Chris Brassel

Week 3 of my graduate course on Building and Leading Data Organizations at UNC Charlotte School of Data Science is focused on Data Governance. We're delving into critical topics like: - Data Ownership: Assigning responsibility for data quality and use. - Data Governance Frameworks: Implementing policies and procedures to manage data. - Data Privacy Regulations: Adhering to laws like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. - Data Ethics: Considering ethical implications of data collection and use. - Data Security and Risk Management: Protecting data from unauthorized access and breaches. - Data Access: Controlling who can access data and for what purposes. - Data Stewardship: Promoting data quality and integrity through partnerships. We’re also discussing practical aspects like activities, challenges, strategies, tools, and metrics for effective data governance. Can't wait to dive in!

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To my fellow Major General James M. Wright MBA Program participants William & Mary – Raymond A. Mason School of Business, I just found out that Service Members have an exception to apply to the Recent Graduate Program. The Recent Graduate Program is part of the DoD Pathways Program and is meant to provide one to two-year developmental opportunities that can lead to Federal jobs. Our exception is that we have up to six years after graduation to apply due to our Additional Duty Service Obligation (ADSO). The normal requirement is two years. #Intership #FederalEmployment #RecentGraduate #USArmy #Veterans #Education

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UGA students! Are you still looking for courses next semester? Check out this new offering from our team on Resilience Concepts, Methods and Applications! Led by the University of Georgia College of Engineering's Todd Bridges and Alysha Helmrich plus the Department of Anthropology's Don Nelson, this interdisciplinary course explores the concepts, methods, and applications relevant to creating resilience within interconnected human, natural, and engineered systems to meet the challenges of the 21st century. For people interested in developing and applying emerging knowledge and practice to real-world problems, a strictly hierarchical or static understanding of the world constrains effective application. A systems approach focuses on the dynamic relationships, interactions, connections, and patterns across the scales that comprise our world. In this course, students will apply a systems-thinking approach to understand contemporary challenges, learn about and deploy methods to measure, and assess resilience in diverse contexts across these systems (e.g., from infrastructure to supply chains) and across various disruptors (e.g., from climate change to social conflict). Practical applications will be emphasized through case studies and assignments. Learning Objectives: · Apply systems thinking to the challenges of the 21st century. · Identify and compare resilience concepts and methods in the fields of ecology, engineering, and social sciences and the spaces in between. · Develop experience through the application of concepts and methods for measuring resilience through case studies and course assignments. · Evaluate the appropriate use of concepts, methods, and assumptions for a given context. Register with CRN 69419 Offered Wednesdays, 1:50-4:20pm.

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"Go as far as you can see because once you get there, you can see further." Today, I’m reflecting on an exciting milestone—officially having a date set for my MBA graduation from the University of Georgia. It’s still 8 months away, but this moment represents more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much further I’m willing to go. The journey towards earning this MBA has been filled with challenges, growth, and valuable lessons. But what stands out most to me is the power of perseverance. Every obstacle, whether personal, work, military, or academic, has pushed me to dig deeper and become a better version of myself. The moments when I felt stretched thin were the moments that has defined my growth the most. I hope that my journey helps anyone striving to better themselves, whether through education, career growth, or personal development. We all face moments where the finish line feels far away, but as a reminder, it’s only when you reach one goal that you can clearly see the next. To anyone who feels they’re at the start or in the middle of their journey, keep pushing. Each step forward is progress, no matter how small it seems today. Fear is always a mile wide and an inch deep. Graduation may be 8 months away for me, but this moment is a reminder to keep reaching, keep striving, and to never stop believing in your potential. We owe it to everyone looking up to us and we owe it to ourselves. The world needs people who see things through. Sometimes, we all need a reminder of that. #GoDawgs

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To help close North Carolina’s digital divide, we recently launched the Tech Resource Finder at https://lnkd.in/gRFdiMgv. This new website links to more than 1,100 resources to help North Carolinians use the internet, find public computers and Wi-Fi and access technical support and digital skills classes across the state. In addition, through our partnership with the United Way/ NC 211, the Tech Resource Finder offerings will be integrated into the NC 211 system so trained community resource specialists can connect individuals who call 211 to these verified community sources. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g9WJrxZm #NC211 #DigitalDivide #Tech

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Data Strategy! We've completed the foundational section of my course on "Building and Leading Data Organizations" at the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science and are moving onto the building data organizations section of the course. This week we'll discuss how to build an effective data strategy that aligns with the goals of the business. Key topics we'll cover include: - What is a data strategy and why should we create one? - What are the key components it should include? - The three questions we should answer with our strategy (where are we now?, where do we want to go?, how do we get there?) - Partnering with the business and IT to craft our strategy - Some examples of data strategies in the real world United Nations Data Strategy: https://lnkd.in/enNFCxKe Australian Government Data Strategy https://lnkd.in/ejiy93Wj #UNCCharlotte #DataStrategy #DataScience #DataAnalytics #DataGovernance #DataDrivenCulture #leadership

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Measuring the Value of Data and Insights! This week in my class at the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science "Building and Leading Data Organizations", we’re diving deep into a critical topic: Measuring the Value of Data and Insights. Why is this important? - Understanding Value: We’ll explore what “value” truly means in the context of data. Is it just about cost savings? Or is it about driving revenue growth, improving customer satisfaction, or reducing risk? - The "Why" Behind Measurement: We'll discuss the importance of quantifying the impact of your data initiatives. By measuring value, you can justify budgets, prioritize projects, and demonstrate the strategic importance of data. - Key Metrics and Techniques: We’ll delve into financial metrics like ROI and 5-year NPV. Operational metrics like efficiency gains and error reduction. Finally, customer metrics like customer satisfaction, NPS, and retention. - Communicating Value Effectively: Once you've measured value, the next step is to communicate it effectively to stakeholders. We'll discuss storytelling techniques, data visualization, and presentation skills to help you convey your findings in a compelling way. #datascience #dataleadership #dataanalytics #UNCCharlotte

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Here's a revised version: saif is a remarkable example of strength and self-belief. Individuals like him truly exemplify what it means to break barriers and inspire others.

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Here are a few more!

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It's great to see continued efforts towards skills-based hiring at the state level (e.g., Alabama Talent Triad) and in the corporate world (like Walmart's recent investment in Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN)). These are positive steps, but I can't help but to think back to the Strada Education Foundation and The Burning Glass Institute report that highlighted the ongoing issue of underemployment among college graduates. According to the report, 52% of recent graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, and a decade later, 45% of those graduates are still in jobs that don't require a four-year degree. So there's a clear gap between the skills needed in the workforce and the skills provided by undergraduate programs. It's no wonder many companies are starting to value skills over a degree. At Ziplines Education, we're working hard to provide the workforce with practical skills to find quality employment or transition into new careers (most of our learners have a bachelors degree), as are others, but I'd love to learn more about what campus leaders are doing to better align undergraduate curriculum with the job market. Who's doing it well? What's working?

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Layoffs Are Not a Vacation You face a tough reality after losing your job. Friends and family may believe you’re on a break (they don’t see the full picture). But the truth is crushing. Daily stress, endless applications, and rejection wear you down. The anxiety of bills looms large (it’s hard to relax when money is tight). You feel exhausted and on edge. The Emotional Toll of Unemployment Your self-esteem takes a hit. The burden of mortgage payments and daily expenses weighs heavily. Each rejection feels like a punch to the gut (it’s not just business; it’s personal). You wish you could escape, but responsibilities hold you down. Constant worry eats away at your mental and physical well-being. This isn’t just a pause; it’s a struggle for survival. If you land a new job, you will need time to recover from the last chapter (this isn't just about finding work; it's about healing). Find Your Path Forward Step into your power. Start by prioritizing self-care (it’s okay to take a moment for yourself). Face each day with a job-hunting strategy. Set aside time for networking and personal growth. Seek support from friends, family, or groups of others who understand your situation. Embrace small wins, like new connections or a great conversation (every bit counts). Remember, each step forward matters. You will find your way. Believe in yourself as you push ahead (you’ve got this).

