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April 23, 2025 36 mins

What if the secret to sustainable leadership isn’t just innovation, but inclusion? Dr. Serena Huang, Chief Data Officer, AI keynote speaker, and author of The Inclusion Equation, joins Denis to reveal why the future of leadership depends on high inclusion and high well-being.

From leading people analytics at giants like GE and PayPal to launching her global speaking brand, Serena shares her pivot from data scientist to purpose-driven entrepreneur. This conversation explores how AI and data, when fused with empathy and equity, can revolutionize the workplace, not just for performance, but for people.

You’ll hear about the power of belonging, what wellbeing means in data terms, and why curiosity, not control, is today’s leadership superpower.

Get To Know Dr. Serena Huang: Data Scientist Turned Leadership Visionary

  • From consulting to building people analytics teams at GE, Kraft Heinz, and PayPal
  • Why she left corporate for joy-driven public speaking and writing
  • How The Inclusion Equation became a bestselling blueprint for inclusive, data-led change

The Critical Link Between Inclusion and Well-being

  • Serena’s research: Teams that feel included report higher health and wellness
  • Inclusion and well-being must be a combined, not siloed, effort
  • Overwhelming employees with disconnected initiatives leads to burnout

AI, Data, and the Curious Leader

  • You can’t have AI without data, and leaders must be fluent in both
  • Why curiosity, not expertise, is key to adopting AI successfully
  • Practical examples of wearable tech and meeting data shaping well-being strategies


Human Skills Are Non-Negotiable

  • The best leaders double down on EQ, empathy, and presence
  • COVID redefined leadership: from productivity to care
  • Inclusion includes rethinking how global teams handle time zones and meetings


The Future of Work is Data-Informed and People-Centered

  • Why leaders must communicate, even if their plans aren’t perfect
  • “I don’t have time” is about priorities, not availability
  • The leadership of the future balances automation with authenticity



Key Quotes:


“If you feel more included, you feel healthier.” — Dr. Serena Huang


“You will never have a fully baked plan because it will take three years. By then, we will be on ChatGPT 17.8.”— Dr. Serena Huang


Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos



The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World 

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders 

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 



👩‍💻 Connect with Serena

Website: www.datawithserena.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/serenahhuangphd


Connect with Denis:

Email: denis@leadingchangepartners.com

Website:


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