Ep24: She was the First Data Hire at a Startup

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Data Neighbor Podcast

40 episodes

1 day ago

Welcome to the Data Neighbor Podcast with Hai, Sravya, and Shane! We’re your friendly guides to the ever-evolving world of data. Whether you’re an aspiring data scientist, a data professional looking to grow your career, or just curious about how data shapes the world, you’re in the right place. Our mission? To help you break in or thrive in the field of data. We dive into: - Personal career journeys and how luck, opportunity, and grit play a role - How to break into the data field even with a non-traditional background - Industry insights through engaging conversations and expert interviews

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Ep24: She was the First Data Hire at a Startup - 3 Things That Shocked Her

Data Neighbor Podcast

54 minutes 48 seconds

6 months ago

Ep24: She was the First Data Hire at a Startup - 3 Things That Shocked Her

What does it really take to be the first data hire at a startup?In this episode of the Data Neighbor Podcast, we dive deep with Jessie Li - former Head of Data at Descript and ex-Meta product data science leader - as she unpacks her raw, insightful journey navigating the unpredictable world of early-stage startups. From leaving Big Tech for a less-known startup to building a full-stack data function from scratch, Jessie shares the highs, lows, and the very real lessons learned along the way.We cover: - What shocked Jessie most on Day 1 as Descript’s first data hire. - Why bringing Big Tech best practices into a startup doesn’t always work. - How to build data foundations, insights functions, and culture from zero. - The push/pull model for career transitions (and how to think two jobs ahead). - Why being “too humble” in a startup can backfire - and how to avoid disorientation. - What startups really need in data hires - and how to know if you're a good fit. - The underrated importance of AI in data workflows today.Whether you're contemplating a startup move or want an honest look at what it takes to own and scale data in a high-growth environment, this is an unfiltered and inspiring conversation packed with lessons for data professionals at every level.

Connect with Jessie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessieljy/Connect with Hai, Sravya, and Shane (let us know YouTube sent you!):Hai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-guan-6b58a7a/Sravya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravyamadipalli/Shane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneausleybutler/#DataScience #Startups #JessieLi #FirstDataHire #Descript #DataCulture #DataEngineering #AIInData #CareerGrowth #BigTechVsStartup #DataNeighborPodcast #DataLeadership #IntentionalLearning #StartupHiring #WomenInData #DataDriven