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I just turned in my final MBA project to the Wake Forest faculty. My MBA experience was unique. It coincided with the following things in my life: - raising 2 young sons - moving 3 times - full train-up cycle for deployment - deploying - getting promoted and entering new responsibilities as a Field Grade Officer - maintaining athleticism - running an untrained marathon - transitioning out of the Active Duty Army - joining the Reserves - getting first civilian job - getting laid off from first civilian job - leading a non-profit organization - losing one of my best friends to suicide - countless day trips, weekend events, and family events Everyone's MBA experience is different, but mine was full of events external to it to it. Nothing else remained static in my life, and most of the turnover was by my choice. There was no safe container for school. Everything was still done on time to standard. I do not say this to brag or as a "look at me" moment, but to be real and show you what you can do. Things that helped: - I stopped wasting time on entertainment.  - I fell in love with learning something every day. - I did what I was supposed to do for school regardless of how I felt. How I felt had no bearing on what needed to get done on any given day. I'm not saying this is healthy, but results are results. - I prioritized my commitments. - My family members supported my needs, creating space for me to learn. - The statement "If you only have an hour, it only takes an hour" is true. If you have four days, it will fill that space. Work expands to fill the available container. - Absolute self-accountability. The successes are mine, and the fumbles are mine. Own it and be better. People in my cohort started and lost businesses, become c-suite executives, lost family members, had children, pivoted careers, etc. They did not excuse themselves. - I broke my paradigms by connecting with my classmates. As a Soldier, I knew almost nothing of the business world. I have made some fantastic friends.  - Compete. - I put all of my notes in a single place. I recommend Obsidian.md - Getting Things Done by David Allen helped me manage my commitments. This is what worked for me. If I had to advise anyone going into a scholastic endeavor, what I would say is: If you're considering starting anything, especially a scholastic endeavor, do not wait for the right time. There isn't one. If there is something you want, raw action is the answer. There may be a time for caution, but not today.

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As the cliché goes, “people don’t leave jobs, they leave bad bosses”. While this may be true, other factors certainly come into play with workplace satisfaction. Factors may include compensation, company or team culture, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth and advancement (not the same thing IMO). Good managers can make up for some shortcomings in the factors above. However bad managers can drain all the positivity out of the factors above and sour the work experience altogether. What do you think are some of the key reasons someone chooses to leave or stay?

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The path to your dream job doesn't always look like a straight line. Sometimes, it takes unexpected twists and turns – just like my journey from working in the Amazon warehouse to becoming a Program Manager. While it might not seem like the most obvious transition, the warehouse experience provided me with a solid foundation in skills that are crucial for success in program management: - Problem-solving: Constantly adapting to changing demands and finding solutions on the fly. - Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements to optimize operations. - Collaboration: Working closely with a diverse team to achieve shared goals. Recognizing these transferable skills was key to my pivot. I took the initiative to connect with different teams within the company, expressing my interest in program management and showcasing how my experience aligned with the role. It wasn't an overnight process, but through persistence, networking, and demonstrating my capabilities, I was able to land the opportunity I was striving for. If you're looking to make a career change within your company, here are a few tips: Identify your transferable skills: Look beyond job titles and focus on the core competencies you've developed. - Network, network, network: Talk to people in different departments, attend company events, and build relationships. - Express your interest: Don't be afraid to let your manager and other leaders know about your career aspirations. - Be proactive: Seek out opportunities to learn and grow, even if they're outside your current role. - Showcase your value: Demonstrate how your unique background and skills can benefit the company. Remember, your career path is yours to create. Don't be afraid to explore new possibilities and take a leap of faith! 🚀 #CareerPivot #ProgramManagement #TransferableSkills #Amazon #CareerJourney #InternalMobility #Motivation #SuccessStory

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UNC Charlotte receives highest U.S. News rankings in history! Driven by remarkable student and research success, University of North Carolina at Charlotte has achieved significant recognition in the newly released 2025 Best Colleges rankings. The University climbed to No. 81 among U.S. public universities—an impressive 15-spot improvement—and reached its highest national ranking at No. 152 among 434 institutions. Since 2020, Charlotte has surged 76 spots, making it the fastest-rising national university in the Carolinas! Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber stated, “With record enrollment, graduation, retention rates, and research expenditures, there’s unstoppable momentum at Charlotte.” UNC Charlotte is also ranked No. 45 among U.S. News’ Most Innovative Schools and No. 62 (tie) for social mobility. UNC Charlotte is not just elevating its academic standing but also enriching the region and economy, aligning with the vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive future. To discover more about UNC Charlotte’s ascent read the full article here: https://ow.ly/Psp950TvtWz #UNCC #BestColleges #HigherEd #Innovation #SocialMobility

