Category: From work

My first encounter with metadata was 2021, during the pandemic and the rise of CNN in SoC that performed much more efficient than machine learning. In short, the metadata in video surveillance focused on people and vehicle (often called ‘objects’): detecting and not detecting, the path, the appearance color, facial attribute, etc.

All in all, trying to provide better answer to:

1. More accurate alarming
2. Faster video search speed
3. Better clarity of people and vehicle

In SharePoint CMS project, I had the chance to look at metadata from a different angle: documents.

I think at the core, it’s locating the file faster through data and visual presentation.

• Layer 1: user defined metadata such as person in charge, product release date, budget amount, etc.
• Layer 2: assign metadata to the documents. Ie, file, folder, or document set.
• Layer 3: apply in visual presentation such as columns, filter in web parts, creating views, etc.

Database structure doesn’t have to be the UX.

When Jennifer called, during pilot, about the flat view list of network cameras too long to navigate. It’s a valid point.

The problem was it only applied to ONE layer 2 folder, it’s an outlier so changing the default view effect all the other folders.

• Layer 1: folder by product category
  • Layer 2: document set by series
    • Layer 3: documents of each series

There seem to be a per-location view setting in classic SharePoint, mentioned here and here, but doesn’t seem to work in modern SharePoint.

[X] change default view

[X] per-location view

My problem was thinking the user navigation from the database path. I’m thinking in folder structure, it’s linear.

The workaround is using page and web part, mentioned in this reddit thread. It reminds me:

1. Like building a website, the information architecture doesn’t have to be the database architecture.
2. Mind mapping, it’s linking to the entrance to the files.

This discussion came up toward the end of a 6 hour dinner with my friend.

Everyone’s skillset broadens with AI, how do I position myself in the market?

Then I heard T shape analysis on Diary of A CEO, episode with Kevin Hart.

Broad understanding of knowledge and a deep expertise

So I did an exercise by asking Claude.

Act as a professional career consultant and run a deep T shape analysis on me. Show me the range of knowledge I possess and the deep expertise I have, rank each skill category on a scale of 1 to 5. 5 being the most competent.

If I press the button, it will be heroic. The world will not celebrate me, but I will celebrate myself mentally. I’ll give myself an hustle badge and it will greatly boost my ego.

I will tank earlier too, not likely to have enough for the afternoon in this new schedule (URL).

So rest is necessary to manage consistent energy throughout the day. 5 Minute book read, 15 minute break, lunch naps; reset and recharge.

• Year 2022: promoted as the team lead for product marketing when 3 of 5 members left.
• Year 2025: got a new job as team lead for product marketing unit employee no.1.

Both jobs shared one thing similar: a direction to head to, but lack of clear milestones. At least not given to me.

What I learned is to make call on my own KPI, on what I think the organization needs and how I will implement this. If no one tells me to stop, then I continue to work on my roadmap. Remember frequent status update is a must.

The lessons I learned:

1. Have a plan to work on and being less panic. Doing nothing or passively doing little gets you killed.
2. Autonomy and freedom to make a plan and execute the plan.
3. Do it differently. Instead of learning to use Indesign to create multi-lingual datasheets, which underperforms even with someone dedicated, try to automate with script and template. Try 10x to result, not 1.2x.