Preparing for the Databricks Certfied Data Engineer Professional exam has proven to be ... ... interesting 🤨. Official study material and courses for exam prep is sparse at best. Udemy and YouTube continue to be my best sources.

There's always more to learn in the Big Data space. Consistent work each and every day. A little bit at a time goes a long way. dataexpert.io

Mediocre talent + relentless curiosity beats an overthinking genius every single time. I've watched it happen for 20 years.

Old coding process: pull bits and pieces of code from various sources such as Google, code libraries, and Stack Overflow. Customize the code to perform what needed to be done. New coding process: Context Engineering - leveraging AI through tailored and specific documentation

For app development using Context Engineering, I find using a directory code scaffold, with certain front-end and backend frameworks built-in, to be extremely helpful.

SaaS ideas are plentiful. I'm working to nail down a proven, solid A to Z process to output a quality coded MVP for target users to try out. Forget weeks. My build to market target is 2 to 3 days.

Your goals will always fall down to the level of your systems. Every routine I want to establish. I engineer the tools and processes first. Systems > Goals. Every time.

Most people try to optimize their willpower. I optimize my environment. Treadmill + weighted vest + table attachment = automatic 20K steps with some critical work completed on the laptop Automated data pipelines = consistent results at work PRx Home Gym + Mike Mentzer's

Marine Corps taught me discipline. Data Engineering taught me automation. Fatherhood taught me efficiency. Now I build systems that work when motivation doesn't. 20K steps daily? Automated. Family time protected? Systematized. Professional skill growth? Process-driven.

The difference between high performers and everyone else? High performers treat their life like code architecture. They build automated routines (scripts). They account for error handling (backup plans). The rely on monitoring systems (tracking progress). And regular

I debug my life the same way I debug code. Problem: Failed to hit a certain number of reps at given weight, for a specific weightlifting set Root cause: Most likely, subpar sleep the night prior. Solution: Analyze night routine and implement fixes. Problem: Missing family

"In 2025, trust isn't earned through polish. It's earned through presence." - Matt Gray This hits hard. People don't need your perfect post. They need to see you show up consistently. My system: • Daily post, no matter what • Imperfect action > perfect planning • Presence

I just built an n8n workflow that scans Reddit for automation ideas. Found a YouTube tutorial. Comments full of people begging for the template. Big mistake. The template gives you ONE workflow. Building it yourself gives you the SKILL to create infinite workflows. Work

I only build AI automations for close colleagues. Usually for free. Why? • Builds my skillset with real-world problems • Deepens relationships with people I actually care about One-off automation gigs aren't worth the effort. I'd rather build those reps into a SaaS that

How I engineer my professional network (no events, no cold outreach spam): Daily system: • Send blind connects to 5 Data Engineers on Sales Navigator (only active posters) • Post 1 tech article with my perspective • When someone in my niche engages, I DM them with "Let's be

Do people still read newsletters? Everyone says "build your newsletter first." I disagree. My system: • Capture compelling thoughts immediately • Post them where people already are (X, LinkedIn) • If it resonates, THEN expand into long-form Stop forcing content into

I don't build apps until I get 10 yeses. My validation system: • Build a landing page • Reach out directly to potential users • Get real sign-ups and conversations • Only then start building Too many developers fall in love with their solution before validating the

When pre-validating app ideas, I mine subreddit communities for patterns. My system: • Throwaway Reddit account • Reddit API access • Custom n8n workflow to scan for pain points This automates idea discovery at scale. Instead of guessing what people need, I'm systematically

Paid communities are goldmines for app validation. Your target clients are already there. Use them. My outreach template: "Could I borrow 30-45 minutes of your time? I'd be willing to pay your consulting fee. I have some questions about an idea I'm working on. I have

Growing an audience is simple. • Optimize DMs • Optimize videos • Optimize profile • Optimize tweets • Optimize threads • Optimize comments • Optimize long-forms Optimize what's within your control.