Decisions at 240mph: A conversation with INDYCAR champ Tony Kanaan

In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy sits down with racing legend Tony Kanaan — INDYCAR champion, 2013 NTT INDYCAR SERIES 500 winner and now team principal of Arrow McLaren. From go-karts in Brazil to the biggest race in the world, Tony shares how he turned personal loss into lifelong motivation. He and Tammy discuss staying calm under pressure and how he uses complex live data in his work today.

Highlights from the episode include:

• A promise that fueled everything. Tony lost his father at age 13. The night before he passed, his dad asked him to promise two things: take care of the family and win the INDY 500. That promise became Tony’s reason to keep going, no matter what.
• Data in the driver’s seat. Tony worked with NTT DATA to create a custom, fireproof sensor shirt that tracked grip strength, breathing and his heart’s ECG trace during races. The data helped tailor his training and got other drivers talking.
• Team principal means people first. Now leading a team of 120, Tony’s job is to read the room, support the crew and keep everyone focused. He watches for burnout, lifts unsung heroes and has hard conversations when needed.

Check out the full episode to hear how Tony built a decades-long racing career rooted in resilience and how he brings that mindset to leadership today.

Enjoying Catalyst? Don't forget to like and subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday!

The views expressed in this episode may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.