The Web3 world—blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs, and more—seems to be everywhere these days. And, as analysts, how could we not salivate at the idea of a data set that is just one flat, immutable, ever-growing table with a handful of columns (aka… a blockchain-powered public ledger)? We sat down with Anthony Mandelli from Coin Metrics to see whether Tim and Moe could be moved from "totally clueless" to "barely knowledgeable" on the topic in a single hour (Michael was already a knowledgeable enthusiast). The jury is out as to whether we were successful, but stay tuned for the upcoming announcement of the Analytics Power Hour DAO we're starting up (we're minting RockFlag coins to make it happen). For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

The workplace is changing! Even before COVID, the look, feel, and layouts of offices went through various phases: the rise of cubicles in the 1960s (ick!) and then, decades later, the rise of the open office ("Headphones…deployed!") are just two examples. What does the "next" workplace look like in a world that supports remote work, hybrid work, and in-office work? It looks… complicated (but exciting). On this episode, David Stella from db.19 joined us to discuss how data (and experimentation!) can be an important tool when it comes to designing productive and effective professional environments. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

It's easy to get sucked into the "technology" side of things when it comes to improving the effectiveness and scaling up data teams, but, much to Tim's dismay, shoring up the people, process, and culture is often just as (if not more) critical. So, sure, we can talk about the modern data stack, but what about the modern data CULTURE stack? Prukalpa Sankar, co-founder of Atlan, joined us for a lively discussion of the topic! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

If you're like most data workers, you probably spend a little bit of time reacting to and servicing data requests, a bit more time on some larger analysis projects, and then you've got a big pile of free time where you're wondering what else you should be doing. Oh. No? You're absolutely drowning in work and questioning whether you're actually providing value? Yeah. That's actually much more common. We were just kidding with that opener. The great news, though, is that Emilie Schario joined us to talk about different tactics (strategies?) for finding the capacity to do more and better work, regardless of your level in your organization. For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

"The people" are often the most valuable asset for a company, so getting the ones who are a good fit, supporting them in their work and their careers, and figuring out what motivates (and demotivates) them is critical. And data—both quantitative and qualitative—can help with that. It's a topic we've wanted to tackle for a long time (well, Moe and Michael have; Tim was confused, as he thought it couldn't be that hard to analyze a data set consisting of a single "Do they do their f***ing job?" boolean flag), and we finally got to it, with Andrew Marritt from OrganizationView! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

Benn Stancil from Mode joins the hosts to discuss the metrics layer in the modern data stack. Topics include challenges with model data and report tables, handling digital analytics data, managing metrics at large companies like Facebook, the importance of metrics in a modern data stack, challenges of building and adopting a metrics layer tool, connection between OLAP and Edgar Codd, normalization rules, and implementing a metrics layer in business intelligence tools.

We are excited to announce APH+, a subscription that includes bonus content and other perks for our most dedicated listeners. 

Can a digital analyst make it to the C-suite? And, if she does, will she wonder, "Oh, dear. WHAT have I gotten myself into?!" The answer to the first question is "Yes!" And our guest for this episode is a proof point: Mai AlOwaish is the Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Gulf Bank, and she spent a good portion of her career in digital analytics before taking on that role! The answer to the second question is, "Not if you go in with a clear vision and strategy!" But, of course, there's a lot more to it than that! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

What does Machiavelli have to do with International Women's Day? It turns out, if you read his writings through the lens of the challenges that women face in the workplace, then quite a lot! So much, in fact, that a whole book could be written on the subject. And one was! Machiavelli for Women author Stacey Vanek Smith joins Moe and guest host Julie Hoyer for this women-only episode of the show. If you're a dude and think this show isn't for you, too, then think again! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.

Remember how we used to have bonus episodes? With International Women’s Day coming up in a week, it seemed like a good time to bring them back. Tim is joined by Rehgan Avon, the founder of the organization that runs the DataConnect Conference, which will be June 2-3, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio (and virtually). It’s a conference open to everyone to attend, but all of the speakers are women or gender minorities. Tim and Rehgan also discuss the current state of gender diversity in the profession and how it has changed since Rehgan started the organization that became this conference back in 2016. And there’s a discount code! For complete show notes, including links to items mentioned in this episode and a transcript of the show, visit the show page.