This talk draws parallels between an epic road trip and the process of building solid and sustainable open-source communities. Just like the road trip filled with surprises, new friends, and life lessons, building an open-source community can be an unpredictable and rewarding adventure. Key lessons from the road trip experience can be applied to open-source community building, such as having a clear purpose and vision, embracing openness and diversity, being open to surprises, learning from failures, and celebrating successes. The talk further provides practical dos and don'ts for building successful open-source projects. By keeping these lessons in mind, open-source communities can thrive and evolve, fostering innovation and collaboration.
We are all trying to establish ourselves and stand out in the ever-competitive Data Science ecosystem. What if we could do it in a way that benefits both us as individuals and the Data Science community? This talk will discuss a range of ideas for building confidence and brand for novice and experienced Data Enthusiasts. Simply attending PyData NYC is a stepping stone for a beginner, whereas selecting to appear on a panel to discuss an open-source project could be an adventure for someone with more expertise. However, both pursuits put you on the correct path to achieving these goals. I will tell the story about my search for my place in the Data Science ecosystem, and I would like to assist you in finding yours. Building social capital doesn’t have to be a selfish endeavor. You should approach these opportunities with humility and honesty, and you should strive to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with the people you meet. Most importantly, be your most authentic self.