Back in Lisbon
Last week I was in Lisbon for DataCamp Connect. The last time I was in Lisbon was for my very first offsite, back in 2022. Walking through those streets again, I could not help but think about how much has changed.
It was also fantastic to finally meet Marco in person. He joined the team earlier this year and we had only worked together through screens until now. I have to say, there is something about sharing a meal and a conversation face to face that no video call can replace.
It is almost four years at DataCamp. Four years! When I started, I did not know what a CTE was. Now I am helping plan the company’s dbt migration -taking what started as a dozen models and scaling the approach across the organization. If there is a single thread that ties this whole journey together, it might be dbt. From that CoRise dbt course in 2022 to planning an org-wide migration in 2025. I could not have imagined this path.
At work, I have been building LMS metrics and analyzing B2B active users by revenue segment. The problems are more complex now, but I have better tools and more confidence. I have also been continuing my Development Plan -deep-diving into dbt (from Fundamentals through Advanced), Python, and shell tools. One has to keep sharpening the saw.
On a different note, I recently started using Claude -an AI assistant- to help with my work. It is a new chapter for me. I use it to review SQL, think through data modeling decisions, and draft documentation. It is like having a very knowledgeable colleague who is always available. I am still figuring out the best ways to use it, but I have to say, it has already changed how I work.
I am grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. To Jorge, to the team, to DataCamp for the opportunity. Almost four years ago, I walked into that first offsite in Lisbon wondering if I could keep up. This time, I walked in knowing I could contribute.