On behalf of the Silicon Valley UX Awards, we would like to recognize the TOP 25 most influential product leaders across the Valley. 👏🏽
From 458 product leaders, we’ve cherry-picked the TOP 25 who don’t just help inform a better world; they define real needs to meet business opportunities for the better. Their work isn’t just memorable; it’s life-changing, impacting millions for humanity’s greater good. Dive into excellence with the SVUX Awards’ hand-selected elite! Email us if you would like to nominate a product leader for 2025. *Disclaimer: these individuals below were hand-selected by the board of directors of SVUX.A and did not apply or pay to be on this list. Updated May 14, 2024
-
Anneka Gupta
Anneka Gupta's outstanding contributions to the world of product management have earned her a prestigious place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. With over a decade of experience in product and SaaS, Gupta brings a wealth of expertise to her role, characterized by a proven track record of driving revenue growth, navigating market expansions, and championing diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
Gupta's journey to prominence includes serving as the President and Head of Product and Platforms at LiveRamp, where she led product development and go-to-market operations and strategy with remarkable success. Her strategic insights and leadership were instrumental in propelling LiveRamp to new heights in the competitive tech landscape.
In addition to her impactful role at LiveRamp, Gupta also sits on the board of directors for Tinuiti, further solidifying her position as a respected leader and influencer in the industry.
Anneka Gupta's remarkable achievements and her unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. Her leadership inspires product professionals worldwide, embodying the spirit of innovation, impact, and leadership in the tech community. LinkedIn
-
Katie (Schmalzried) Guzman
Katie (Schmalzried) Guzman's journey to becoming one of the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is remarkable. As the driving force behind Asana's Core Product offering, Guzman leads a global product organization comprising over 500 teammates across approximately 40 teams.
At Asana, Guzman has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's Core Org, which revolves around three strategic pillars: Growth, Essentials, and Enterprise. Her journey with Asana began when the company had around 100 employees and only a handful of PMs. Guzman focused on driving bottom-up, product-led growth for the first five years and building a formidable team.
As Asana has scaled and expanded its business, Guzman’s role has also evolved. From spearheading Adoption & Enterprise strategy, her responsibilities have grown to encompass leading cross-organization product delivery. This journey, she describes, has been nothing short of exhilarating, as she and her team constantly innovate to better serve some of the world's most valuable companies in novel ways.
Beyond her impactful work at Asana, Guzman is also actively involved with Operator Collective, a venture fund and dream team community of operator LPs. This collective effort brings together over 200 tech's most exceptional executives from diverse backgrounds to invest in and supercharge the next generation of enterprise tech.
Katie (Schmalzried) Guzman's leadership, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence make her deserving of this prestigious recognition from the Silicon Valley UX Awards. Her contributions to product management and innovation benefit Asana and inspire the broader tech community to reach new heights of success and impact. LinkedIn
-
Ezinne Udezue
The Silicon Valley UX Awards proudly recognizes Ezinne Udezue as one of the Top 25 product leaders. Ezinne, the Vice President of Product Management at Procore Technologies, brings extensive hands-on experience developing innovative consumer and platform products. Her multifaceted expertise spans creative, technical, and management domains, making her a distinguished leader in the field.
Ezinne's career is a testament to her exceptional ability to balance creativity with technical acumen and strategic management. Her work at Procore Technologies has driven significant advancements in product development, positioning her as a role model for aspiring product managers and industry professionals.
With a remarkable track record of successful product innovation and leadership, Ezinne continues to shape the future of product management. Her contributions to the industry highlight the importance of a well-rounded approach to product development. Congratulations, Ezinne, on this well-deserved recognition! LinkedIn
-
Yardley Pohl
Yardley Pohl's exemplary leadership and innovative vision have earned her a well-deserved place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Data.ai, Pohl plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of data-driven products and solutions that harness the power of artificial intelligence to drive business transformation and growth across diverse industries.
At Data.ai, Pohl leads with a clear vision, guiding the strategy and execution of cutting-edge products that leverage AI to unlock new possibilities and deliver tangible value to businesses. Her relentless pursuit of innovation and ability to translate complex technologies into practical solutions have positioned Data.ai as a trailblazer in the industry.
Pohl's leadership extends beyond her role at Data.ai, as she actively contributes to advancing the tech community through her expertise and insights. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI-driven products serves as an inspiration to product leaders everywhere.
