"Starting Before You'Re Ready"
Lessons From Jason Yang
Starting Before You’re Ready: Lessons from a Data Product Strategist @Google
Jason Yang
"Data is the foundation of reasoning, simplifying complexity into clarity for others.."
Redefining Data: A Shock to My Previous Definition of "Data"
I invited Jason for a quick coffee chat, intrigued by his impressive journey from Deloitte Analytics to Data Product Strategist Lead at Google. I knew there had to be something new and inspiring for me to learn from him.
After breaking the ice and sharing my experiences synthesizing insights from customer data in school projects, internships, and leadership roles, I thought I had a solid grasp on what “data analysis” really means—telling stories behind the numbers to inform business decisions.
But then, Jason asked, “Can you use one sentence to describe what’s your definition of data?”
His question hit me like a bolt of lightning. Despite my experience in data analysis and passion for driving innovation, I suddenly found myself struggling to answer. I tried to pull from past textbooks, lectures, and projects, but couldn’t summarize it in one sentence. Jason’s definition shocked me—it was something I had never heard before, yet it felt so true.
.
Jason’s answer was unlike anything I had ever encountered: “Data is the basis of reasoning for everything. It’s about using that reasoning to explain hard things in simple ways, serving others’ understanding.”
This perspective completely shifted my view. It’s not just about numbers, charts, insights, or storytelling—it’s about “serving others.” It’s about breaking down complex patterns into something even a child who only knows basic arithmetic could grasp. It’s about making data and the reasoning behind ideas logical, yet simple for others to understand.
When I shared my thoughts on the current job market for young undergraduates like me, Jason offered many unique perspectives that are definitely worth sharing. He provided valuable insights on how we can focus our efforts, set meaningful goals, and pursue personal growth in the future.
Here are other major inspiration and takeaways from Jason:
1. The Myth of Being Ready
Many of us, especially as students or young professionals, carry the notion that we need to wait until we’re “ready” to seize the big opportunities in life. We tell ourselves, “We’ll get a job once we earn our CPA, CFA, or diploma, and then we can work on real projects.” We think we need to keep learning new skills or taking courses to handle more challenging work. But in reality, waiting to be “ready” can cause us to miss valuable opportunities to gain real experience, which can help us learn and grow faster. As Jason pointed out, readiness doesn’t just knock on your door—it’s earned by taking the leap. Growth begins the moment you start, even without the perfect tools. Waiting for the “perfect time” is like waiting for rain during a drought. Sometimes, you have to create your own storm. While skills and certifications are worth pursuing, they aren’t the key to landing the job you want. The real barrier isn’t a lack of certificates; it’s the failure to take action. The perfect moment never comes. We need to start the journey of getting ready while actively seeking the keys that will unlock doors.
2. Optimize Resources Around You
2. Optimizing What You Have
“The best chefs aren’t necessarily those who have the most ingredients or the fanciest recipes, but those who can make the most out of what they have available—knowing exactly what’s in the fridge and how to turn it into something amazing.”
We often idolize the idea of having “the best” tools, connections, or circumstances. But Jason’s words reminded me of the saying, “Look at what’s in your fridge.” The best camera in the world is the one you already have, because it captures the reality in front of you. It’s not about having the fanciest gadgets or resources—it’s about using what you have effectively.
Sometimes, simplicity can be a strength because it forces us to be resourceful and intentional. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we can think about what we already have and how to use it to become the best version of ourselves—just like a chef making the most out of what’s in their kitchen.
3. Building with Purpose
3. Building with Purpose:
When it comes to job applications, projects, or even personal endeavors, it’s easy to get excited about showcasing our past contributions but fail to connect them to future goals. We might focus on what looks impressive on a resume or what earns quick praise, but the deeper question we should ask ourselves is: What problems are we solving? What impact are we creating? What’s our mission statement for everything we do?
Reflecting on my own approach to job applications, I realized I often focused too much on my past experiences instead of using them to define future milestones.
For instance, if I helped a digital product drive user acquisition by 50%, I should frame it as a solution to a specific problem: the challenge of launching a new product and failing to drive user engagement. My solution involved synthesizing insights from 2000+ user feedback to recommend platform feature updates, leading to the product reaching the top 10 in U.S. downloads.
Jason’s insights also helped me rethink my passion for data analysis and innovation. It’s not just about solving business problems with data; it’s about ensuring that everyone on the team understands the patterns behind the data to optimize strategies. I aspire to bridge the gap between business intrapreneurship (helping internal teams understand data) and the external world to drive business value through innovative insights.
Jason’s advice to focus on building something meaningful from scratch resonated deeply with me. It’s not about how polished your work looks, but about the story it tells and the value it provides.
4. Business Empathy: Serving Others First
At the heart of every successful venture lies the principle of service or product — it’s about how a product or service solves a real client need or addresses a unique pain point. Every success business or company all stems from a real customer problem to solve, for any industries, any type of businesses. The core of value creation is about –SOLVING PROBLEM.
Take ChatGPT, for example. This AI-powered tool addresses the need for accessible, conversational AI that can assist with a wide range of tasks. By making information and support available instantly, it solves the problem of limited accessibility to expert knowledge. Similarly, for hotel industry, Airbnb transformed the travel industry by solving the pain point of limited, often expensive, lodging options. Its two side nature created a platform that connects travelers with affordable and unique accommodations, addressing both cost and experience needs. For even fashion industry but focus on different niche, Lululemon taps into the growing demand for high-quality, stylish, and functional activewear. They’ve built a brand that not only provides high-performance clothing but also fosters a lifestyle of wellness and community, addressing a need for both fitness and fashion.
Whether it’s analyzing data, crafting content, or leading a team, the question is always: How does this help others? Jason’s analogy of treating your work like a company—one that understands and serves its audience—was a lightbulb moment for me. Just as businesses like ChatGPT, Airbnb, and Lululemon thrive by focusing on solving real problems for their customers, we, too, can thrive by concentrating on meaningful solutions. By focusing on solving real needs, we can diversify and tailor our efforts to truly make a difference, innovate, and create value in everything we do.
Jason’s passion for content creation was contagious, and I’m excited to explore this further. As someone who loves creativity and storytelling, I hope to take these insights and use them to create something meaningful. Whether it’s through writing, data, or other mediums, the goal remains the same: to serve and inspire.
Life doesn’t come with a manual for “when” and “how.” But as I’ve learned, starting is often the best way to figure it all out. So here’s to jumping in, using what we have, and building with purpose
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