Montana - MT
6-10 years of experience
E.M.
Senior Product Manager
Overview
Bio
E.M. is an experienced product leader and strategist with a strong background in driving user-centered innovations across various industries. She has successfully led product teams, establishing scalable processes and launching new features that significantly increased user engagement and retention. With expertise in user research and experience design, E.M. has spearheaded projects that blend digital and in-person experiences to meet the diverse needs of global audiences. Her leadership in cross-functional collaboration and ability to implement meaningful organizational changes, such as a four-day workweek, has earned her recognition in fast-growing companies. E.M.'s passion for creating positive impact extends beyond work, as she continues to explore personal growth through endurance sports and global cultural experiences.
Summary
Technologies
FigJam, YNAB, product management processes, user research, UX/UI design, A/B testing, product strategy, product vision, user testing, research insights, digital product experiences (website, mobile app), stakeholder management, community management, four-day workweek.
Industries
Technology, Financial Technology (FinTech), E-Commerce, Sports and Fitness, Consumer Goods, Healthcare & Wellness, Travel & Hospitality, Corporate Innovation, Nonprofit/Community Impact, Endurance Sports and Outdoor Recreation.
Work Experiences
Redacted Company
Colombia/France/US | June 2024 – Present
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Chapter 1: Trained for and raced in elite endurance events, including PC12, Expedition Alaska, and Transalpine Run, building physical resilience and leadership under pressure.
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Chapter 2: Transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle to establishing a permanent home base in Missoula, MT, while integrating a new rhythm for personal and professional balance.
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Chapter 3: Provided hands-on support for a close family member with special needs, enhancing empathy and resilience through caregiving.
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Focused on personal growth through travel, experiencing diverse cultures, and understanding different ways of life.
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Continually exploring life’s deeper purpose, aligning professional and personal passions to create a fulfilling future.
Product Manager
YNAB (You Need A Budget) | Sep 2019 – May 2024
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Established scalable product management processes as the first PM hire, helping shape the company's product strategy and culture during rapid growth.
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Led the creation and launch of three innovative product teams (WeNAB, Meaningful Categories, and Reflect), designing solutions from scratch based on user research and insights.
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Spearheaded the development of YNAB Together, a collaborative budgeting feature, leading to a 30% increase in partner and family user engagement.
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Drove the introduction of new product features that resulted in an increase in user retention and enhanced satisfaction.
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Co-pitched and successfully implemented a four-day workweek as an employee benefit, improving team productivity and work-life balance.
Personal Pursuit Sabbatical
SE Asia/N. America | June 2018 – Sep 2019
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Completed an intense 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat, cultivating mental clarity, mindfulness, and personal discipline.
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Reached peak performance in rock climbing, achieving my first ‘7a’ route, demonstrating perseverance and growth.
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Immersed myself in diverse cultures across Southeast Asia and North America, gaining insights into global perspectives and varying lifestyles.
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Began learning scuba diving, pursuing personal challenges outside my comfort zone and expanding my skills.
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Developed a deep understanding of life balance, personal well-being, and self-awareness through intentional travel and self-reflection.
User Experience Researcher
Nike Valiant Labs | Feb 2017 – June 2018
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Led user research for Joyn, a fitness product designed to reach underserved populations, integrating insights to improve the product's UX/UI.
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Conducted qualitative research and testing, informing product strategy and design decisions for both digital (app and website) and in-person experiences.
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Collaborated cross-functionally with design and product teams to implement insights that enhanced user engagement and retention.
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Played a key role in scaling operations, including onboarding new users, vetting class leaders, and managing community partnerships.
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Provided ongoing user feedback and insights to optimize product offerings, ensuring they aligned with community needs and preferences.
Athlete Insight Specialist
Nike Innovation | Sep 2015 – June 2017
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Led qualitative research on athlete needs and experiences, delivering insights to innovation teams and directly informing product development.
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Conducted deep dives into the future of sports, providing strategic recommendations on emerging trends and athlete preferences.
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Managed a network of over 700 elite athletes, coaches, and trainers, fostering relationships that provided valuable input into product innovations.
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Launched five athlete insight programs, ensuring regular engagement with trusted athletes to shape product roadmaps.
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Created compelling storytelling and innovative presentations to communicate athlete needs and future trends to internal teams.
Various Roles
Nike & US Olympic Committee | July 2012 – Sep 2015
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Developed and executed a launch strategy for Nike+ Run Club Portland, helping build community engagement through fitness programs.
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Created quick-turn product assortments and buying plans for key sports moments, resulting in increased sales and brand visibility.
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Led the planning of an executive offsite trip to Japan, providing cultural insights and driving better understanding of consumer expectations.
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Oversaw outfitting 1,000+ Team USA athletes and staff for the 2012 Olympic Games, ensuring seamless coordination and high-quality product delivery.
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Coordinated cross-functional teams to drive successful product launches, collaborating with brand, digital commerce, and operations teams.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management
Augustana University | 2008 – 2012
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Minors: Marketing, International Business
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Studied abroad at Bond University (Australia, '11) and Sør-Trøndelag University (Norway, '10).
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NCAA Division II Cross Country & Track Athlete.
