and efficiency may also be a useful pattern as part of your WoW.
I’m getting pedantic about semantics
TD:LR Having a shared language is important to help a data team create their shared ways of working. When we talk about self-service, we should always highlight which self-service pattern we are talking about.I'm...
The Art of Data: Visualisation vs Storytelling
Data visualization is like painting with data, using charts and graphs to make trends and patterns easy to understand. It’s great for presenting data objectively.
Data storytelling weaves a narrative around data, adding context, engaging emotions, and inspiring action. It’s perfect for persuading stakeholders.
Ways of Working with Scott Ambler
Join Shane Gibson on the Agile Data Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Scott Ambler, an IT and Agile expert. Delve into Scott’s journey from pioneering programmer to data architecture and Agile methodologies. Discover the evolution of Agile data, the importance of adapting ways of working, and the pitfalls of best practices. Learn valuable insights into continuous improvement, team dynamics, and the complexities of data quality in today’s fast-paced IT landscape. Don’t miss this episode for an in-depth exploration of Agile data and its impact on IT projects and processes.
Most of your data is rotten and it’s not your fault, but it is your problem
Data quality is an expectation, not an exception.
While data quality is crucial, it’s not always directly our fault when issues arise, nevertheless, it remains our problem to solve.
Data Contracts are one pattern that can help us solve this problem.
Are you delivering drills, holes or outcomes?
TD:LR Whether you're a Data Entrepreneur or an organisation looking for actionable insights, its the business outcome these insights help you achieve that is the most important thing. Yes you need a data platform and...
Data Asset, Data Product, Data Service?
TD:LR Should we treat data as an Asset, a Product, a Service or a hybrid combination of all three? Data Asset, Data Product, Data Service? There has been a lot of discussions on LinkedIn, lots of podcasts, lots of...
Demystifying the Semantic Layer
The semantic layer is your mystical bridge between complex data and meaningful business insights. It acts as a translator, converting technical data into a language you understand. It works through metadata, simplifying queries, promoting consistency, and enabling self-service analytics. This layer fosters collaboration, empowers customization, and adapts to changes seamlessly. With the semantic layer’s power, you can decipher data mysteries, conjure insights, and make decisions with wizard-like precision. Embrace this enchanting tool and let it elevate your data sorcery to new heights.
Attribution Model Patterns with Yorgos Moschovis
Explore the intricacies of marketing attribution with Yorgos Moschovis on the Agile Data Podcast. Dive into the complexities of tracking customer behavior across various channels and the challenges of connecting online and offline data. Learn about Yorgos’s journey from the Office of the Auditor General to a leader in data analytics, navigating through companies like Spark New Zealand and Silicon Graphics. Understand the evolution of attribution modeling, from basic first and last touch to sophisticated, multi-touch approaches. Discover the impact of third-party cookie demise on tracking and the emergence of identity management solutions. Gain insights into how different industries, like retail and insurance, approach customer journey mapping and the significance of continuous touches versus deeper histories. Hear Yorgos’s perspective on the diminishing role of static demographics in favor of digital behavior analysis. The conversation also delves into operational improvements through actionable insights, emphasising real-world applications and AB testing over theoretical model complexities.
Understanding Concepts, Details, and Events: The Fundamental Building Blocks of AgileData Design
Reducing the complexity and effort to manage data is at the core of what we do. We love bringing magical UX to the data domain as we do this.
Every time we add a new capability or feature to the AgileData App or AgileData Platform, we think how could we just remove the need for a Data Magician to do that task at all?
That magic is not always possible in the first, or even the third iteration of those features.
Our AgileData App UX Capability Maturity Model helps us to keep that “magic sorting hat” goal at the top of our mind, every time we add a new thing.
This post outlines what that maturity model is and how we apply it.
Building a vibrant community with Scott Hirleman
Explore the art of building vibrant communities with Scott Hirleman on the Agile Data Podcast. Uncover key insights into community growth, operational strategies, and sustainability. Discover how Scott transitioned from a stock market enthusiast to a community management expert, specifically in tech and data spaces. Learn about the rapid expansion of the Data Mesh Learning Community, the importance of engaging members, and the role of timely content and responses. Delve into the operational nuances of community building, including automated onboarding, managing different fluency levels, and establishing community vibes. Understand the critical need for investment, sustainability, and how to overcome founder dependence. Gain insights into ideal team structures for community management and the significance of adaptability and realism in community growth. These comprehensive strategies and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to nurture and grow a successful community in the tech and data sectors.
