Over the last 25+ years in data, architecture, leadership, financial services, healthcare, and mortgage, I’ve collected resources that helped me become a better technologist, leader, mentor, and executive.

This page isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of every tool available. Instead, it represents the communities, frameworks, tools, books, and thought leaders that have had a meaningful impact on my career.

Whether you’re an aspiring DBA, Data Engineer, Architect, Technology Leader, or Chief Data Officer, I hope you’ll find something useful here.

 

Favorite Data Tools

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

The industry-standard tool for SQL Server administration, development, troubleshooting, and performance tuning. Every SQL Server professional should have SSMS in their toolbox.

Resource:
🔗 Microsoft SQL Documentation

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Azure Data Studio Alternatives & Resources

As Microsoft’s tooling continues to evolve, Visual Studio Code combined with SQL extensions provides a modern and flexible development experience for data professionals working across SQL Server, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, and more.

Resources:

• 🔗 https://code.visualstudio.com/
• 🔗 Microsoft SQL Documentation

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Redgate SQL Search

One of my favorite productivity tools. SQL Search allows DBAs and developers to instantly find database objects, dependencies, references, and code across SQL Server environments.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.red-gate.com/products/sql-search/

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Redgate SQL Compare

SQL Compare simplifies schema comparison and deployment, helping organizations reduce risk and improve deployment consistency.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.red-gate.com/products/sql-development/sql-compare/

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Flyway

Flyway enables version-controlled database deployments and Database DevOps practices, bringing modern CI/CD principles to SQL Server development.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.red-gate.com/products/flyway/Flyway

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Power BI

Microsoft’s flagship analytics and visualization platform. Power BI helps organizations transform raw data into actionable business insights.

Resource:
🔗 https://powerbi.microsoft.com/

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Microsoft Fabric

Microsoft Fabric unifies data engineering, data warehousing, data science, governance, real-time analytics, and business intelligence into a single platform. It represents the future of enterprise analytics.

Resource:
🔗 Microsoft Fabric Documentation

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Favorite Learning Sites

Microsoft Learn

Microsoft Learn is the official learning destination for Azure, SQL Server, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, AI, data governance, and cloud technologies. I frequently use it as my first stop when learning new technologies.

Resource:
🔗 https://learn.microsoft.com/

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PASS Data Community

The global community for data professionals. PASS provides technical content, local chapter events, speakers, webinars, networking, and one of the industry’s premier conferences.

Resource:
🔗 https://passdatacommunity.org/

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SQLServerCentral

One of the longest-running and most respected SQL Server communities featuring articles, forums, scripts, and practical advice from experienced data professionals.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.sqlservercentral.com/SQLServerCentral

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Brent Ozar

Brent Ozar provides world-class SQL Server performance tuning guidance, free scripts, blog posts, and training resources.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.brentozar.com/

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Erik Darling

Erik Darling is one of the leading voices in SQL Server performance tuning and troubleshooting, offering practical training, consulting, and educational content.

Resource:
🔗 https://erikdarling.com/

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Redgate Hub

An outstanding source for database administration, development, DevOps, and SQL Server best practices.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.red-gate.com/hub/Redgate

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Favorite Leadership Resources

Jocko Podcast

Leadership, discipline, ownership, accountability, and lessons learned from military and business leaders. One of my personal favorites.

Resource:
🔗 https://jockopodcast.com/Jocko

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Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek’s work focuses on purpose-driven leadership, culture, trust, and inspiring organizations to perform at their highest levels.

Resource:
🔗 https://simonsinek.com/Simon

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Patrick Lencioni

Patrick Lencioni’s content on organizational health, teamwork, accountability, and leadership has significantly influenced my approach to building high-performing teams.

Resource:
🔗 https://www.tablegroup.com/

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A Note From Chris

Technology has changed dramatically throughout my career, but one thing has remained constant: continuous learning matters. The resources above have played a meaningful role in shaping my technical expertise, leadership philosophy, and approach to serving others. Whether you’re a DBA, data architect, analytics leader, executive, or aspiring technology professional, I encourage you to invest in your growth every day. The return on that investment is immeasurable.

~ Chris Yates
Microsoft Data Platform MVP | Microsoft Regional Director | Managing Director of Data & Architecture