Yardley Pohl's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to her remarkable contributions to the field of product management. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to driving impactful change embody the spirit of innovation and excellence celebrated by the awards. LinkedIn
-
Martie K. Burris
Martie K. Burris is a product leader and a creative force dedicated to building products that enhance people's lives. With a passion for innovation and a knack for navigating the complexities of product development, Burris specializes in taking products from conception to fruition, organizing chaos, and empowering product teams to achieve their full potential.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Martie is deeply committed to giving back and creating opportunities for others. In 2018, she launched FoldingChair, a coaching initiative to support individuals from underserved backgrounds to find their footing in the product industry. Through this initiative, Martie has mentored over 25 individuals, helping them secure their first or second roles in product management.
Currently serving as a Director of Product Management at Salesforce, Martie is at the forefront of shaping strategies to integrate Salesforce and Slack seamlessly. Her expertise extends to developing data-driven product strategies and long-term roadmaps, as evidenced by her remarkable achievements with Heroku Elements Marketplace, which saw a staggering 42% revenue growth in its first year.
Before her role at Salesforce, Martie distinguished herself as a Product Manager at Workday, where she collaborated with customers, UX designers, and engineers to build flexible global financial products. Her contributions were recognized with the prestigious X-Team Award for Product, and her features were prominently listed in the esteemed 2019 Gartner Magic Quadrant.
Martie K. Burris's unwavering dedication to product excellence and commitment to mentorship and community building epitomizes the qualities celebrated by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. Her innovative spirit and transformative leadership inspire product leaders worldwide, embodying the ethos of innovation, impact, and inclusivity upheld by the awards. LinkedIn
-
Kriti Sharma
The Silicon Valley UX Awards proudly recognizes Kriti Sharma as one of the Top 25 product leaders. Kriti is the Founder of AI for Good, an organization dedicated to developing scalable technology solutions for social impact. One of her notable projects, rAInbow, launched in 2018, serves as a digital companion for women facing domestic violence in South Africa.
Kriti's achievements extend beyond her innovative projects. She was named in the Forbes “30 Under 30” list for her advancements in AI and was appointed a United Nations Young Leader in 2018. Kriti advises the United Nations Technology Innovation Labs and the UK Government’s Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation.
Kriti's work exemplifies the power of technology to drive positive change. Her leadership and dedication to social good through AI and technology make her a standout product leader. Congratulations, Kriti, on this well-deserved recognition! LinkedIn
-
Surbhi Gupta
Surbhi Gupta's remarkable career spans over 18 years, during which she has built products and led teams for tech giants such as Facebook, Tesla, and Oracle, as well as early and mid-stage startups. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found her startup, and she has shared her expertise as a radio talk show host, Lead Product teacher at Product School, and guest lecturer at NYU Stern's Tech MBA program.
Surbhi's commitment to mentorship is evident in her dedication to guiding over 300 students and professionals from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and NYU. Additionally, she has been a mentor at Plug and Play Accelerators for the past four years, providing crucial insights and support to emerging companies. Her passion for empowering women in tech has earned her significant recognition, including the title of Miss India California.
Surbhi's accomplishments have garnered attention from leading media outlets such as Forbes, BBC, Yahoo, and ET. Her inclusion in the Silicon Valley UX Awards' Top 25 product leaders highlights her exceptional contributions to the tech industry and her unwavering dedication to fostering innovation and diversity in tech. LinkedIn
-
Xiaoyin Qu
Xiaoyin Qu's exceptional leadership and groundbreaking achievements have earned her a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. With a remarkable innovation and success track record, Qu's contributions to the tech industry have left an indelible mark.
Previously, as the CEO and Founder of Run The World, a leading virtual events platform, Qu led the company to unprecedented heights before its successful acquisition in 2023. Under her guidance, Run The World scaled rapidly, empowering over 50,000 events and millions of users. Qu's visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit were recognized by Forbes, who named her among the prestigious 30 under 30 list, and by LinkedIn, where she was designated as a Top Voice. Additionally, she was honored as one of Inc.'s Female Founder 100.
Before her entrepreneurial journey, Qu held influential roles at tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, and Atlassian, where she made significant contributions to product management, marketing, and business development. Her diverse experience and expertise have positioned her as a sought-after advisor, angel investor, and scout for startups across various sectors, including enterprise, consumer, AI, and deep tech.