Upgrading Python: A Plumbing Adventure in the Google Stack
In the ever-evolving world of AgileData DataOps, it was time to upgrade the Python version that powers the AgileData Platform.
We utilise micro-services patterns throughout the AgileData Platform and a bunch of Google Cloud Services. The upgrade could have gone well, or caused no end of problems.
Read more on our exciting plumbing journey.
AgileData App UX Capability Maturity Model
Reducing the complexity and effort to manage data is at the core of what we do. We love bringing magical UX to the data domain as we do this.
Every time we add a new capability or feature to the AgileData App or AgileData Platform, we think how could we just remove the need for a Data Magician to do that task at all?
That magic is not always possible in the first, or even the third iteration of those features.
Our AgileData App UX Capability Maturity Model helps us to keep that “magic sorting hat” goal at the top of our mind, every time we add a new thing.
This post outlines what that maturity model is and how we apply it.
Unveiling the Magic of Change Data Collection Patterns: Exploring Full Snapshot, Delta, CDC, and Event-Based Approaches
Change data collection patterns are like magical lenses that allow you to track data changes. The full snapshot pattern captures complete data at specific intervals for historical analysis. The delta pattern records only changes between snapshots to save storage. CDC captures real-time changes for data integration and synchronization. The event-based pattern tracks data changes triggered by specific events. Each pattern has unique benefits and use cases. Choose the right approach based on your data needs and become a data magician who stays up-to-date with real-time data insights!
Layered Data Architectures with Veronika Durgin
Dive into the Agile Data Podcast with Shane Gibson and Veronika Durgin as they explore the intricacies of layered data architecture, data vault modeling, and the evolution of data management. Discover key insights on balancing data democratisation with governance, the role of ETL processes, and the impact of organisational structure on data strategy.
How can data teams use Generative AI with Shaun McGirr
Discover the transformative impact of generative AI and large language models (LMS) in the world of data and analytics. This insightful podcast episode with Shane Gibson and Shaun McGirr delves into the evolution of data handling, from manual processes to advanced AI-driven automation. Uncover the vital role of AI in enhancing decision-making, business processes, and data democratization. Learn about the delicate balance between AI automation and human insight, the risks of over-reliance on AI, and the future of AI in data analytics. As the landscape of data analytics evolves rapidly, this episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven future. Stay ahead of the curve in understanding how AI is reshaping the role of data professionals and transforming business strategies.
The challenge of parsing files from the wild
In this instalment of the AgileData DataOps series, we’re exploring how we handle the challenges of parsing files from the wild. To ensure clean and well-structured data, each file goes through several checks and processes, similar to a water treatment plant. These steps include checking for previously seen files, looking for matching schema files, queuing the file, and parsing it. If a file fails to load, we have procedures in place to retry loading or notify errors for later resolution. This rigorous data processing ensures smooth and efficient data flow.
The Magic of Customer Segmentation: Unlocking Personalised Experiences for Customers
Customer segmentation is the magical process of dividing your customers into distinct groups based on their characteristics, preferences, and needs. By understanding these segments, you can tailor your marketing strategies, optimize resource allocation, and maximize customer lifetime value. To unleash your customer segmentation magic, define your objectives, gather and analyze relevant data, identify key criteria, create distinct segments, profile each segment, tailor your strategies, and continuously evaluate and refine. Embrace the power of customer segmentation and create personalised experiences that enchant your customers and drive business success.
Fast Answers at Your Fingertips: Unveiling AgileData’s ‘Ask a Quick Question’ Feature
Immerse yourself in the magical world of data with AgileData’s ‘Ask a Quick Question’ capability. Perfectly designed for data analysts and business analysts who need to swiftly extract insights from data, this capability facilitates quick data queries and rapid exploratory data analysis.
The Hitchhikers guide to the Information Product Canvas
TD:LR In mid 2023 I was lucky enough to present at The Knowledge Gap on the Information Product Canvas. Watch The Information Product Canvas, is an innovative pattern designed to capture data requirements visually and...
Magical plumbing for effective change dates
We discuss how to handle change data in a hands-off filedrop process. We use the ingestion timestamp as a simple proxy for the effective date of each record, allowing us to version each day’s data. For files with multiple change records, we scan all columns to identify and rank potential effective date columns. We then pass this information to an automated rule, ensuring it gets applied as we load the data. This process enables us to efficiently handle change data, track data flow, and manage multiple changes in an automated way.