TIANKAI FENG, DIRECTOR, DATA AND AI STRATEGY AT THOUGHTWORKS GLOBAL
Today on the podcast, we are excited to welcome Tiankai Feng, Global Director of Data and AI Strategy at Thoughtworks, a leading technology consultancy. Tiankai is passionate about the human side of data and AI, arguing that strategy success is rooted not just in technical execution, but in better collaboration, communication, and human-centric thinking. He challenges the common belief that AI failures are due to poor code, highlighting instead that bad decisions stem from a lack of knowledge exchange and a failure to overcome organizational resistance.
His work, which spans international transformation projects, focuses on making the data and AI space more inclusive. He is the author of two influential books, Humanizing Data Strategy and Humanizing AI Strategy, which outline his framework, The 5 C’s (Competence, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Conscience), for building sustainable and ethical AI practices.
Tiankai is also known for his creative approach to breaking down complex topics—from using his musical talents to create rap songs about data governance to championing empathy as the single most critical skill for leaders navigating the AI transformation. He collaborates closely with teams and senior leadership to foster a mindset that embraces vulnerability, breaks down silos, and proactively addresses the human fears and anxieties surrounding the shift to AI.
Mentioned in this episode:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiankaifeng/