Event Agenda:
There will be a main talk between 30 minutes to 1 hour followed by optional lighting talks.
Main Talk by Michelle Bird:
Surviving the Snake Pit: How to Spot Threats, Read the Room, and Keep Your Job
A workplace survival guide for smart people who’ve been burned before.
Ever worked somewhere that felt more like politics than teamwork? This talk is for professionals who’ve been punished for being too honest, too capable, or simply too observant. You’ll learn how to recognize dysfunctional power dynamics, decode unspoken cues in meetings, and protect your reputation without losing your integrity.
Through humor, real-world examples, and “Snake Pit Bingo,” you’ll walk away with practical tools to read the room like a strategist, speak up without self-sabotage, and thrive even in ego-driven environments.
Because you’re not paranoid — you’re perceptive.
About Michelle
Michelle Bird is an experienced Data Analyst with a proven track record in the financial services and information technology industries. Over the course of her career, Michelle has developed strong expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, SQL, Python, R, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — skills she has applied to solve real-world business challenges in both structured corporate environments and fast-paced startups.
Most recently, Michelle served as a Data Specialist at Green Leaf Lab, where she built and maintained KPI dashboards, implemented machine learning models to predict client behavior, and supported internal data operations through advanced SQL and Excel automation. Her work combined technical precision with a keen understanding of how to make complex concepts clear and actionable for colleagues and clients alike.
Prior to that, Michelle worked in revenue assurance, account management, and customer-facing roles, where she honed the critical skill of translating technical solutions into plain language for non-technical audiences. Whether troubleshooting payroll debit card systems at SOLE® Financial, mitigating credit card fraud at Vesta Corporation, or supporting data-driven business decisions, she consistently bridged the gap between technical detail and business need.
Michelle holds a strong passion for communication, lifelong learning, and helping people unlock the power of data, regardless of their technical background. In her free time, she enjoys competitive running, strength training, and exploring innovative ways to simplify technical concepts for broader audiences.
Today, as a chef, independent data analyst and technical communicator, Michelle draws from her diverse experience to teach others how to "talk nerdy"—making data, technology, and analytics accessible, understandable, and even fun.
Lightning Talks:
Lightning talks are talks up to 5 minutes in length on any topic that might interest other Python people. See PyCon’s Lightning Talks(https://us.pycon.org/2024/events/lightning-talks/) description for more details.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
First Floor Conference Room- Big Pink (Us Bancorp Tower), 111 Sw 5th, Portland, us
