Sergio Lizarazo
@checho.co
🎓 Anthropologist turned Data Scientist | Making data accessible for everyone | 10+ years in development M&E | 🇨🇴 | EN/ES | Writing about career change | Pythonista in training |
Find me @ www.checho.co
Find me @ www.checho.co
Pinned
Sergio Lizarazo
@checho.co
· Dec 10
From Anthropologist to Data Scientist at 40: A Social Scientist's Career Change Guide — Checho's Data Blog
Discover how an anthropologist became a data scientist after 40. Learn Python and Excel basics, get career-change tips, and join a community of professionals switching to tech. Bilingual resources inc...
tinyurl.com
Real intro: Hi, I'm Sergio.
Former anthropologist who swapped Indiana Jones dreams for data science reality at 40+.
I explain complex stuff with dad jokes, zero jargon, and my teenage self watching in horror.
No 'synergy' allowed 🤝
Full story: tinyurl.com/4t5bazz4
#CareerPivot #DataScience
Former anthropologist who swapped Indiana Jones dreams for data science reality at 40+.
I explain complex stuff with dad jokes, zero jargon, and my teenage self watching in horror.
No 'synergy' allowed 🤝
Full story: tinyurl.com/4t5bazz4
#CareerPivot #DataScience
Strength isn't about being unbreakable. It's about being broken and continuing your story anyway.
The cracks and repairs become your character, your wisdom, your art.
The Japanese call it Kintsugi. Life calls it growth.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
The cracks and repairs become your character, your wisdom, your art.
The Japanese call it Kintsugi. Life calls it growth.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
February 17, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Strength isn't about being unbreakable. It's about being broken and continuing your story anyway.
The cracks and repairs become your character, your wisdom, your art.
The Japanese call it Kintsugi. Life calls it growth.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
The cracks and repairs become your character, your wisdom, your art.
The Japanese call it Kintsugi. Life calls it growth.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Python newbie tip: Opening files?
Bad:
file = open('data.txt') data = file.read()
# Forget to close? Memory leak!
Better:
with open('data.txt') as file: data = file.read()
# Auto-closes even if code breaks!
The 'with' statement is your safety net.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Bad:
file = open('data.txt') data = file.read()
# Forget to close? Memory leak!
Better:
with open('data.txt') as file: data = file.read()
# Auto-closes even if code breaks!
The 'with' statement is your safety net.
#Python #CodeNewbie
February 13, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Python newbie tip: Opening files?
Bad:
file = open('data.txt') data = file.read()
# Forget to close? Memory leak!
Better:
with open('data.txt') as file: data = file.read()
# Auto-closes even if code breaks!
The 'with' statement is your safety net.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Bad:
file = open('data.txt') data = file.read()
# Forget to close? Memory leak!
Better:
with open('data.txt') as file: data = file.read()
# Auto-closes even if code breaks!
The 'with' statement is your safety net.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Want to know why some data scientists get ignored while others get promoted?
The secret isn't in their code—it's in their questions.
Ask better questions before touching data, and you'll solve better problems after.
Your SQL is fine. Your curiosity is your superpower.
#DataScience #CareerGrowth
The secret isn't in their code—it's in their questions.
Ask better questions before touching data, and you'll solve better problems after.
Your SQL is fine. Your curiosity is your superpower.
#DataScience #CareerGrowth
February 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Want to know why some data scientists get ignored while others get promoted?
The secret isn't in their code—it's in their questions.
Ask better questions before touching data, and you'll solve better problems after.
Your SQL is fine. Your curiosity is your superpower.
#DataScience #CareerGrowth
The secret isn't in their code—it's in their questions.
Ask better questions before touching data, and you'll solve better problems after.
Your SQL is fine. Your curiosity is your superpower.
#DataScience #CareerGrowth
The universe doesn't ask permission to change your plans.
It just throws curveballs and watches how you swing.
True power isn't in controlling the pitch—it's in adapting your stance.
Keep your grip loose. Stay ready. Every wild throw is teaching you something.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
It just throws curveballs and watches how you swing.
True power isn't in controlling the pitch—it's in adapting your stance.
Keep your grip loose. Stay ready. Every wild throw is teaching you something.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
February 13, 2025 at 12:40 PM
The universe doesn't ask permission to change your plans.
It just throws curveballs and watches how you swing.
True power isn't in controlling the pitch—it's in adapting your stance.
Keep your grip loose. Stay ready. Every wild throw is teaching you something.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
It just throws curveballs and watches how you swing.
