How many people visit DPG Media's sites and what can we learn from that? One team is monitoring it: the Data Tracking Squad, led by Product Owner Karine Caimo. She started at DPG Media when data tracking was still in its infancy. In the meantime, her team of two has grown to 14 people. Such explosive growth comes with a lot of challenges. Fortunately, Karine enjoys them, both at work and in her private life, where a third child is on the way. 

"I did not have a plan in my head when I started at DPG Media, my path revealed itself gradually. In the beginning, the role was more technical and hands-on, but as a product owner, it's very different." Her technical skills do help Karine maintain a helicopter view, she explains: "Last year, for example, I took a Python course to get a better feel for the role of the data engineers.” She was also given the opportunity to build up the necessary soft skills. "I took courses on product ownership, leadership and dealing with conflicts, among other things. Those are things that come in handy, because we have a lot of stakeholders." 

Occasional fights

"I always got a lot of trust from DPG Media; fortunately micromanagement doesn't happen here. On the other hand, it is always a struggle for certain things." For example, Karine sees a lot of challenges at the moment, especially budget-wise: "There are a lot of new ideas, but to realise them you also have to get extra resources."

The team itself also has its challenges. "It has moved very fast in recent years and there are constant changes. That demands a lot from people, especially in combination with corona. In addition, not every project is as exciting in terms of content; as a result of some acquisitions we have made, systems have had to be 'tidied up' and harmonised. At times like that it takes a bit more effort to keep people on board." Karine is very committed to her team. "I think it's important to always be transparent with the team, including about decisions from above. I notice that it can bring some peace in turbulent times. The most important thing, I think, is that everyone feels good and that there is commitment." Such a challenging job is right up Karine's street, by the way. "I like to keep a lot of plates spinning in the air, both at work and at home. If you are not averse to that, I think DPG Media is the right place for you. There’s a lot of that here." (laughs)