Today’s ACE spotlight is @Sebastian_Chaieb2! Keep reading to learn more about Sebastian and what makes him a unique Alteryx super user.
Tell us a bit about your professional background.
By education, I am a Metallurgist, but my passion led me to the world of data analytics. I love solving problems and finding solutions, and Alteryx is perfect for that.
My journey to become an Alteryx ACE began with Nicholas Bignell, who introduced me to Alteryx and took me to the amazing Alteryx Inspire conference in 2017. Since then, I knew I wanted to become an integral part of this vibrant community.
As a consultant, I have managed Alteryx Servers for various organizations over several years. Moreover, I was one of the first Alteryx users at UBS, serving as Lead Alteryx Engineer. All of this was a valuable experience for me.
Now, I continue to evolve professionally while cooperating with Emil Kos and Bart Smuga as Data-Pal, where we are actively developing the Central Europe Alteryx User Group, bringing together enthusiasts to share knowledge, best practices, and automation solutions.
What is your favorite Alteryx tool, and why?
Choosing a favorite from over 270 Alteryx tools is no easy task, as each one offers unique capabilities that address various aspects of data processing. I should say Regex, Download, Control Parameter, or Multi-Row Formula—all sophisticated and powerful tools. However, if I had to pick one, it would be the Select Tool.
At first glance, the Select Tool may seem quite basic, but its power lies in its versatility and control over data. It allows users to rename, reorder, change data types, and include or exclude fields effortlessly. These simple yet crucial functions make it one of the most frequently used tools in any workflow.
For example, when dealing with large datasets, ensuring that fields have the correct data type can significantly improve processing speed and prevent errors downstream. Additionally, renaming fields early in the workflow ensures clarity, making it easier for teams to collaborate and understand the data flow. Another powerful use case is optimizing workflows by removing unnecessary columns, reducing memory usage and improving efficiency.
Despite its simplicity, the Select Tool is fundamental to building clean, efficient, and well-structured Alteryx workflows. It’s the small but mighty tool that keeps everything in check!
What has been your favorite Alteryx project? Can you tell us about the business problem you solved?
During my career, I have worked on many interesting and complex workflows, but the one that still stands out in my memory is the robust automation that I built together with Emil Kos and Bart Smuga for a Central Europe Alteryx User Group (UG) meeting. This project was particularly exciting because it showcased the full power of SALT (Snowflake, Alteryx, Tableau) while integrating multiple advanced Alteryx capabilities.
The automation included Intelligent Suite tools, API integrations, macros, spatial analysis, and Alteryx's reporting features, creating a dynamic and seamless data workflow. The challenge was to design a solution that was both powerful and efficient, ensuring real-time data processing and visualization.
This project was not only technically demanding but also incredibly rewarding, as it demonstrated how Alteryx can be leveraged for sophisticated automation while delivering impactful insights. It was a fantastic experience to share with the Central Europe UG community and a perfect example of how Alteryx empowers data-driven decision-making!
What advice do you have for new community members?
Practice, practice, and engage.
Understanding the logic of processes allows you to build truly amazing workflows. I would also suggest professional Alteryx training as it can be incredibly motivating and helps you learn faster and more efficiently. It’s a great way to avoid common mistakes since you can learn directly from experts and gain the most knowledge in the shortest amount of time.
I also encourage taking part in the weekly challenges to apply what you've learned on practical examples and enhance your skills through exercises. Furthermore, by participating in User Groups, you can gain inspiration and new perspectives that will enrich your experience and broaden your understanding of what’s possible with Alteryx.
What is your favorite way to engage as an ACE? Also, what area of the online community do you spend the most time in?
My favorite way to engage as an ACE is definitely through the weekly challenges at the Alteryx Community. These challenges are a great opportunity for all Alteryx users to really practice and develop their Alteryx skills. I even created one of them (Challenge #387: LEGO® My Data Part 2), and I enjoy solving them whenever the new edition comes out.
I believe every way to engage through the Alteryx Community is truly enriching. You can participate in conversations with experts, ask questions, or search for information and tips. This aspect of the community is where I spend most of my time.
Additionally, as a dedicated Alteryx enthusiast, I am actively involved in Central Europe Alteryx User Group Meetings. Together with my colleagues Emil Kos, Bart Smuga, and Jakub, we organize these meetings regularly. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and share knowledge. During one of our recent meetings this year, Bart Smuga and I demonstrated to an audience of 70 people on-site how Alteryx can seamlessly integrate with various tools, such as Snowflake, Tableau, and PowerBI, to create a fully automated workflow.
What discussion topic(s) could Community members tag you in for help?
Community members can tag me in discussions related to Macros—all types, from standard macros to iterative and batch macros, with batch macros being my favorite. I enjoy building efficient, scalable solutions using macros to automate repetitive processes and handle dynamic datasets.
Additionally, I'm passionate about Analytic Apps, leveraging their interactive capabilities to create user-friendly workflows that allow for parameter-driven processing.
Another area where I can help is parsing techniques, utilizing various Alteryx tools like Regex, Text to Columns, XML Parsing, and JSON Parsing to extract, transform, and structure data efficiently.
Beyond workflow development, I also have experience as an Alteryx Server Administrator, so I can provide support in areas like workflow scheduling, user and permission management, server optimization, and troubleshooting. Whether it's handling complex text data, automating workflows, enhancing interactivity, or managing Alteryx Server, I'm always happy to help the community!
What is one fun thing about you that community members might not know?
You might already know that I'm a huge fan of LEGO, but what you may not know is my passion for sports. I love taking part in obstacle races and even participated in the World OCR Championship in London. These competitions not only challenge me physically but also give me the strength and energy I need for work. Regular workouts are a significant part of my life.
Maintaining a good work-life balance is very important to me. It helps me recharge and stay motivated for all my activities, both professionally and personally. This balance is crucial for keeping me inspired and effective in both my roles.
I also love traveling, and Spain is my favorite place to recharge my batteries for future work. The culture, food, and atmosphere always give me a fresh burst of motivation and inspiration!
