About
Mitchell Pearson is a Solution Architect, Consultant, and Trainer with 14 years of experience at Pragmatic Works helping organizations modernize their data and analytics platforms using Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric. He specializes in designing scalable, enterprise-ready data solutions that align technical architecture with real business outcomes.
Mitchell is known for helping organizations navigate some of the most complex aspects of modern data platforms. Whether guiding customers through Fabric implementations, data modernization initiatives, or enterprise analytics strategies, he has a unique ability to break down sophisticated concepts into practical, understandable frameworks. From Lakehouse architecture and data engineering to medallion architecture design and governance strategies, Mitchell helps teams understand not only what to build, but why it matters and how to implement it successfully.
As a Solution Architect, Mitchell works closely with customers to design both consulting engagements and training programs that accelerate adoption and ensure long-term success. He helps organizations create clear roadmaps for Azure and Fabric implementations, balancing technical best practices with business priorities. His experience spans data platform modernization, analytics strategy, cloud migration, AI readiness, governance, and enterprise reporting solutions.
A recognized author, speaker, and educator, Mitchell has written books on SQL Server, Power BI, and the Power Platform and regularly shares insights on modern data architecture and analytics. His technical expertise includes Microsoft Fabric, Azure data services, Power BI, and the broader Microsoft data ecosystem. Customers value his ability to make complex technologies approachable, helping technical and business teams align around a common vision and confidently move forward with modern data solutions.
Current engagements
- Publishing YouTube videos for Pragmatic Works
Publications
Certifications
PL-300: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Microsoft
Microsoft Certified Trainer
Microsoft
DP-200: Implementing an Azure Data Solution
Microsoft
70-778: Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Microsoft Power BI
Microsoft • Issued January 2019 • No Expiration Date
DP-201: Designing an AzureData Solution
Microsoft
70-463: Implementing a Data Warehouse with Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft • Issued December 2015 • No Expiration Date
70-461: Querying MicrosoftSQL Server
Microsoft • Issued November 2014 • No Expiration Date
AZ-900: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft
DP-600: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate
Microsoft
DP-203: Azure Data Engineer Associate
Microsoft
Course
Advanced SSIS
For the advanced ETL developer and the SSIS user looking to become more effective, our Advanced SSIS course teaches how to use SSIS in your enterprise to solve common extract, transform and load (ETL) challenges. Much of this course focuses on implementing common real-world SSIS patterns taught from the experts of SSIS. Be prepared for in-depth SSIS training with advanced discussion in many areas.
Course
Advanced T-SQL
Advanced Querying with T-SQL is an intensive course designed specifically for SQL developers. This course has been designed using examples from real world scenarios. In many cases the course will demonstrate the different methods to solve a particular scenario and then explain why one may be better than another due to performance reasons. The course has a heavy emphasis on writing optimal queries.
Course
Azure Synapse Analytics (Setup)
In this walkthrough of how to setup an Azure Synapse Analytics workspace, you will go through the steps of creating an Azure Synapse Analytics workspace by deploying an ARM (Azure Template Management) Resource. Through the step by step process you will also understand the importance of pausing your Dedicated SQL Pool after deployment and granting the correct permissions on your Azure Data Lake Gen 2 Storage Account to be able to properly use your Synapse workspace.
Course
Introduction to Azure Data Lake Store
Azure Data Lake is a critical piece of the puzzle that is the Azure Data Platform. You will learn how to provision and interact with your Azure Data Lake by creating containers and uploading files. You will also learn how to secure your Azure Data Lake. In this class, you will learn about Azure Active Directory integration, networking, and role-based access control (RBAC). You will also learn about other topics like Azure Storage Explorer, Data Protection, and cost management through lifecycle management.
