SQLBits 2023
+5 Wisdom - Learn to Ask Better Questions to Solve the Right Problems
By asking the right questions we can solve the actual problem - not only the problem we think we are facing. Take a step back, look further, and ask better questions. We'll show you how.
Asking questions is easy. Anyone can do it, and, in fact, it is done every day. Asking good questions is harder. It takes some thinking about the problem before the question comes to mind, but it can be done.
Asking really good questions is very, very hard. It's so hard that the really good questions are rare. Why is that? It might be because we're asking the wrong questions.
We think that the technical community tends to jump straight to trying to solve the problem as stated instead of considering if the problem identified is even the actual problem in the first place! By taking a step back and considering the bigger picture instead of focusing solely on the stated problem, we can not only find other solutions, but we might even find better questions to ask. In essence: look further. Ask better questions.
As a journalist, Linda used to be all about open ended questions in order to let the subject frame the problem. As a solutions architect, Alexander was all about trying to avoid the detailed technical solutions to a people problem. Together we found better ways to find the answers that mattered.
We want to help you figure out how to ask better questions - and subsequently how to become a better problem solver.
We will discuss why words matter, when you should not always listen to what is said, and how your choice of questions will always give you the answers you deserve.
Asking really good questions is very, very hard. It's so hard that the really good questions are rare. Why is that? It might be because we're asking the wrong questions.
We think that the technical community tends to jump straight to trying to solve the problem as stated instead of considering if the problem identified is even the actual problem in the first place! By taking a step back and considering the bigger picture instead of focusing solely on the stated problem, we can not only find other solutions, but we might even find better questions to ask. In essence: look further. Ask better questions.
As a journalist, Linda used to be all about open ended questions in order to let the subject frame the problem. As a solutions architect, Alexander was all about trying to avoid the detailed technical solutions to a people problem. Together we found better ways to find the answers that mattered.
We want to help you figure out how to ask better questions - and subsequently how to become a better problem solver.
We will discuss why words matter, when you should not always listen to what is said, and how your choice of questions will always give you the answers you deserve.
Speakers
Alexander Arvidsson's other proposed sessions for 2026
Invisible Insights: What Your Data Can't Tell You - 2026
Fabric FinOps - Cost Optimization for Fabric - 2026
Fabric in Perspective - Interfacing Fabric With the World Beyond - 2026
From SQL to Spark and Back Again - Spark and Python for SQL Users - 2026
Knee-Deep In Tech Live @ SQL Bits - 2026
No-Nonsense Business Data Modeling for Everyone - 2026
Undoing the Pretzel - Five Tips for Improving Your Body Language - 2026
Alexander Arvidsson's previous sessions
Roche's Maxim of Data Transformation - By Example
Roche's Maxim of Data Transformation states that "data should be transformed as far upstream as possible, and as far downstream as necessary". Simple, powerful, and beautiful - but what does it really MEAN? Come find out through example.
Stand Fast - How Governance Can Save You a Fortune
Why is it that cloud projects often end up way more expensive than they should? The answer might surprise you: a lack of governance. Come learn how to turn governance from limitation to enablement.
Knee-Deep In Tech Live @ SQL Bits
Come be a part of the audience for a recording of an episode of Knee-Deep in Tech, a bi-weekly technology podcast!
The topic for this year's recording is:
Agile, DevOps; DataOps and all the other methods - help or hindrance?
The Untruthful Art - Five Ways of Misrepresenting Data
In this age of information it is imperative to be able to be able to clearly, simply and accurately explain and communicate sometimes complex data.
+5 Wisdom - Learn to Ask Better Questions to Solve the Right Problems
By asking the right questions we can solve the actual problem - not only the problem we think we are facing. Take a step back, look further, and ask better questions. We'll show you how.
Spell of Transmutation - Using Debezium to Transfer Realtime Data Changes to Event Hub
Getting changes from SQL Server to Event Hub can be tedious. I'll show you how to set up Debezium to automate SQL Server change data capture into Event Hub and explain why this matters for your serverless architecture!
Knee-Deep In Tech Live @ SQL Bits
Be part of a live audience recording of an episode of Knee-Deep in Tech!
Learning to Listen - Making the Most of Mentoring
Being a mentor or a mentee offer amazing opportunities but come with their own sets of challenges. We'll help you make the most of mentoring!
Linda Torrång
Linda Torrång's previous sessions
Streamlining Power BI with PowerShell
Power BI is a vital tool for data analytics, but managing workspaces, access, and data sets manually can be time-consuming and error-prone.
This session explores how PowerShell automation simplifies and streamlines these tasks.
Nose-Dive Narratives: Slide Karaoke 2024
Get ready to wrap up a serious day of learning with a dash of humor, spontaneity, and friendly competition! SQLBits presents "Slide Karaoke" where SQLBits speakers reveal their hidden talents while vying for bragging rights. This session promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you in stitches and awe, and the speakers scrambling for their non-existent notes!
Anyone can be an alphabet soup ally
Folks that belong to the queer community are often referred to as LGBTQ+, Jess and Linda represent a small portion of the letters within this alphabet soup and they will guide you through some common situations where you can be a good ally.
There is no one right answer, but there are ways for you to prepare for certain situations so you know what your best move might be to provide support and allyship.
This session will provide tips for people who are new to being an ally and for existing allies who want to add skills to their toolbelt.
+5 Wisdom - Learn to Ask Better Questions to Solve the Right Problems
By asking the right questions we can solve the actual problem - not only the problem we think we are facing. Take a step back, look further, and ask better questions. We'll show you how.
Multitasking for Mortals - How to Stop Multitasking and Start Getting Things Done
Humans were never meant to multitask - fact is, the human brain is not even capable of true multitasking.
Despite this we keep trying to achieve more in less time, and in the end we achieve less and suffer from more stress.
There are ways to stop trying to multitask and instead embrace structure and methods for actually getting things done. Let me show you.
How to avoid the most common junior mistakes
Junior makes mistakes. That's part of being junior. But we don't have to make the SAME mistakes over and over again - let's talk about how to make starting life in the tech lane a bit easier.
Learning to Listen - Making the Most of Mentoring
Being a mentor or a mentee offer amazing opportunities but come with their own sets of challenges. We'll help you make the most of mentoring!