Data, Cloud & AI — with purpose and impact
As Head of Data & Cloud at NOW GmbH, I combine technical expertise with empathetic leadership and a clear focus on results. As a leader and mentor, I help teams and people unlock their potential and turn ideas into concrete outcomes.
About me
I’m Xia, Head of Data & Cloud at NOW GmbH in Berlin. My team works as the organisation’s Data & Cloud Center of Excellence, responsible for cloud infrastructure, data and AI enablement.
My path here wasn’t a straight line. My background is in NLP research and data science, and I also spent years at home raising my children. Restarting from there taught me what I now pass on: clear goals, steady learning, and the courage to ask for a seat at the table.
Today I share that experience as a speaker, trainer and mentor through datathinker: practical AI and leadership for people growing or restarting their careers.
How we can work together
Speaking
Keynotes, panels, and workshops on data, cloud, AI, and leadership — practical, clear, and free of buzzword fog.
Book speaking →Training
Structured programs like the AI Kickstart Sprint: from AI-curious to AI-productive — with habits that stick at work.
Explore training →Mentoring
1:1 mentoring for career growth, leadership, and moving into or up in data, cloud, and AI.
View mentoring →Insights
Notes on leadership, data, and AI — from real work, not the whiteboard.
October 21, 2026
Day 60: AI Won't Be a Small Box Anymore
In 2023, AI was a small innovation box in our data strategy. Today it needs a central seat.
October 20, 2026
Day 59: A Sense of Urgency Needs an Off Switch
A colleague called my sense of urgency a strength. Lately I've started to see the other side of it.
Working with Xia – FAQ
Who do you work with?
Professionals, teams and organisations who want to use data and AI in practice: from people starting with AI tools to leaders building data & AI strategies. Many of the people I work with are growing into leadership or restarting their careers.
What makes your approach different?
I lead a data & cloud team myself, as Head of Data & Cloud at NOW GmbH. Everything I teach comes from real projects, not slides. My background spans NLP research, data analytics & cloud engineering and leadership, so I can talk with both engineers and executives.
Do you work in German or English?
Both. Training, mentoring and talks are available in German and English.
Do you work online or on-site?
Online; on-site in Berlin and on request elsewhere.
What is the AI Kickstart Sprint?
A hands-on program to use tools like Claude, Gemini, OpenAI Codex and n8n, and build your first AI agents for your own work. Formats vary: the first sprint ran as 6 weeks × 45 minutes; other formats are available, for example a 3 sessions × 3 hours intensive.
Do I need technical or coding experience?
No. The sprint is designed for professionals and business builders. If you can use email and spreadsheets, you can follow along.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, every participant receives a certificate of attendance listing the content and hours.
What happens in a mentoring session?
We work on your real situation: a career move, a first leadership role, a hard conversation, a strategy you need to sell upward. You leave each session with concrete next steps.
How long does a mentoring engagement last?
Single sessions or packages of 4 sessions over 3 months.
Is mentoring confidential?
Yes. What we discuss stays between us.
What topics do you speak about?
Data & AI leadership, moving from individual contributor to manager, leading human and AI agent teams, and career reinvention. I have spoken at PyCon DE & PyData and DataTalks.Club.
What formats do you offer?
Keynotes, conference talks, workshops, panels and internal company events, on-site or online.
What do you need from organisers?
Date, audience, format and length. I can send a speaker bio, photo and talk abstract right away.
Can I use my company’s training or development budget?
Yes. Most participants pay through their employer’s training or development budget (Weiterbildungsbudget). I issue a proper invoice made out to your company, with a description of the content and hours, and can provide a quote in advance for internal approval.
How do I book?
Book a free intro call via the calendar link, or send a message through the contact form.
Ready for the next step?
Whether it’s a keynote, training, or personal mentoring — let’s talk briefly and find the right format.
Book a call