True power isn't in controlling the pitch—it's in adapting your stance.
Keep your grip loose. Stay ready. Every wild throw is teaching you something.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
The best data projects aren't just about the right solution. They're also about the right moment
Launch during budget season: You're strategic
Launch during crisis: You're reactive
Launch during success: You're enhancing
Timing isn't just timing. It's strategy
#DataScience #Analytics #Leadership
Launch during budget season: You're strategic
Launch during crisis: You're reactive
Launch during success: You're enhancing
Timing isn't just timing. It's strategy
#DataScience #Analytics #Leadership
February 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
The best data projects aren't just about the right solution. They're also about the right moment
Launch during budget season: You're strategic
Launch during crisis: You're reactive
Launch during success: You're enhancing
Timing isn't just timing. It's strategy
#DataScience #Analytics #Leadership
Launch during budget season: You're strategic
Launch during crisis: You're reactive
Launch during success: You're enhancing
Timing isn't just timing. It's strategy
#DataScience #Analytics #Leadership
Think Python variables are boxes holding values? Plot twist:
They're more like sticky notes pointing to stuff in memory.
That's why:
x = [1,2]
y = x # Just adds another sticky note
y.append(3) # Changes what both x and y point to
Want separate lists? Use y = x.copy()
#Python #CodeNewbie
They're more like sticky notes pointing to stuff in memory.
That's why:
x = [1,2]
y = x # Just adds another sticky note
y.append(3) # Changes what both x and y point to
Want separate lists? Use y = x.copy()
#Python #CodeNewbie
February 11, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Think Python variables are boxes holding values? Plot twist:
They're more like sticky notes pointing to stuff in memory.
That's why:
x = [1,2]
y = x # Just adds another sticky note
y.append(3) # Changes what both x and y point to
Want separate lists? Use y = x.copy()
#Python #CodeNewbie
They're more like sticky notes pointing to stuff in memory.
That's why:
x = [1,2]
y = x # Just adds another sticky note
y.append(3) # Changes what both x and y point to
Want separate lists? Use y = x.copy()
#Python #CodeNewbie
The quietest wisdom isn't found in grand epiphanies or life-changing moments.
It's in that split second when you catch yourself about to react, pause, and choose differently.
That microscopic gap between trigger and response? That's where you become who you choose to be.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
It's in that split second when you catch yourself about to react, pause, and choose differently.
That microscopic gap between trigger and response? That's where you become who you choose to be.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
February 11, 2025 at 11:38 AM
The quietest wisdom isn't found in grand epiphanies or life-changing moments.
It's in that split second when you catch yourself about to react, pause, and choose differently.
That microscopic gap between trigger and response? That's where you become who you choose to be.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
It's in that split second when you catch yourself about to react, pause, and choose differently.
That microscopic gap between trigger and response? That's where you become who you choose to be.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
Python newbies: Want to double every number in your list?
The fancy way:
list(map(lambda x: x*2, [1,2,3]))
The readable way:
[x * 2 for x in [1,2,3]]
Both give you [2,4,6]. But the second one you'll actually understand next week.
#Python #CodeNewbie #100DaysOfCode
The fancy way:
list(map(lambda x: x*2, [1,2,3]))
The readable way:
[x * 2 for x in [1,2,3]]
Both give you [2,4,6]. But the second one you'll actually understand next week.
#Python #CodeNewbie #100DaysOfCode
February 8, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Python newbies: Want to double every number in your list?
The fancy way:
list(map(lambda x: x*2, [1,2,3]))
The readable way:
[x * 2 for x in [1,2,3]]
Both give you [2,4,6]. But the second one you'll actually understand next week.
#Python #CodeNewbie #100DaysOfCode
The fancy way:
list(map(lambda x: x*2, [1,2,3]))
The readable way:
[x * 2 for x in [1,2,3]]
Both give you [2,4,6]. But the second one you'll actually understand next week.
#Python #CodeNewbie #100DaysOfCode
Dear Python beginner: Classes look scary at first - like algebra did in school.
Start with lists, functions, and loops. Get comfortable there.
Classes are like level 2 of the game. You'll know when you're ready- when basic tools feel too limiting.
No rush. Learn at your pace.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Start with lists, functions, and loops. Get comfortable there.
Classes are like level 2 of the game. You'll know when you're ready- when basic tools feel too limiting.
No rush. Learn at your pace.
#Python #CodeNewbie
February 8, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Dear Python beginner: Classes look scary at first - like algebra did in school.
