In this episode of Between Builds, Tiffany sits down with Liang Zhao, CEO of Vansary and one of fintech’s most sought-after strategic communicators, for a candid look at what it really takes to lead, build, and show up in an industry that never slows down.

They explore the professional realities behind the personal ones: how postpartum reshapes leadership style, how founders and operators navigate visibility while juggling childcare, why authenticity has become a competitive advantage in PR, and what it means to build a career with both ambition and boundaries. Liang shares how becoming a mother intensified her clarity as a CEO, how community support translates into better decision-making at work, and why transparency has become central to how she leads teams and clients.

At its core, this episode is about working smarter, leading with intention, and recognizing that the “messy middle” isn’t a setback but the real operating environment for modern builders.

• How postpartum experiences influence leadership, communication, and executive presence
• Why authenticity is now a strategic asset in PR and fintech
• The hidden decision-making load working moms carry — and how it impacts performance
• How founders balance visibility, client demands, and real-life constraints
• Why community support systems matter professionally, not just personally
• The surprising link between creativity (yes, even cooking) and better leadership clarity
• The mindset shift from perfectionism to progress — and why it accelerates careers