Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Gutierrez:
What does it take to do great work?
Radinsky:
You have to be passionate about what you're doing and get things
done. I really believe in the Done Manifesto,
1
which says that people who do
things are right. People who just talk about things take longer to finish because
they either don't do it or don't feel it, so they are wrong. You need to touch
the iron. So you've got to understand that and do really good work. You've
got to really understand things deeply. You've got to love what you do. And
eventually, you've got to make it happen and not just talk about it.
When you're getting things done, don't to be afraid to fail. Failing is just part
of the process. It's fine. There's a famous Edison quote: “I have not failed. I've
just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” It's the same thing in data science.
First of all, you have to understand the problem you tackle. Second, you have
to be not only excited about the technicality of the solution, but also be really
excited about the business involved, the problem the business is facing, and
the tools you're going to use to solve the problem. You actually have to do the
work yourself or at least mentor the people solving it. You have to be really
hands-on, in other words. After all, what could be more fun? You are solving
problems you are passionate about.