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I've completed The Define Phase for the Six Sigma Black Belt course at Kennesaw State University ! 🎓 This phase focuses on identifying key processes, understanding customer needs, and setting the foundation for measurable improvements. The knowledge gained will be invaluable in streamlining operations and driving efficiency in tech-focused environments, including Product Development, IT Operations, UX/UI Design, and Software Engineering. Looking forward to applying these insights to optimize workflows, reduce bottlenecks, and elevate team performance. #SixSigmaBlackBelt #ProcessImprovement #TechManagement #ProductDevelopment #UXUIDesign #ITOperations #SoftwareEngineering #ContinuousImprovement

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To all our grads - but especially the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee supply chain undergrads and online masters students walking this weekend that I get to work with directly - We love you, and we're incredibly proud of you! Many undergrads finishing this week had quite the start to their journey, finishing high school in spring 2020 and getting rolling in college that fall semester 😳 (In case you need a reminder why that's a big deal -- 🦠💉😷) What a massive challenge, combining a very bittersweet high school graduation with starting college and in some cases leaving home and family for the first time...in the middle of a global pandemic. So many of them grew up fast, came through it stronger than ever, and became the phenomenal graduating class we have this week. Most of our online grad students have had a completely different journey... But just as challenging in plenty of ways. Many faced major obstacles in their lives leading up to and while in the program because of the pandemic, layoffs, or huge career pivots. They completed the program while dealing with all those things...plus working full-time jobs, raising families, being involved in their communities, separating from the military, living internationally and being in a timezone opposite the rest of the class, and/or a whole host of other unique situations. These are amazing, driven people who are going to do great things. To employers out there - if you're looking for supply chain talent like what I've described, at literally any level, let me know! And to this class - thank you! We'll miss you - but don't let this be the last time we hear from you, either. You'll always be a Volunteer. Congratulations, y'all. And go Vols! #govols #VFL #supplychain #graduation

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I’ve gone back and forth on if I should post this. I didn’t for a long time out of concern that it might limit my leadership opportunities in the future. However, I think it needs to be said. I have grave concerns at the recent group of engineering employers all announcing a RTO for all employees. This concerns me for a multitude of reasons, but I want to focus on the impact to the employees and their supervisors. We are long past mandated remote work due to COVID and theoretically any employee that wanted to return to work has been given the opportunity to do so. Which would suggest that the employees that are still working from home (either in a hybrid or remote role) are doing so because it allows them to be their most efficient selves, thus operating at peak efficiency and performance. So why disrupt that? The argument has been made that teams work better located together (that’s a discussion for another time) but even if we grant that assumption, why are companies ripping that evaluation out of the immediate supervisors and project leaders? Aren’t the teams and individuals closest to the employees in the best position to evaluate this criteria and be in the best position to architect the correct solution? I am confident that there are studies that executives are reading that say they can improve performance and efficiency by x% by mandating RTO. And it’s entirely possible that it could be correct in a many situations. But wouldn’t the immediate supervisors and team leaders be in the best position to make this call and be in a position to implement a solution?

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Data Engineering and Storage! It's week 5 of "Building and Leading Data Organizations" at the UNC Charlotte School of Data Science "Data engineering is the discipline of designing, building, and maintaining systems that extract, transform, and load data to support business intelligence and analytics.“ – Joe Hellerstein (UC Berkeley) We'll be covering the key concepts of data engineering: - Database Administration: The management and maintenance of databases, including performance tuning, security, and backup. - Database Types: Cloud-based, on-premises, and hybrid databases, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. - Database Management Systems: Software used to create, manage, and access databases, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. - Database Performance Tuning: Optimizing database performance through techniques like indexing, query optimization, and hardware upgrades. - Cloud-Based Storage: Storing data in the cloud, providing scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. - Database Organization: How data is structured and organized within a database, including tables, columns, and relationships. - ETL/ELT: Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) and Extract, Load, Transform (ELT) processes for moving and transforming data between systems. - Data Replication and High Availability: Ensuring data redundancy and continuous access through replication and failover mechanisms. We'll also be covering : activities, challenges, strategy, tools, skill sets, roles, responsibilities, and success metrics of successful data engineering teams. Can't wait to dive in! #datascience #dataorganization #leadership #unccharlotte #dataengineering

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