Overview
Welcome back to the sql_squared podcast! In this episode, I was absolutely thrilled to be chatting with Tonie Huizer. Tonie is a renowned Database DevOps guru, celebrated for writing excellent blog posts for Redgate and speaking at various events across the globe. Based in the Netherlands, Tonie is the head of ProMicro, a consultancy focused on Microsoft technologies. This episode is packed with insights into the world of data, DevOps, and public speaking – something anyone in the tech industry can learn from!
Content
Getting to Know Tonie ✨
Tonie shares his journey into the "luscious field of data", a path many of us, including himself, tend to "fall into".
We also dive into his involvement with the recent seaql.nl event, which aimed to recreate the traditional SQL Saturday vibe with a focus purely on SQL Server – a deliberate 'Fabric free zone'. The event saw a great international crowd, and plans are already in motion for next year! I even picked up some travel tips for visiting the Netherlands, with a recommendation for Rotterdam.
Database DevOps Deep Dive ⚙️
Jumping into the main topic, Tonie identifies 'People' as the biggest challenge in implementing Database DevOps. He highlights Donovan Brown's definition of DevOps as the union of people, processes, and products, stressing the importance of understanding people and aligning processes before focusing on tools.
We discuss common misconceptions in Data DevOps compared to software DevOps. A key point is the need to help data professionals see database code (T-SQL) as code that requires source control, just like application code. Tonie reinforces the concept of immutable artifacts from the build pipeline and the critical need for a mindset shift away from direct modifications in production databases. As Tonie puts it, it's about "Getting your database under control".
Writing, Speaking, and Getting Started 🎙️
Tonie shares how writing his first article was a stepping stone into public speaking. He emphasises the value of maintaining a natural flow and authenticity over strict scripting when presenting.
He provides some fantastic advice for aspiring technical speakers:
- Look into events like New Stars of Data.
- Ask user groups for speaking opportunities.
- Explore platforms like Sessionize.com and callfordataspeakers.com to find calls for speakers.
- Your "studio" can be anywhere – start where you are.
- Write and talk about topics you genuinely care about.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help from others; there's always someone willing.
- Tonie also recommends a Simple Talk article by Louis Davidson (which he co-presented) covering how to get started, blockers, and motivations.
A common mistake Tonie admits to learning from is going over time during presentations. He shares tips like practicing, structuring content logically (theory then demos), using room monitors, and having time cues in speaker notes. He even jokingly mentioned punishing himself by cutting demos if he's running late!
Lessons Learned & Fun Facts 🍝
In a fun segment, I put Tonie on the spot with a question from the Finding Data Friends podcast – his favourite food. He reveals his love for making lasagna from scratch, describing the involved process of making sauces and layers. He also enjoys making pizzas and considers Italian food comfort food. We briefly touched on other cooking adventures, like making orange chicken.
Tonie's key takeaway from our chat circles back to the beginning: the absolute importance of 'People' in the world of technology and DevOps.
Where to watch?
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Check out the show notes and more information on Tonie, including his LinkedIn and GitHub, in the blog post right here on the SQL Squared website: sqlsquared.co.uk.
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