Qu’s impact extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures and investments. As an active and well-published product writer and tech influencer, she shares her insights and expertise with a global audience through various platforms. Qu’s thought leadership has garnered widespread recognition from contributing to leading tech publications like Forbes China and Hacker Noon to running her tech columns in prominent media outlets.
Xiaoyin Qu's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to her exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence in the tech community. Her dedication to driving positive change and empowering the next generation of product leaders exemplifies the spirit of excellence the awards celebrate. Join us in congratulating Xiaoyin Qu for her well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Ivana Ciric
Ivana Ciric's outstanding leadership and innovative contributions have earned her a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As the Director of Product and practice at Thoughtworks, Ciric plays a pivotal role in shaping product strategy and delivery across various industries, including Commodities, Automotive, Travel, and Consumer Electronics.
Ciric's expertise in developing forward-thinking 0-1 software products, spanning from ML platforms to immersive retail experiences, has led to the creation of delightful products millions of users worldwide enjoy. Her strategic approach delivers exceptional user experiences and drives revenue growth for her clients, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field.
Beyond her role as a strategist, Ivana Ciric is a mentor and catalyst for talent development in product building and innovation. Her leadership style, characterized by extensive coaching experience and a passion for evolving product practices, has transformed team performance at Thoughtworks, fostering safe, inclusive, and learning-centric environments where creativity thrives.
Ciric's influence extends beyond Thoughtworks, as her insights have shaped numerous programs and initiatives within the broader product community. Her dedication to nurturing outstanding talent and fostering innovation serves as an inspiration to product leaders everywhere.
Ivana Ciric's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards underscores her significant contributions to the industry. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to driving impactful change exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence celebrated by the awards. Join us in congratulating Ivana Ciric for her well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Melissa Perri
Melissa Perri's exceptional leadership and expertise have earned her a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. With a seasoned background as a board member specializing in propelling B2B SaaS companies through pivotal growth phases, Perri brings experience in guiding CEOs and executive teams to achieve product excellence and organizational growth.
Perri's expertise lies in devising robust strategies for companies with ARR ranging from $20MM to $250MM, focusing on recruiting outstanding Chief Product Officers and developing cutting-edge product strategies. Her track record speaks volumes, including her tenure on the board of Forsta, culminating in its successful acquisition by Press Ganey in 2022.
Currently serving on Meister, Labster, and Dragonboat boards, Perri continues to drive product excellence and organizational growth in her role. She offers invaluable guidance to executives seeking to transform their product management organizations through interactive workshops focused on crafting a vision for the future and developing actionable roadmaps.
Perri's commitment to advancing product management extends beyond boardroom consultations. Through her online courses at Product Institute, she empowers product managers of all levels with comprehensive training on validating product ideas and driving impactful outcomes. Leveraging insights successfully implemented by industry giants like Johnson & Johnson, Capital One, and Chewy, Perri's courses enable teams to scale their capabilities and confidently deliver customer value.
Melissa Perri's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards underscores her significant contributions to the industry. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to driving impactful product outcomes exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence the awards celebrate. Join Perri and elevate your team's capabilities to unlock the full potential of your product organization. LinkedIn
-
Robert Brunner
The Silicon Valley UX Awards proudly recognize Robert Brunner as one of the Top 25 product leaders. Robert is a distinguished industrial design leader with extensive experience across consumer electronics, personal computing, communications, and appliance industries. As a co-founder of Lunar Design and the former Director of Industrial Design at Apple, Robert's innovative approach has significantly influenced the design landscape.
After his impactful tenure at Apple, Robert became a Partner at Pentagram Design in San Francisco, where he continued to shape the future of industrial design. Currently, he leads Ammunition LLC, a product design and brand development group based in San Francisco, known for its cutting-edge and consumer-centric designs.
Robert's expertise extends beyond design; he is also an accomplished author. His recent book, "Do You Matter? How Great Design Will Make People Love Your Company," published by Financial Times Press, explores the profound impact of design on brand loyalty and business success. Robert's contributions to the field exemplify the power of great design in transforming products and businesses. Congratulations, Robert, on this well-deserved recognition! LinkedIn
-
John Carter
Innovation is critical in product development; few exemplify this better than John Carter. The Silicon Valley UX Awards is proud to recognize John Carter as one of the Top 25 product leaders for his outstanding contributions to the field.
