00:00 From theoretical physics to building Tasman05:14 The three skills of a great data consultant13:03 Hiring data talent in the AI era21:11 Why companies should not hire a data superstar28:45 What an AI-native data team really looks like37:18 Context layers, product thinking and the modern data stack46:42 Data teams as internal consultancies54:49 Where to find ThomasIn this episode of The Data Hustle, we speak with Thomas in ’t Veld, CEO and co-founder of Tasman Analytics, about what makes a genuinely effective data consultant and how companies should build lean, capable data teams. Thomas explains why the strongest consultants combine technical depth, business understanding and communication skills—and why the best specialists still need a broad, T-shaped understanding of the wider data landscape.We also discuss how AI is changing recruitment, consulting and analytics delivery; what it really means to operate an AI-native data team; why strong data modelling and human-curated semantic layers still matter; and how small teams can use modern tools to produce the output that once required much larger departments.The conversation covers product thinking, context layers, data governance, stakeholder communication, consultancy career paths and the importance of focusing relentlessly on the business problems that actually move the needle.Find Thomas and Tasman at:Tasman Analytics: https://tasman.aiThomas in ’t Veld: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasintveld/