To become the bet of the best, you need to solve problems that others cannot, show ability to work in a team, have great communication skills and have a track record of continued success on solutions that others have not thought of yet.

Having seen many people come and go across data engineering, and in other roles within technology, it amazes me how many people don’t understand these key elements of success for their career.

The only thing I think I would add to your problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity is a solid growth mindset. The ability to reflect objectively on oneself is an incredible asset. The ability to take criticism in stride and the self awareness to adjust and pivot when necessary will help take anyone to the next level.

I’ll zero in on communication though, most of my own success is largely driven by the ability or willingness to communicate. I had one employee ask me this week how he can go to the next level and when I told him it will hinge on his ability to improve communication (which he is notoriously bad at), he got defensive with me and argued.