John Carter is not just a name but a force in the industry. As the Founder and Principal of TCGen, a renowned consulting firm specializing in efficiency and innovation within product development, Carter has not only left an indelible mark on numerous technology enterprises. Still, he has also significantly shaped the tech industry. His client roster reads like a who’s who of tech giants, including Amazon, Apple, Fitbit, IBM, HP, and Bose, all of whom have been transformed by his innovative strategies.
At TCGen, Carter's expertise lies in streamlining and scaling product processes, cutting time to market, and reducing costs—all crucial aspects in today's fast-paced tech landscape. His insights have helped companies navigate complex challenges and emerge more robust, efficient, and competitive.
But Carter's influence extends beyond TCGen. As a member of the Cirrus Logic Board of Directors, he continues to shape the direction of tech companies, guiding them toward success in an ever-evolving market. Before TCGen, Carter founded Product Development Consulting, Inc., and served as Chief Engineer of the esteemed Bose corporation, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the industry.
In addition to his hands-on work, Carter shared his wealth of knowledge in his book, “Innovate Products Faster: Graphical Tools for Accelerating Product Development.” This book not only serves as a testament to his expertise but also offers invaluable insights for those looking to excel in the field of product innovation, making it a must-read for anyone in the tech industry.
John Carter's dedication, vision, and unparalleled expertise make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious recognition. As the Silicon Valley UX Awards celebrates excellence in product leadership, Carter stands out as a shining example of innovation and impact in the tech world. LinkedIn
-
Charles Du
In the dynamic world of product management, Charles Du, affectionately known as “Product Charles,” stands out as a true luminary. The Silicon Valley UX Awards proudly acknowledges him as one of the Top 25 product leaders for his exceptional contributions to the field.
With a background as a NASA engineer, Charles Du brings a unique perspective to product management, blending technical expertise with innovative thinking. His remarkable career includes designing NASA's pioneering iPhone app, crafting Ticketmaster's mobile applications, and pioneering the concept of Airbnb for cars.
Instead of simply excelling in his projects, Du has dedicated himself to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. Apple handpicked him to impart his wisdom on mobile product management and UX design at schools across the United States and even at the prestigious Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
To date, Charles Du has impacted the lives of over 20,000 students across 130 countries through his insightful product management courses. Recognizing the global nature of his audience, Du's courses have been translated into three languages, ensuring accessibility to aspiring product managers worldwide.
Moreover, Du's commitment to continuous learning and growth is evident in his weekly email series, where he shares knowledge-dense product management training videos with his eager audience.
Charles Du's passion for product management and his unwavering dedication to education and innovation make him deserving of this esteemed recognition. As the Silicon Valley UX Awards celebrates excellence in product leadership, Du's trailblazing efforts inspire aspiring product managers worldwide. LinkedIn
-
Tim Herbig
Tim Herbig's dedication to what he terms “holistic product management” has earned him recognition as one of the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. With a focus on fostering better teams and creating impactful products, Herbig’s mission is to make a difference for users and businesses.
His philosophy centers on the importance of empathy, not just for users but also for fostering collaboration within Agile environments. He firmly believes that genuine self-organization within cross-functional teams is achievable through trust and autonomy, democratizing processes to empower teams to build products and organizations.
Beyond his mission-driven approach, Tim Herbig offers expertise through training and product management consulting services. His insights have garnered attention worldwide, leading him to speak at global events.
Tim Herbig’s commitment to holistic product management, rooted in empathy, collaboration, and autonomy, resonates deeply with the values celebrated by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. His efforts in enabling organizations to thrive and create impactful products exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence that defines the world of product leadership. LinkedIn
-
Chris Bolman
Chris Bolman's unwavering maxim, “Create strategies, messages, and products that matter,” has propelled him into the ranks of the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. Bolman is not just a marketing leader or strategist; he is a visionary progressive organizer and the driving force behind Brightest as its founder and CEO.
At the heart of Bolman’s mission is a commitment to impact. He champions creating strategies, messages, and products that hold significance and make a difference. This ethos is evident in his multifaceted role, where he seamlessly navigates between marketing, strategy, and progressive organization.
In addition to his leadership at Brightest, Bolman is a prolific writer and producer, sharing his insights and expertise through a digital strategy newsletter and an enriching blog. His blog is a treasure trove of strategy resources to empower individuals and teams to build exceptional products that resonate with their audiences.
