Tiankai Feng - Humanizing Data Strategy

Experiences at the Forward and Data Conference

Attending the Forward and Data Conference in Paris was a unique experience for the speaker, especially as it marked their first time attending a conference in the city. They were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the talks and the expertise of the speakers, noting that even the French presentations, which they could not understand, seemed impressive. Additionally, the speaker had the unique role of being a musical introducer for various speakers, creating a memorable atmosphere at the event that involved a grand piano, an unusual feature for such conferences. This innovative approach added a personal touch and excitement to the event, suggesting potential for similar formats in future conferences.

Ken Kai's Background and Passion for Data

Ken Kai, currently the data strategy and data governance lead at ThoughtWorks in Europe, has a diverse background that merges marketing and information systems. His interest in data began during college when he studied marketing analytics, which allowed him to analyze various campaigns using consumer behavior data. His professional journey took him to China, where he experienced a different landscape concerning data privacy, further deepening his understanding of data's implications in marketing. Over the years, he transitioned from analytics to data governance, ultimately focusing on the strategic aspects of data management and flow.

Transition to Consulting and Work-Life Balance

The shift from working in a corporate environment to consulting brought distinct changes in work-life balance, with greater emphasis on client relationships and value delivery. In consulting, Ken found that clients had already invested in projects, streamlining the process of creating buy-in compared to his previous corporate roles where resistance was common. He highlighted the frustration of having to explain the significance of data governance in organizations where it was often misunderstood or undervalued. This transition not only provided more clarity in stakeholder engagement but also allowed for a more focused impact on various organizational projects.

Humanizing Data Strategy and the Five C's Framework

Ken Kai's book, 'Humanizing Data Strategy', emphasizes the importance of the human aspect in data initiatives, centering around a framework known as the five C's: competence, collaboration, creativity, communication, and conscience. Each element serves a critical role in ensuring that data professionals and organizations function effectively and align with broader business objectives. Ken also recognizes the deficiency of existing literature focused on the human elements of data, a gap he aimed to fill with his writing. By addressing these human-centric themes, he promotes a more balanced view that values the significance of interpersonal skills alongside technical capabilities in data-driven environments.

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Tiankai Feng - Humanizing Data Strategy

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Experiences at the Forward and Data Conference

Ken Kai's Background and Passion for Data

Transition to Consulting and Work-Life Balance

Humanizing Data Strategy and the Five C's Framework

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