A tailored course, built for your situation
The Go-To Practitioner in DBT & Data Modeling
Become the recognized expert your team turns to for clean, reliable data models and reusable transformation patterns
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Being overlooked when complex modeling decisions arise
The situation this course is for
Even with strong technical skills, data engineers often stay invisible when architecture decisions are made, especially when those decisions depend on deep understanding of transformation logic and model reliability.
Who this is for
Senior IC data engineer working in DBT and Snowflake, focused on delivering trusted models and scalable pipelines, seeking greater influence through technical authority.
Who this is not for
Engineers who only run queries or maintain dashboards without ownership of transformation logic or data modeling.
What you walk away with
- Proven frameworks for structuring models that others adopt as standard
- Templates for documenting lineage and logic that stakeholders trust
- Patterns for socializing changes before they break downstream
- A repeatable method to turn one-off fixes into system-wide improvements
- Clear examples and artifacts to back up your position in design reviews
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Defining the Go-To Mindset
Understand what separates widely referenced practitioners from others, focusing on consistency, clarity, and quiet authority in modeling decisions.
12 chapters in this module
- The recognition gap in data engineering
- Signals teams trust a modeler
- From builder to reference point
- Three traits of go-to modelers
- How recognition starts with reliability
- Documenting to be found
- Naming conventions that scale trust
- Ownership beyond assignment
- Patterns over projects
- The visibility flywheel
- Recognition without self-promotion
- Case study: the quiet architect
Module 2. Model Design for Reuse
Structure models so they’re picked up organically by peers, making your logic the default starting point.
12 chapters in this module
- Designing for downstream pickup
- Modular logic blocks
- Reusable CTEs by convention
- Naming for discoverability
- Embedding assumptions safely
- Avoiding over-generalization
- The reuse threshold
- When to extend vs. rewrite
- Annotating for adoption
- Testing across contexts
- Versioning shared logic
- Case study: reused fact model
Module 3. Transformation Logic Authority
Develop a command of DBT constructs that makes your reasoning decisive in reviews and escalation paths.
12 chapters in this module
- Common logic anti-patterns
- When to use exposures
- Refactoring without breaking
- Leveraging macros wisely
- Error handling in Jinja
- The case for standard tests
- Managing dependencies clearly
- Source freshness checks
- Documentation as control
- Code reviews that teach
- Preempting logic disputes
- Case study: macro overhaul
Module 4. Documentation That Builds Trust
Turn doc blocks into assets that get cited in meetings and pull requests, increasing your reach without speaking up.
12 chapters in this module
- Docs read by non-engineers
- Describing intent clearly
- Linking to business outcomes
- Auto-documentation settings
- Embedding data quality notes
- Using descriptions as contracts
- Finding the doc minimum
- Standardizing doc patterns
- Updating without churn
- Docs in PR templates
- When to link vs. copy
- Case study: trusted source doc
Module 5. Socializing Changes Effectively
Introduce modeling changes in ways that preempt resistance and position you as a collaborative authority.
12 chapters in this module
- Change timing signals
- Previewing with stakeholders
- Using snapshots wisely
- Communicating model shifts
- Messaging upstream impacts
- Running design reviews
- Handling pushback calmly
- Creating feedback loops
- Maintaining changelogs
- Tagging for visibility
- Routing through data stewards
- Case study: major refactoring
Module 6. Lineage and Traceability
Make your work indispensable during audits and investigations by enabling fast, accurate tracing from dashboard to source.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping business terms to fields
- Using meta fields effectively
- Tagging for compliance
- Generating lineage reports
- Reducing investigation time
- Cross-model impact analysis
- Auditor-ready documentation
- Testing traceability paths
- Versioned lineage exports
- Linking to data dictionary
- Handling deprecations
- Case study: audit response
Module 7. Reusable Testing Frameworks
Build testing standards that compound quality and make your models the benchmark for reliability.
12 chapters in this module
- Base test suite structure
- Custom test macros
- Data completeness checks
- Referential integrity rules
- Schema change detection
- Testing nullability assumptions
- Automated anomaly alerts
- Integrating with CI
- Test coverage targets
- Balancing rigor and speed
- Documentation via tests
- Case study: test suite rollout
Module 8. Ownership Beyond Assignment
Take initiative on modeling gaps without waiting for escalation, positioning yourself as the de facto owner.
12 chapters in this module
- Spotting silent debt
- Volunteering strategically
- Building credibility quietly
- Handling overlap gracefully
- Escalating with context
- Maintaining ownership logs
- Using Slack for visibility
- Documenting decisions publicly
- Setting modeling standards
- Mentoring by example
- Avoiding overreach
- Case study: ownership claim
Module 9. Influence in Design Reviews
Enter reviews with pre-built examples and clear rationale so your input shapes direction without friction.
12 chapters in this module
- Preparing for review cycles
- Bringing precedent examples
- Framing alternatives clearly
- Challenging with data
- Using diagrams effectively
- Aligning with business goals
- Anticipating objections
- Staying constructive under pressure
- Driving consensus quietly
- Summarizing decisions
- Following up without nagging
- Case study: winning a redesign
Module 10. Scaling Personal Impact
Turn individual contributions into team-wide improvements through templates, tooling, and quiet mentorship.
12 chapters in this module
- Creating starter kits
- Standardizing project setups
- Internal template library
- Onboarding new hires
- Sharing snippets efficiently
- Running knowledge shares
- Measuring adoption
- Improving iteratively
- Linking to on-call
- Reducing ramp time
- Building internal reputation
- Case study: onboarding package
Module 11. Earning Executive Visibility
Get noticed for work that typically stays below the line, by making outcomes visible and attributable.
12 chapters in this module
- Connecting models to business impact
- Highlighting efficiency gains
- Writing executive summaries
- Using metrics to tell stories
- Presenting in cross-functional forums
- Attributing data quality wins
- Avoiding overstatement
- Staying grounded in delivery
- Letting results speak
- Timing visibility moments
- Handling recognition gracefully
- Case study: exec mention
Module 12. Becoming the Reference
Integrate all elements into a personal practice where others naturally look to you first.
12 chapters in this module
- Auditing your current reach
- Setting a recognition goal
- Tracking peer adoption
- Refining your signature style
- Maintaining consistency
- Adapting to new domains
- Extending influence upward
- Mentoring emerging talent
- Sustaining authority
- Measuring long-term impact
- Staying ahead of changes
- Case study: became the reference
How this maps to your situation
- When a new data product launches and modeling standards are set
- During performance reviews where influence is assessed
- After a data incident when root cause analysis begins
- Before major refactor or migration efforts
Before vs. after
Before
Models are built and handed off, but rarely become templates. Decisions are made without your input, even on logic you own.
After
Your designs are reused across teams. Peers cite your documentation. Stakeholders come to you first for modeling clarity.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 2 hours per week over 6 weeks, with self-paced access.
If nothing changes
Continue doing strong work that doesn’t compound, remaining invisible during key decisions, while others shape the direction of data modeling.
How this compares to the alternatives
Generic data courses teach broad DBT syntax. This course focuses on the unspoken skills that make practitioners indispensable: reuse, influence, and quiet authority in modeling decisions.
Frequently asked
Who is this course for?
Senior data engineers and DBT practitioners who want their work to become the standard others follow.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will this help me get promoted?
It focuses on growing influence and recognition, outcomes that often precede formal promotion for ICs.
$199 one-time. Approximately 2 hours per week over 6 weeks, with self-paced access..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours