This document discusses the challenges faced by a data team manager named Hal in developing a data science software platform for his company. It describes Hal's background in technical fields like functional programming. It then outlines some of the disconnects Hal experienced in determining the appropriate technologies, hiring the right people, accessing needed data, and involving product teams. The document provides suggestions for how Hal can find solutions, such as taking a polyglot approach using open source technologies, creating an API culture, and focusing on solving big business problems to gain support.