Start with lists, functions, and loops. Get comfortable there.
Classes are like level 2 of the game. You'll know when you're ready- when basic tools feel too limiting.
No rush. Learn at your pace.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Start with lists, functions, and loops. Get comfortable there.
Classes are like level 2 of the game. You'll know when you're ready- when basic tools feel too limiting.
No rush. Learn at your pace.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Ever notice how diamonds don't start out sparkly?
They're just carbon that refused to crack under pressure. Chose to transform instead of break.
Your struggles aren't breaking you - they're revealing your brilliance.
Keep pressing on. That's where the magic happens.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
They're just carbon that refused to crack under pressure. Chose to transform instead of break.
Your struggles aren't breaking you - they're revealing your brilliance.
Keep pressing on. That's where the magic happens.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
February 8, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Ever notice how diamonds don't start out sparkly?
They're just carbon that refused to crack under pressure. Chose to transform instead of break.
Your struggles aren't breaking you - they're revealing your brilliance.
Keep pressing on. That's where the magic happens.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
They're just carbon that refused to crack under pressure. Chose to transform instead of break.
Your struggles aren't breaking you - they're revealing your brilliance.
Keep pressing on. That's where the magic happens.
#Stoicism #PersonalGrowth
🧵 Breaking free from the "Data Service Desk" trap: A guide for analysts who want to be seen as strategic partners.
1/ If you're a data analyst being treated like a ticket machine, it's time for a radical change.
Here's how to transform from "report factory" to "strategic advisor" 👇
#DataAnalytics
1/ If you're a data analyst being treated like a ticket machine, it's time for a radical change.
Here's how to transform from "report factory" to "strategic advisor" 👇
#DataAnalytics
February 6, 2025 at 9:46 PM
🧵 Breaking free from the "Data Service Desk" trap: A guide for analysts who want to be seen as strategic partners.
1/ If you're a data analyst being treated like a ticket machine, it's time for a radical change.
Here's how to transform from "report factory" to "strategic advisor" 👇
#DataAnalytics
1/ If you're a data analyst being treated like a ticket machine, it's time for a radical change.
Here's how to transform from "report factory" to "strategic advisor" 👇
#DataAnalytics
Reposted by Sergio Lizarazo
Being a person with deadly, incurable cancer who is nonetheless still alive for an indefinite timeframe gives me an interesting metaphor that helps me deal with things like large-scale corruption in government or commerce.
Bear with me for a second while I try to explain.
Bear with me for a second while I try to explain.
January 21, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Being a person with deadly, incurable cancer who is nonetheless still alive for an indefinite timeframe gives me an interesting metaphor that helps me deal with things like large-scale corruption in government or commerce.
Bear with me for a second while I try to explain.
Bear with me for a second while I try to explain.
The biggest lie in data science isn't 'the model will be done tomorrow.'
It's 'I know exactly what the business wants.'
90% of project failures happen in translation, not execution.
Ask questions until they're annoyed, then ask three more. Better awkward now than sorry later.
#DataScience
It's 'I know exactly what the business wants.'
90% of project failures happen in translation, not execution.
Ask questions until they're annoyed, then ask three more. Better awkward now than sorry later.
#DataScience
February 6, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The biggest lie in data science isn't 'the model will be done tomorrow.'
It's 'I know exactly what the business wants.'
90% of project failures happen in translation, not execution.
Ask questions until they're annoyed, then ask three more. Better awkward now than sorry later.
#DataScience
It's 'I know exactly what the business wants.'
90% of project failures happen in translation, not execution.
Ask questions until they're annoyed, then ask three more. Better awkward now than sorry later.
#DataScience
Your data pipeline is like a recipe: If you wouldn't feed it to your family, don't serve it to others.
"Quick fixes" and "creative solutions" might look tasty, but they poison the whole dish.
Ethics isn't a garnish—it's the main ingredient.
#DataScience #Ethics #Analytics
"Quick fixes" and "creative solutions" might look tasty, but they poison the whole dish.
Ethics isn't a garnish—it's the main ingredient.
#DataScience #Ethics #Analytics
February 6, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Your data pipeline is like a recipe: If you wouldn't feed it to your family, don't serve it to others.
"Quick fixes" and "creative solutions" might look tasty, but they poison the whole dish.
Ethics isn't a garnish—it's the main ingredient.
#DataScience #Ethics #Analytics
"Quick fixes" and "creative solutions" might look tasty, but they poison the whole dish.
Ethics isn't a garnish—it's the main ingredient.
