Evan Chan is both a data architect and a very hands-on engineer who can build a full data stack from scratch, but also love to and have hand-tuned super-fast algorithms, custom data structures, and columnar compression engines. He can build the next database, ML system, the next Kafka.
In your work with technology, what is the task, situation, setup when you’re the happiest and in the flow?
I think for me it is contributing and improving good processes and tools to entire teams, using my experience to help a whole team or organization and teaching them that helps improve productivity and effectiveness. In my current role as data engineer for example I get to help data scientists.
What was the most positive thing you realized, or that just happened to you, during the pandemic?
I still get to enjoy the outdoors and nature, pretty much as much as I want!
Which person, in tech or anywhere, gives you the most inspiration?
My favorite quotes should give you a clue:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” — Margaret Mead
“Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved.” — Jane Goodall
How much time do you spend on your setup that you need to do actual work? What are the things that you cannot do without in your environment?
Not that much.
I think, a good monitor and good terminal program.
Should we stay online, go all-in for in-person, or do a hybrid setup next year? Which one do you personally prefer?
I think a hybrid setup is ideal.. while I love the feel of in-person, the thing is that with a pandemic, and COVID going to stay with us for a while, having an online option just helps reach so many more people, and many speakers would not be willing to come in person any more.
We are happy to invite you to the 9th conference Scale By the Bay!
Format: Online Dates: 28th-29th of October 2021