Course
Introduction to Azure Synapse Analytics
Azure Synapse Analytics is a limitless analytics service that brings together data integration, enterprise data warehousing, and big data analytics into a unified enviornment. In this course you will start with the basics of how to deploy an Azure Synapse Workspace in the Azure portal, look at the options for querying data within Synapse with serverless SQL pools and dedicated SQL pools, perform ETL with pipelines and data flows, work with multiple code languages in Notebooks, and connect it all together with Power BI. Synapse is a vast and powerful tool and this is the perfect introduction for where to begin.
Course
Introduction to Data Modeling
The Pragmatic Works Data Modeling course is designed to teach the foundation of creating effective data models. This course covers two separate modeling techniques, transactional systems and dimensional modeling. A well-designed data model is the foundation for supporting the day to day operational activities of an organization and providing analytical value through business intelligence.
Course
Introduction to MDX
During this MDX virtual training course, you will learn how to use MDX for use with SSAS in your enterprise. This class starts by explaining the basic concepts related to multidimensional expressions and how they are used to enhance cubes with calculations as well as to query cubes to retrieve data for reports. Then the class continues by explaining how to write MDX queries to retrieve data from an Analysis Services cube. This class also covers the following topics: common functions for creating sets and performing set-based operations, development of calculations that can be used as measures or as dimension member, addition of calculations and named sets to a cube for re-usability, script assignments for complex calculations, MDX and cube security, and optimization techniques for queries.
Course
Introduction to SQL Server Window Functions
In this course, you will learn about SQL Server window functions and how they can be used to analyze data. You will learn the basics of window functions, including syntax and examples. Additionally, you will see how to use window functions to calculate running totals, moving averages, and rankings. This is a must-watch series for developers who want to improve their data analysis skills and learn about the powerful capabilities of SQL Server window functions.
Course
Introduction to SSAS Tabular
Introduction to Tabular is an intensive course that is designed to get you up to speed using Analysis Services Tabular quickly and efficiently. You will start from basic concepts and move to complex data models and DAX formulas. In addition, this course covers creating and deploying tabular data models using SQL Server Data Tools. Once deployed, Tabular data models can be used by data analysts, decision makers, and information workers for ad-hoc reporting and data exploration. By the end of this course, you will feel confident using this powerful toolset to analyze and gain insight from your business data.
Course
Introduction to SSRS
This class is designed to help you understand all aspects of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), the reporting tool of choice for SQL Server developers. We will use a variety of lab exercises and small projects to ensure you gain familiarity in how the design and execution environments work and to prepare you to build your own real world applications using this SQL Server subsystem. This course will cover all the key concepts of Reporting Services from basic reporting, parameters, deploying, and scheduling.
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Azure Synapse (Recorded Live Event)
Azure Synapse Analytics is changing the way we work with data services in Azure. The ASA workspace combines the core technologies required for data warehousing, Big Data Analytics and Data Science.
In this Learn with the Nerds session, Mitchell Pearson will teach you how you can use Synapse Analytics to solve the paradox of analytics with a unified analytical platform where your data analysts, data engineers and data scientists can all perform essential tasks in the same workspace. Mitchell will discuss Dedicated and Serverless SQL Pools, integration with Azure Data Lake, performing ETL with pipelines and data flows, Synapse notebooks and finally the built-in Power BI integration capabilities! So come and join Mitchell as you explore the many features which make Synapse Analytics the industry-leading analytics platform.
After you finish this course: 📄 If you have completed this class and would like a certificate, fill out this form - https://share.hsforms.com/1Pb8VndxSTd65rciS9OROtw8xue
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Beginner to T-SQL (Recorded Live Event)
For decades, T-SQL (Structured Query Language) has been the primary language for storing, retrieving, and manipulating data in databases. As greater amounts of data are imported into environments, organizations need individuals that have built their database knowledge upon strong fundamentals.
In this session, Mitchell Pearson will teach you how to get started with T-SQL quickly and efficiently. You will learn database fundamentals and concepts, then dive into writing T-SQL queries. You'll also learn how to filter, find data, and tackle writing multi-table joins. After watching our Learn with The Nerds session, you will have acquired the skills and confidence to begin writing and querying data in your very own environment!
