22-25 April 2026 
People first: building strong, inclusive data teams that actually deliver
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
Most delivery challenges aren’t technical, they’re human. Learn practical ways to lead inclusive data teams, support different working styles, manage conflict and help people do their best work.
Session Details
We spend a lot of time in tech talking about tools, platforms and performance but delivery problems are rarely technical. They’re usually human.
In this session, I’ll share what I’ve learned from leading data and analytics teams, running a consultancy, and spending years on stage talking openly about work, pressure, and people. We’ll look at how understanding ourselves and each other better leads to stronger teams, healthier working environments, and more successful outcomes, especially during change.
We’ll explore:
• Why inclusive, people-first leadership matters in data teams and what it looks like in practice
• How to support different working styles and neurodiversity without creating friction or lowering standards
• Simple ways to handle conflict, stress and competing priorities before they derail delivery
• How individuals and leaders can play to strengths, not just job titles, to get the best out of a team
This isn’t a theory-heavy talk or a checklist of “best practices”. It’s an honest, practical session based on real experiences: what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what I wish I’d known earlier.
Whether you manage people or just want to work better with the people around you, you’ll leave with clear ideas you can apply immediately to improve team dynamics, support wellbeing, and create environments where people and projects succeed.
In this session, I’ll share what I’ve learned from leading data and analytics teams, running a consultancy, and spending years on stage talking openly about work, pressure, and people. We’ll look at how understanding ourselves and each other better leads to stronger teams, healthier working environments, and more successful outcomes, especially during change.
We’ll explore:
• Why inclusive, people-first leadership matters in data teams and what it looks like in practice
• How to support different working styles and neurodiversity without creating friction or lowering standards
• Simple ways to handle conflict, stress and competing priorities before they derail delivery
• How individuals and leaders can play to strengths, not just job titles, to get the best out of a team
This isn’t a theory-heavy talk or a checklist of “best practices”. It’s an honest, practical session based on real experiences: what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what I wish I’d known earlier.
Whether you manage people or just want to work better with the people around you, you’ll leave with clear ideas you can apply immediately to improve team dynamics, support wellbeing, and create environments where people and projects succeed.
3 things you'll get out of this session
1. Practical ways to build and contribute to inclusive, strengths-based data teams that deliver consistently. 2. Tools to manage conflict, pressure and change while supporting different working styles and neurodiversity. 3. Clear, actionable ideas attendees can apply immediately to improve team dynamics and wellbeing.
Speakers
Hollie Whittles's previous sessions
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