From Semi-Pro Baseball to Dir of Engineering @ BetterHelp: Johnathan JB Brooks (Ep 22)

In this conversation, Bolaji and JB discuss JB's journey from semi-pro baseball player to a data engineering leader at BetterHelp. They explore the balance between mental health and high-pressure environments, the importance of dbt and Kimball modeling in data engineering, and the evolving landscape of AI and machine learning.

JB shares insights on communication skills, measuring the value of data work, and the significance of understanding stakeholders. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy and personal connection in professional success, along with practical advice for aspiring data professionals.

Takeaways:
JB played semi-pro baseball and has a passion for mental health.
The pressure of perfection can lead to mental health challenges.
Mental health awareness is crucial in high-pressure environments.
JB's career began in the insurance industry before transitioning to data engineering.
He adopted dbt early on, recognizing its potential in data transformation.
Machine learning and AI are rapidly evolving fields in data engineering.
BetterHelp's mission aligns with JB's values and career goals.
Communication skills are essential for data professionals to convey value.
Understanding stakeholders is key to being a valuable data professional.
Professional success should be defined by personal values, not external expectations.

Chapters:
00:00: Introduction to JB's Journey
06:09: Mental Health Awareness in High-Pressure Environments
09:09: JB's Career Beginnings in Insurance
10:33: Early Exposure to DBT and Data Engineering
11:24: Transitioning to Solutions Architect
13:18: Navigating the Data Engineering Landscape
19:49: Interview Insights and Lessons Learned
21:49: Joining BetterHelp and Work-Life Balance
24:21: The Impact of AI on Human Productivity
26:51: The Importance of Human Connection in Tech
27:41: Understanding Kimball Dimensional Modeling
29:46: Modern Applications of Kimball Modeling
31:21: Challenges and Pitfalls of Kimball Modeling
36:58: Team Structure and Collaboration in Data
37:55: Data Disasters and Lessons Learned
39:38: Proud Projects and Their Impact
40:58: Measuring the Value of Data Work
42:56: Honing Communication and Persuasion Skills
46:09: Defining Professional Success
50:55: Encouragement for Emerging Data Professionals

Speakers:
Guest: Johnathan JB Brooks, former Director of Data Engineering at BetterHelp. (Now Principal Data & AI Architect at Astrodata)
Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs

We’re Building the Future of Data. Together.

We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward.

It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together.

Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that.
Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do.
Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh.

👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now. https://www.getdbt.com/community/join...