#DataScience #Ethics #Analytics
Need to loop through a list AND track position?
Beginner way: fruits = ['apple', 'banana'] for i in range(len(fruits)): print(f"#{i}: {fruits[i]}")
Pro way: for i, fruit in enumerate(fruits): print(f"#{i}: {fruit}")
Pro tip: Want to start at 1? enumerate(fruits, start=1)
#Python #CodeNewbie
Beginner way: fruits = ['apple', 'banana'] for i in range(len(fruits)): print(f"#{i}: {fruits[i]}")
Pro way: for i, fruit in enumerate(fruits): print(f"#{i}: {fruit}")
Pro tip: Want to start at 1? enumerate(fruits, start=1)
#Python #CodeNewbie
February 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Need to loop through a list AND track position?
Beginner way: fruits = ['apple', 'banana'] for i in range(len(fruits)): print(f"#{i}: {fruits[i]}")
Pro way: for i, fruit in enumerate(fruits): print(f"#{i}: {fruit}")
Pro tip: Want to start at 1? enumerate(fruits, start=1)
#Python #CodeNewbie
Beginner way: fruits = ['apple', 'banana'] for i in range(len(fruits)): print(f"#{i}: {fruits[i]}")
Pro way: for i, fruit in enumerate(fruits): print(f"#{i}: {fruit}")
Pro tip: Want to start at 1? enumerate(fruits, start=1)
#Python #CodeNewbie
Your worth isn't measured by the mountains you've conquered, but by the hills you climb every day.
Those small victories - getting up, showing up, not giving up - they're not just steps.
They're the journey. And you're already walking it.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Those small victories - getting up, showing up, not giving up - they're not just steps.
They're the journey. And you're already walking it.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
February 6, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Your worth isn't measured by the mountains you've conquered, but by the hills you climb every day.
Those small victories - getting up, showing up, not giving up - they're not just steps.
They're the journey. And you're already walking it.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Those small victories - getting up, showing up, not giving up - they're not just steps.
They're the journey. And you're already walking it.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
🫠
February 4, 2025 at 10:17 PM
🫠
🦹♂️ EVIL DATA SCIENTIST DIARY - ENTRY #472 #VillainLife
1/6 Just acquired a fresh batch of SSNs *adjusts evil monocle.
Did you know the first 3 digits can tell me if you're from a big state, a small state, or even if you're an immigrant with enumeration-at-entry?
Data villains love patterns!
1/6 Just acquired a fresh batch of SSNs *adjusts evil monocle.
Did you know the first 3 digits can tell me if you're from a big state, a small state, or even if you're an immigrant with enumeration-at-entry?
Data villains love patterns!
February 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM
🦹♂️ EVIL DATA SCIENTIST DIARY - ENTRY #472 #VillainLife
1/6 Just acquired a fresh batch of SSNs *adjusts evil monocle.
Did you know the first 3 digits can tell me if you're from a big state, a small state, or even if you're an immigrant with enumeration-at-entry?
Data villains love patterns!
1/6 Just acquired a fresh batch of SSNs *adjusts evil monocle.
Did you know the first 3 digits can tell me if you're from a big state, a small state, or even if you're an immigrant with enumeration-at-entry?
Data villains love patterns!
Ever notice how stakeholders treat data like a buffet?
They pick what supports their view, ignore what doesn't, then ask for seconds of the good stuff.
Your job isn't to be the chef - it's to be the nutritionist. Guide them toward a balanced diet of insights.
#DataScience #Analytics
They pick what supports their view, ignore what doesn't, then ask for seconds of the good stuff.
Your job isn't to be the chef - it's to be the nutritionist. Guide them toward a balanced diet of insights.
#DataScience #Analytics
February 4, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Ever notice how stakeholders treat data like a buffet?
They pick what supports their view, ignore what doesn't, then ask for seconds of the good stuff.
Your job isn't to be the chef - it's to be the nutritionist. Guide them toward a balanced diet of insights.
#DataScience #Analytics
They pick what supports their view, ignore what doesn't, then ask for seconds of the good stuff.
Your job isn't to be the chef - it's to be the nutritionist. Guide them toward a balanced diet of insights.
#DataScience #Analytics
Evil isn't some grand villain in a castle plotting world domination.
It's the small compromises we justify. The truths we ignore. The wrongs we excuse because they're convenient.
Heroes aren't born in epic battles, but in tiny choices made when no one's watching.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
It's the small compromises we justify. The truths we ignore. The wrongs we excuse because they're convenient.
