A spoonful at a time: Dealing with the Imposter Syndrome with Spoon Theory

My friend Julie Holmes posted about a great article on the Imposter Syndrome recently. I've decided to share one aspect of how I am working to manage and improve myself professionally. I'm a work in progress, for sure, with a few sticking plasters in place. What is Imposter Syndrome? Most people describe it as a … Continue reading A spoonful at a time: Dealing with the Imposter Syndrome with Spoon Theory

Is the MVP Program becoming less technical?

Alt Title: how did you get to be an MVP, Jen Stirrup? The skinny answer: I think it's changed to reflect the times. It's Microsoft's Award to give or take away at any point. I am going to have some fun here, and I'd like you to join me. Full fat: Something I've heard occasionally, is … Continue reading Is the MVP Program becoming less technical?

Jen’s PASS Diary: Two Pillars for Leadership

As always, I don't represent PASS. Here are my two pillars: Say Thank You. The number one item is to say 'Thank You' to people for their efforts, even if you don't like what they did. They are on a path; and so are you. Saying Thank You is the glue to healthy communities, particularly on … Continue reading Jen’s PASS Diary: Two Pillars for Leadership

Jen’s PASS Diary: A week in the life of a PASS Non Executive Director

As always, I don't officially represent PASS here. As you will know, this week the application opens to be on the Board of Directors for PASS. I've held my post for two and a half years, and I am not up for election this time. If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to get … Continue reading Jen’s PASS Diary: A week in the life of a PASS Non Executive Director

Jen’s PASS Diary: BA Portfolio thoughts, please

As always, this isn't an official PASS blog post, but one of my braindumps. In a nutshell, I want to pick community brains. Don't think analytics isn't relevant to you, if you're a DBA: without DBAs, there is no Data Science or Business Analytics. Your input is valuable. You will have seen the latest blog … Continue reading Jen’s PASS Diary: BA Portfolio thoughts, please

Jen’s PASS Diary: The Happy Prince and the Swallow

Picture Credit: checanty Oscar Wilde was well known for his writing for adults, but he's probably less well known for his excellent children's writing, too. He tackles strong themes, and they are well worth the read for adults as well as children. In one short story, The Happy Prince, Wilde writes a rather sad tale … Continue reading Jen’s PASS Diary: The Happy Prince and the Swallow

Jen’s PASS Diary: once more unto the breach

"Never allow carping critics to deter you from success. Instead, silence them with it." ― Christian Baloga "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill Well, what have I been up to, since my last post? Note: I don't represent PASS here. This is … Continue reading Jen’s PASS Diary: once more unto the breach

PASS Summit Notes for my AzureML, R and Power BI Presentation

I'm going to have fun with my AzureML session today at PASS Summit! More will follow on this post later; I am racing off to the keynote so I don't have long 🙂 I heard some folks weren't sure whether to attend my session or Chris Webb's session. I'm honestly flattered but I'm not in … Continue reading PASS Summit Notes for my AzureML, R and Power BI Presentation

Jen’s Diary: What does Microsoft’s recent acquisitions of Revolution Analytics mean for PASS?

Caveat: This blog does not represent the views of PASS or the PASS Board. These opinions are solely mine. The world of data and analytics keeps heating up. Tableau, for example, keeps growing and winning. In fact, Tableau continues to grow total and licence revenue 75% year over year, with its total revenue grew to $142.9 … Continue reading Jen’s Diary: What does Microsoft’s recent acquisitions of Revolution Analytics mean for PASS?

Jen’s Diary – Time to Answer, or Time to Question? Plus some EMEA thoughts

Hello again, As always, I do not speak officially for PASS. This is my diary, and a bit of a brain dump. I'm as busy as ever with PASS Business Analytics Conference, and things are going well. I'm helping to socialize the information about BAC, and I'm dealing informally with sponsors and community members and … Continue reading Jen’s Diary – Time to Answer, or Time to Question? Plus some EMEA thoughts

Jen’s Diary: Overcoming the Power of Feathers through Action

I'm sorry I haven't kept this diary up to date: I've been at SQLBits, SQLPass Nordic, Data Culture events, and other community gatherings. I've also had dental surgery, involving the removal of two teeth and the removal of some of my lower jaw. I haven't been very happy, needless to say. As always, I don't represent … Continue reading Jen’s Diary: Overcoming the Power of Feathers through Action