Hello everyone,
Welcome to the 10th episode of the Data Science Bulletin podcast. It’s incredible to think we’ve reached this milestone. Joining me today is Jakub Karmata, my fellow team leader at ČSOB. Today, we delve into a topic that is crucial yet often overlooked in data science: leadership and team management.
A Milestone Episode
It’s a moment to celebrate as we hit double digits in our podcast series. Reflecting on our journey, I remember the humble beginnings with shaky audio discussing roles like data scientist, data engineer, and machine learning engineer. Today, we transition to exploring what it means to be a team leader in data science.
The Transition to Team Leadership
Jakub and I shared our experiences transitioning from individual contributors to team leaders. Jakub, who has been leading a team since last November, described the shift as a significant change that continues even today. Becoming a team leader means taking on a different perspective, often referred to as the “helicopter view,” where one oversees multiple tasks and projects from a broader vantage point.
For me, the change happened quickly, and I faced the unique challenge of leading colleagues who were once my peers. This shift requires not only managing projects but understanding and aligning with the aspirations and strengths of each team member.
Learning to Delegate
A significant part of our discussion focused on the art of delegation. Jakub highlighted the importance of choosing the right person for each task, considering their interests, strengths, and growth potential. For both of us, letting go of the desire to manage every detail was a learning curve.
Preparation and Continuous Learning
We touched on the preparation needed for effective leadership. While formal courses and mentoring by experienced managers are invaluable, real-world experience is irreplaceable. Trying roles like tech leading or managing interns can provide insights into whether one is suited for a leadership path.
Jakub shared some recommended readings that helped him, such as “The Manager’s Path” and “Radical Candor.” These resources provide frameworks and scenarios that reflect real-life challenges.
Conference Insights and Future Prospects
Recently, we attended the “Trendy práce” conference, where industry experts discussed the impacts of AI on the job market. While the discussions highlighted challenges, they also underscored the need for proactive adaptation to these
Looking Ahead
As we conclude this milestone episode, we ponder the journey ahead. The transition from an individual contributor to a team leader is ongoing, filled with opportunities to learn and grow.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to bringing you more insights and discussions in the episodes to come. Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback at podcast@datasciencebulletin.com.
changes.
Mentioned Books:
- The Manager’s Path: A Guide for Tech Leaders Navigating Growth and Change (Camille Fournier)
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team (Patrick Lencioni)
- Radical Candor (Kim Scott)
- The elegant puzzle – Will Larson
- Ditě na vlastní pohon (William Stixrud , Ned Johnson)
- Team Topologies
- Trendy práce
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