Heroes aren't born in epic battles, but in tiny choices made when no one's watching.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
February 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Evil isn't some grand villain in a castle plotting world domination.
It's the small compromises we justify. The truths we ignore. The wrongs we excuse because they're convenient.
Heroes aren't born in epic battles, but in tiny choices made when no one's watching.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
It's the small compromises we justify. The truths we ignore. The wrongs we excuse because they're convenient.
Heroes aren't born in epic battles, but in tiny choices made when no one's watching.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth
Data privacy isn't just about protecting information—it's about protecting lives.
When data falls into wrong hands, people suffer: survivors exposed, activists targeted, communities exploited.
Privacy is a human right.
#DataPrivacy #Privacy #HumanRights
When data falls into wrong hands, people suffer: survivors exposed, activists targeted, communities exploited.
Privacy is a human right.
#DataPrivacy #Privacy #HumanRights
February 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Data privacy isn't just about protecting information—it's about protecting lives.
When data falls into wrong hands, people suffer: survivors exposed, activists targeted, communities exploited.
Privacy is a human right.
#DataPrivacy #Privacy #HumanRights
When data falls into wrong hands, people suffer: survivors exposed, activists targeted, communities exploited.
Privacy is a human right.
#DataPrivacy #Privacy #HumanRights
Every data project scope creep starts with: "Just one small addition..."
That's how your 2-day dashboard becomes a 2-month enterprise solution.
Learn to say: "Happy to help! Let's schedule a quick chat to scope this properly and adjust timelines."
Boundaries save careers.
#DataScience #Analytics
That's how your 2-day dashboard becomes a 2-month enterprise solution.
Learn to say: "Happy to help! Let's schedule a quick chat to scope this properly and adjust timelines."
Boundaries save careers.
#DataScience #Analytics
February 2, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Every data project scope creep starts with: "Just one small addition..."
That's how your 2-day dashboard becomes a 2-month enterprise solution.
Learn to say: "Happy to help! Let's schedule a quick chat to scope this properly and adjust timelines."
Boundaries save careers.
#DataScience #Analytics
That's how your 2-day dashboard becomes a 2-month enterprise solution.
Learn to say: "Happy to help! Let's schedule a quick chat to scope this properly and adjust timelines."
Boundaries save careers.
#DataScience #Analytics
1/7 F-strings in Python are like having a smart friend who:
• Knows what you're thinking
• • Finishes your sentences
• Makes you look good with minimal effort
Let's explore why they're the future of string formatting.
#Python #CodeNewbie
• Knows what you're thinking
• • Finishes your sentences
• Makes you look good with minimal effort
Let's explore why they're the future of string formatting.
#Python #CodeNewbie
February 2, 2025 at 5:28 PM
1/7 F-strings in Python are like having a smart friend who:
• Knows what you're thinking
• • Finishes your sentences
• Makes you look good with minimal effort
Let's explore why they're the future of string formatting.
#Python #CodeNewbie
• Knows what you're thinking
• • Finishes your sentences
• Makes you look good with minimal effort
Let's explore why they're the future of string formatting.
#Python #CodeNewbie
Lucky people" aren't lucky. They just show up so much that the odds get embarrassed and switch sides.
Plot twist: Success isn't about being in the right place at the right time.
It's about being in so many places that time runs out of wrong ones.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Plot twist: Success isn't about being in the right place at the right time.
It's about being in so many places that time runs out of wrong ones.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
February 2, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Lucky people" aren't lucky. They just show up so much that the odds get embarrassed and switch sides.
Plot twist: Success isn't about being in the right place at the right time.
It's about being in so many places that time runs out of wrong ones.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Plot twist: Success isn't about being in the right place at the right time.
It's about being in so many places that time runs out of wrong ones.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
Dark times are like walking through a tunnel - the darkness feels endless, but tunnels don't lie:
If you keep moving forward, you'll reach the exit eventually.
That's not optimism. That's reality.
Trust the path. Keep walking.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
If you keep moving forward, you'll reach the exit eventually.
That's not optimism. That's reality.
Trust the path. Keep walking.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
January 31, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Dark times are like walking through a tunnel - the darkness feels endless, but tunnels don't lie:
If you keep moving forward, you'll reach the exit eventually.
That's not optimism. That's reality.
Trust the path. Keep walking.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
If you keep moving forward, you'll reach the exit eventually.
That's not optimism. That's reality.
Trust the path. Keep walking.
#Stoicism #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth