Humanizing Data: Creativity and Leadership with Tiankai Feng

03/25/25 • 29 min

YOU GOT THIS! Career & Leadership Coaching for Women

In this episode, I sit down with Tiankai Feng, a data leader, musician, and author of Humanizing Data Strategy. With over a decade of experience in data analytics, governance, and digital transformation, Tiankai brings a fresh perspective on how creativity can transform leadership in data-driven industries.

From blending storytelling with analytics to leveraging music for engagement, Tiankai shares how leaders can make data more relatable and empower their teams through collaboration and communication. Whether navigating the complexities of tech leadership or exploring ways to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence, this episode is full of actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn:

How storytelling and music can humanize data and make it more engaging.
The importance of collaboration in building a data-driven culture.
Why mindset and diversity are essential for attracting women to data and tech roles.
Leadership advice for empowering teams in the evolving digital landscape.
The role of critical thinking and responsible AI in the future of work.

Key Moments:

[00:34] Tiankai’s journey from a pianist to a creative data leader.
[03:12] The inspiration behind his book Humanizing Data Strategy and its impact on leadership.
[08:45] How to attract and retain more women in data and tech roles.
[14:18] The intersection of creativity and analytics: Why storytelling matters in data communication.
[20:09] Leading in the age of AI: The balance between technical knowledge and critical thinking.
[28:07] Tiankai’s vision for the future of work: Collaboration over competition.

Sound Bites:

“Data is about people. Without connection, the numbers lose meaning.”
“The best leaders combine creativity with technical expertise.”
“It’s not just about AI—it’s about asking the right questions and using it responsibly.”

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Humanizing Data Strategy by Tiankai Feng
Follow Tiankai Feng: LinkedIn Profile, YouTube Channel (featuring Tiankai’s creative data videos)

Call-to-Action:
If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on how you can integrate creativity into your leadership style.

Let’s transform how we think about leadership and data—together!

Keywords: leadership, creativity, storytelling, data strategy, AI, critical thinking, women in tech, innovation, career growth, digital transformation

📩 If this episode resonates with you, share it on LinkedIn and tag us!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to YOU GOT THIS! so you never miss an update. For more leadership and career inspiration, follow Katharina on LinkedIn and visit her website for additional resources. Don’t forget to share the podcast with the women in your life who are ready to step into their leadership roles with confidence.

Contact: [email protected]

What You’ll Learn:

How storytelling and music can humanize data and make it more engaging.
The importance of collaboration in building a data-driven culture.
Why mindset and diversity are essential for attracting women to data and tech roles.
Leadership advice for empowering teams in the evolving digital landscape.
The role of critical thinking and responsible AI in the future of work.

Key Moments:

[00:34] Tiankai’s journey from a pianist to a creative data leader.
[03:12] The inspiration behind his book Humanizing Data Strategy and its impact on leadership.
[08:45] How to attract and retain more women in data and tech roles.
[14:18] The intersection of creativity and analytics: Why storytelling matters in data communication.
[20:09] Leading in the age of AI: The balance between technical knowledge and critical thinking.
[28:07] Tiankai’s vision for the future of work: Collaboration over competition.

Sound Bites:

“Data is about people. Without connection, the numbers lose meaning.”
“The best leaders combine creativity with technical expertise.”
“It’s not just about AI—it’s about asking the right questions and using it responsibly.”

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Humanizing Data Strategy by Tiankai Feng
Follow Tiankai Feng: LinkedIn Profile, YouTube Channel (featuring Tiankai’s creative data videos)

Call-to-Action:
If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to reflect on how you can integrate creativity into your leadership style.

Let’s transform how we think about leadership and data—together!

Keywords: leadership, creativity, storytelling, data strategy, AI, critical thinking, women in tech, innovation, career growth, digital transformation

📩 If this episode resonates with you, share it on LinkedIn and tag us!

Contact: [email protected]

Previous Episode

If Not You, Then Who? Taking Charge of Your Career and Aiming for the C-Suite" with Tracey Newell

In this empowering episode of You Got This, I sit down with Tracey Newell, board member, former president, and executive coach, to discuss how women can step into leadership, claim their ambition, and break into the C-suite. Drawing from her extensive corporate experience and insights from her new book Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite and Beyond, Tracey shares practical strategies for career acceleration, overcoming self-doubt, and building a leadership presence that commands recognition.

If you've ever felt stuck in middle management or unsure how to step into executive leadership, this episode is for you!

What You'll Learn

✔️ Why women aren’t reaching the C-suite fast enough—and how we can change that.
✔️ How to shift from playing small to owning your expertise and stepping into leadership.
✔️ The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and networking for career success.
✔️ Key strategies to position yourself for the next leadership opportunity.
✔️ How organizations can better support female leadership advancement.
✔️ Practical steps for taking charge of your career trajectory and setting yourself apart.

About Tracey Newell

Tracey Newell has over 30 years of leadership experience in global tech companies, including Informatica, Proofpoint, Polycom, and Cisco. She serves on multiple corporate boards and is dedicated to mentoring women in leadership. Her book Hers for the Taking is a blueprint for breaking into executive leadership—offering real-world strategies, career roadmaps, and inspiring stories for ambitious women looking to advance.

Key Moments in This Episode

⏳ 00:01 | Tracey’s Journey – How she transitioned from corporate leadership to empowering women executives.
⏳ 02:15 | Why Women Are Underrepresented in the C-Suite – The biggest barriers and how to overcome them.
⏳ 10:25 | Mindset Shifts for Career Growth – How to move from self-doubt to self-advocacy.
⏳ 18:40 | Building a Powerful Career Strategy – How to plan your leadership journey and leverage sponsorship.
⏳ 26:05 | Personal Reflections & Advice – The biggest lessons from Tracey’s career and what she hopes every woman takes away from her book.

Resources Mentioned

📖 Book: Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite and Beyond – Pre-Order Here
💡 Masterclass: “Leadership in Action: Making Decisions and Leading with Confidence” April 6th 10AM CET Sign up here

Call-to-Action

Are you ready to step into leadership and own your ambition?
📌 Listen now and share your biggest takeaway! Screenshot this episode, tag us on LinkedIn, and tell us one action you’re taking to accelerate your career.

👉 Follow Tracey Newell on LinkedIn: Tracey's Profile
👉 Book: Hers for the

📩 If this episode resonates with you, share it on LinkedIn and tag us!

Contact: [email protected]

Next Episode

The Most Powerful You: Breaking Barriers and Owning Your Career" with Kathy Caprino

📖 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of You Got This!, I sit down with Kathy Caprino—a globally recognized career and leadership coach, Forbes Senior Contributor, and best-selling author of The Most Powerful You and Breakdown, Breakthrough.

We tackle why so many women struggle to advance in their careers, the 7 power and confidence gaps that hold them back, and key strategies to help them step into leadership, visibility, and career confidence.

Kathy and I also discuss her Amazing Career Coach Certification , a training program that personally transformed my leadership journey and helped me step into my power. If you’re ready to stop playing small, own your value, and build an incredible career, this episode is packed with insights, mindset shifts, and practical career strategies that you can apply immediately.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️ The biggest career challenges and barriers women face in reaching their highest and more rewarding potential—and how to break through them.
✔️ The “7 Power and Confidence Gaps” that hold 98% of professional women and 90% of men back from reaching their top goals.
✔️ How to expand your confidence, influence, and leadership presence.
✔️ Why visibility and self-advocacy are crucial for career success.
✔️ How Kathy’s Amazing Career Project course helps women take charge of their growth. Her Coach training support helps coaches step up to their power and impact to help others
✔️ A sneak peek into Kathy’s upcoming book and new leadership program.

🗣️ Soundbites from the Episode:

🎙️ "If you're waiting for someone to notice your hard work and promote you, you’re already behind."
🎙️ "Bravery isn’t about feeling fearless. It’s about taking action despite the fear."
🎙️ "The most powerful leaders don’t have all the answers, but they ask the right questions."
🎙️ "Your success isn’t just about you—it’s about the people who need you to step up and lead."
🎙️ "Confidence doesn’t come before action. It comes because of action."

⏳ Episode Highlights:

00:01 – Kathy’s journey from corporate leadership to career and leadership coaching
05:10 – The 7 Power and Confidence Gaps and how they hold women back
12:45 – How to advocate for yourself and take control of your career
18:20 – The mindset shift from fear to self-confidence
24:50 – Why visibility and networking are essential for leadership
30:15 – Kathy’s Amazing Career Project—how it transformed my journey and how it can transform yours
36:00 – Advice for women who want to take the next step in leadership

📖 Resources Mentioned:

📖 Book: The Most Powerful You by Kathy Caprino – Order Here
🎧 Podcast: Finding Brave with Kathy Caprino - Listen Here
💡 Career Program: For women - Amazing Career Project –

📩 If this episode resonates with you, share it on LinkedIn and tag us!

Contact: [email protected]