Data Espresso

Espresso #12: Data modeling for data products, a Spotify Wrapped for everything, and building things that matter

A modern playbook for data modeling in a product-driven world, how AI can power a supercharged Spotify Wrapped, and a two-step formula for building…

Aug 1 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

4

June 2025

Espresso #11: AI as a "last-mile" enabler, dbt Fusion engine, and navigating the thin layer between fact and BS

How AI is finally democratizing the Data Platform’s “last-mile” layer, dbt’s new Fusion engine, and why a healthy dose of skepticism is always needed…

Jun 2 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

2

April 2025

Espresso #10: A new ice(berg) age, revisiting old designs, and thriving on constraints

The inevitable Apache Iceberg era, the often-overlooked benefits of frequently revisiting design decisions, and the upsides of working in…

Apr 16 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

5

February 2025

Espresso #9: Real-time analytics' big moment and managing fewer data layers

Hello data friends,

Feb 13 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

1

December 2024

Navigating Your Career Transition in Tech: A Practical Roadmap

A practical guide to a successful career pivot in tech: from making the decision to thriving in your new role.

Dec 24, 2024 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

 and 

Anis Chahloul

4

November 2024

Espresso #8: Why the data space struggles with standardization + Reflecting on turning 30

We’re tackling the barriers to standardization in the data space, some personal wisdom I’ve picked up in my 20s (it’s been a ride!), and the 100-page…

Nov 11, 2024 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

1

August 2024

Espresso #7: Data modeling in a post-Modern Data Stack world, a reverse-MDS journey, and the data team's tricky first steps

Make yourself an espresso and join me for a short break on a Tuesday afternoon ☕

Aug 6, 2024 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

2

April 2024

Espresso #6: From data mess to data mesh, Spotify's data platform, and the post-MDS world

Make yourself an espresso and join me for a short break on a Monday afternoon ☕

Apr 8, 2024 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

2

June 2023

Espresso #5: Design docs, dbt at scale, and how to move up the ladder

Make yourself an espresso and join me for a short break on a Monday afternoon ☕

Jun 12, 2023 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

October 2022

Espresso #4: Data orchestration philosophies, and why Coalesce matters

Make yourself an espresso and join me for a short break on a Friday afternoon ☕

Oct 14, 2022 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

1

March 2022

Espresso #3: Data quality, unbundle to rebundle, and navigating data content

Make yourself an espresso and join me for a short break on a Wednesday afternoon ☕

Mar 9, 2022 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

1

February 2022

Espresso #2: Open table formats, real-time at scale, and what happens behind closed doors

Make yourself an espresso and join me for a short break on a Wednesday afternoon ☕

Feb 2, 2022 • 

Mahdi Karabiben

1