Three weeks ago, I wrote in my end-of-year post about wanting 2026 to be about walking towards something. Well, finally I can share that I am.
I’m joining Advania as Lead Data Transformation Architect. Advania is one of Sweden’s largest managed services providers - currently with a small and somewhat disorganized data practice. My job is to build it into something coherent.
The role is exactly what it says: lead their technical direction for data and analytics, design architectures that work in the real world, and establish the patterns and practices that turn strategy into execution. Public cloud, hybrid, sovereign solutions - the full spectrum. Think everything from feasibility studies through implementation and beyond.
But here’s what actually matters: I’m not trying to retrofit modern practices onto entrenched patterns or navigate layers of legacy decisions. The foundation exists, but the structure needs building. The opportunity to shape a data practice that reflects what I’ve learned after years of watching organizations perform data theater instead of doing the work.
The title includes “transformation” because that’s what this is supposed to be about. Not just moving data around or building prettier dashboards. Transforming how organizations understand and use information to make decisions that matter.
Advania gets it. They’re investing in advanced architecture competence because their customers need more than just cloud migration - they need foundations that let them get the most out of their data, enable powerful analytics, and create the right base for AI to actually deliver. My role is to establish those foundations, translate business requirements into technical reality, and build a team capable of executing across the organization.
I’ll be working with Microsoft Fabric, the Azure Data Platform, and the hybrid and sovereign solutions that real enterprises actually need - not just the shiny demos that work in conference presentations. Leading architecture decisions, establishing practices that work, and building competence across the organization.
This is the work I want to be doing. Building something new rather than managing what’s already established.
Sometimes walking away is the easy part. Walking toward what matters - that’s where the real work begins.
Photo by Jimmy Chan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/unfinished-concrete-building-with-tower-crane-1402923/