✔ What You’ll Learn:
• What is T-SQL
• The SELECT query and its elements
• How to retrieve data and filter the data
• How to write single-table queries and multi-table joins
• How to return data in an aggregated format
✔️ Download student files - [Learn with the Nerds - Beginner to T-SQL](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/api/upload/get/687e2c15-00f0-49ed-b59f-419ccfec8c76.zip)
👉 To download your certificate of completion, visit: https://prag.works/certificate-beginner-to-tsql
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Introduction to Azure Data Services (Recorded Live Event)
Microsoft Azure is an ever-expanding set of cloud services to help your organization meet your business challenges, but where do you start?
We have created a simplified course that has everything you need to get started with Azure Data Services.
What you’ll learn:
✔️ Azure Services
- What is Azure
- IaaS / PaaS / SaaS
- What is Azure Data Services
- Azure components
✔️ Azure Storage
- Blob Storage
- Data
Lake Store Gen 2
✔️ Azure SQL DB
✔️ Azure Data Factory
✔️ Azure Synapse Analytics
📄 If you have completed this class and would like a certificate, fill out this form - https://share.hsforms.com/1QObQNxPFR0KImHtGxsfPFw8xue
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Understanding DAX Concepts With Power BI (Recorded Live Event)
The DAX language allows developers to easily extend the analytical capabilities of their data model. DAX is a very intuitive language and has less of a learning curve than traditional programming languages. However, there are a couple of concepts in DAX that can be challenging! This 3-hour DAX session covers DAX fundamentals as well as topics like row context, the CALCULATE function and context transition.
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Download student files - [Learn with the Nerds - Understanding DAX Concepts with Power BI](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/api/upload/get/59489a6e-8c7f-4b00-84d2-1020dc1e3e89.zip)
What you’ll learn:
- ✔️ DAX Fundamentals
- ✔️ Row Context and navigation functions
- ✔️ CALCULATE Function
- ✔️ Time Series Analysis
- ✔️ Semi-additive measures
- ✔️ Context Transition
Course
Mobile Reports and Dashboards with SSRS
The release of SQL Server 2016 has now integrated the incredible dashboarding and mobile reporting capabilities from Microsoft’s acquisition of Datazen. These new capabilities are now available in SQL Server Reporting Services along with many other improvements, some of which include a new Mobile Report Publisher and upgrades to the existing Report Builder and Web Portal. At the end of this course you will be proficient in designing, publishing, and applying security to KPIs, dashboards and mobile reports in SQL Server Reporting Services 2016.
Course
Pipelines and Data Flows in Azure Synapse Analytics
Azure Synapse Analytics can be your one stop shop for ETL (Extract, Transform, and Load). In this course you will walk through the basics of ETL inside of Synapse pipelines. You will create linked services to external data sets, move data with copy data activities inside of pipelines, and trigger pipelines based on schedules. Synapse also contains Data Flows, an incredibly powerful tool to develop data transformation logic without writing code. Pipelines and data flows make data movement easy inside of Synapse.
Course
SQL Server Stored Procedures
The SQL Server Stored Procedures course is designed to teach students what stored procedures are and why the are necessary. This course demonstrates how to create stored procedures, add input and output parameters and how to modify stored procedures. The class also covers permissions necessary for working with stored procedures as well as error handling techniques with Try..Catch.
Course
Learn with the Nerds - DAX Made Easy - Visual Calculations in Power BI (Recorded Live Event)
In this session led by Mitchell, attendees will gain insights into leveraging visual calculations to streamline DAX calculations in Power BI.
Mitchell will explore this new capability, providing participants with a clear understanding of its functionality and potential applications. Emphasis will be placed on replacing complex DAX calculations with simplified visual calculations.
You and Mitchell will also explore:
- Optional parameters and their implications in enhancing analysis and reporting tasks
- Considerations and limitations associated with visual calculations compared to conventional DAX writing methods
By the end of the session, attendees will have acquired practical knowledge to simplify their DAX calculations effectively while being mindful of the existing constraints.
Download your course files here: [LWTN - DAX Visual Calculations](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/api/upload/get/2111b230-5f82-4571-895f-0e0ec4675ad6.zip)
Course
Getting Started with PySpark in Databricks
This class will cover the basics of PySpark, a language for working with big data on Databricks. You will learn how to read and write data from different sources, how to work with numerical and string data, how to use data frames for data manipulation and analysis, and how to clean and transform data and handle null values. This class will help you get familiar with the PySpark language and its capabilities for data engineering and analysis.
Course
Learn with the Nerds - Beginner Power BI DAX Functions Tutorial (Recorded Live Event)
The DAX language allows developers to easily extend the analytical capabilities of their data model. DAX is a very intuitive language and has less of a learning curve than traditional programming languages. However, there are a couple of concepts in DAX that can be challenging! This 3-hour DAX session covers DAX fundamentals as well as topics like row context, the CALCULATE function and context transition.
Course
Unity Catalog for Databricks
In this comprehensive Unity Catalog course, Mitchell provides an in-depth exploration of Databricks' centralized data governance solution, showcasing its powerful features for managing and securing data and AI assets across multiple workspaces. You’ll begin with an overview of Unity Catalog, learning about its hierarchical structure of catalogs, schemas, and tables, and its ability to centralize access control, auditing, and data lineage. Mitchell introduces key features such as lineage analysis, commenting, tagging, and AI-generated descriptions, which enhance data discoverability and governance.
Course
Intergalactic Learn With The Nerds Day - Enhancing Data Analysis with DAX
Explore the powerful capabilities of Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) in Power BI with Mitchell, specifically focusing on how it can enhance your data models. Mitchell will delve into the fundamentals of DAX, its syntax, and practical applications to transform and analyze project data effectively.
Course
Learn With The Nerds - Power BI DAX Functions Tutorial with Copilot Integration
Unlock the full potential of Power BI with DAX Functions and Copilot Integration in this Learn With The Nerds session led by Mitchell Pearson. This course is perfect for Power BI users who want to deepen their understanding of Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) while exploring how Microsoft Copilot can streamline and enhance the experience. You'll walk away with a stronger grasp of DAX logic and practical techniques for writing better measures and calculated columns.
Mitchell walks you through hands-on examples that showcase common DAX functions, how to debug errors, and how to use Copilot to accelerate your development process. Whether you're writing your first DAX expression or looking to sharpen your skills, this course gives you the tools to create smarter, more efficient Power BI reports—with AI-powered help at your side.
Course
SQL On-Ramp: Advanced TSQL
Advance beyond basic SELECT statements and build real confidence writing high-impact T-SQL. In Advanced TSQL, you’ll explore the kinds of query patterns used in production systems, including more complex filtering, shaping result sets, and working with data in ways that support scalable reporting and applications. The focus is on writing queries that are not only correct, but also readable and maintainable.
You’ll also learn how to think through real-world SQL problems, choosing the right approach for performance and clarity. Along the way, you’ll pick up practical habits for debugging, validating results, and avoiding common mistakes that lead to slow queries or confusing logic. By the end, you’ll be prepared to write stronger SQL in professional environments.
Popular articles by Mitchell Pearson
What our clients say
Tricia Reynolds
Thank you to Pragmatic Works for delivering another outstanding custom training for our team today. Mitchell Pearson conducted our Azure class with enthusiasm and expertise. He not only delivered relevant content for SQL developers and DBAs, but he also provided great demos and examples. Mitchell answered all of our questions and explained best practices along with technical tips. We now possess more Azure skills and are better positioned to support business intelligence in the cloud!
Jason L.
Thanks, Mitchell – I really enjoyed the class! The amount of material covered and the materials provided were excellent. As someone who used to do what you do for a living, the value proposition for us students on this class was incredible.
Popular on-demand courses
Pragmatic Works On-Demand Learning courses offer beginner to advanced classes taught by Microsoft MVPs and authors.
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