Bolman's dedication extends beyond traditional business realms; he is deeply invested in fostering community and sharing learnings in advocacy, activism, strategy, marketing, communications, product development, and team-building.
Chris Bolman's holistic approach to product leadership, marked by a relentless pursuit of strategies and products that matter, embodies the spirit of innovation and impact celebrated by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. His efforts in sharing knowledge, building communities, and driving meaningful change set a remarkable standard for product leaders everywhere. LinkedIn
-
Daniel Danker
Daniel Danker's illustrious career and impactful leadership have earned him a well-deserved place among the Top 25 product leaders honored by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As the Chief Product Officer for Instacart, Danker plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's product strategy, direction, and consumer experience.
Before his tenure at Instacart, Danker significantly contributed to several tech giants. At Uber, he led the product teams for Uber Eats and Uber's Driver platform, where he played a crucial role in defining strategies and roadmaps that shaped the experiences of millions of consumers, delivery people, and drivers worldwide.
Before his time at Uber, Danker served as the Product Director for Video at Facebook, where he spearheaded the launch of groundbreaking products such as Facebook Live and Facebook Watch. Additionally, he held the position of Chief Product Officer at Shazam, where he led the expansion of Shazam’s role in music and sat on the executive board, contributing to strategic decision-making.
Danker's educational background is equally impressive, having graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications.
Daniel Danker's exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to product innovation have left an indelible mark on the tech industry. His inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his profound impact and influence on product management. LinkedIn
-
Andrew Hill
Andrew Hill’s remarkable leadership and strategic vision have earned him a well-deserved place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As the head of a team of Product Managers at Google, Hill spearheads initiatives focused on driving user growth across various entry points of Google Search, serving as the gateway to information for millions worldwide.
Hill’s impact on Google Search is profound. Recognizing the importance of growth as a discipline within Search, he played a pivotal role in identifying latency and top-of-funnel optimization as critical areas for improvement. Under his guidance, a team of product managers was assembled and tasked with driving cross-functional efforts across Search and Google to enhance user experiences and drive growth.
Hill's teams focus on four key sub-areas, each crucial to the success of Google Search:
• Android growth: Enhancing the user experience on the Android Google App and within the broader Android ecosystem.
• iOS growth: Optimizing the iOS Google App and search functionality on iOS web browsers.
• Google.com: Innovating and improving the iconic Google homepage to serve user needs better.
• Search latency: Prioritizing speed and efficiency to deliver faster results to users worldwide.
Andrew Hill’s leadership exemplifies excellence in product management, innovation, and strategic execution. His contributions to Google Search have driven user growth and paved the way for a more seamless and efficient search experience for millions of users globally. As the Silicon Valley UX Awards celebrates top talent in product leadership, Andrew Hill's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders underscores his significant impact and influence in shaping the future of search technology. LinkedIn
-
Sam Bradley
Sam Bradley's unwavering commitment to customer-centric innovation and empowering product managers has earned him a well-deserved place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. Bradley has made a significant impact in the tech industry with a passion for solving customer problems through compelling storytelling and a dedication to building scalable, design-led products.
Currently serving as a Director of Product Management at PayPal, Bradley leads in-app payment products, including peer-to-peer payments and in-store payment teams. His leadership at PayPal exemplifies his ability to drive product strategy and execution, ensuring customer needs are at the forefront of every decision.
Before his role at PayPal, Bradley held Director of Product positions at Stitch Fix and Expedia Group, where he led teams responsible for core Fix experiences, styling products, reviews, and marketplace functionalities. With a career from 2014, Bradley has amassed invaluable experience in product management across various domains, including e-commerce, content, marketplaces, and payments.
Throughout his career, Bradley has been a champion for design-led approaches and has empowered product managers to create impactful solutions that resonate with users. His dedication to fostering innovation and excellence in product management sets a high standard for leaders in the industry.
Sam Bradley's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his outstanding contributions and leadership in product management. His passion for solving customer problems and his commitment to empowering teams embody the spirit of innovation and excellence the awards celebrate. Join us in congratulating Sam Bradley for his well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Neal Mohan
Neal Mohan's illustrious career and transformative leadership have earned him a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. With an impressive eight-year tenure as the Chief Product Officer at YouTube, Mohan's transition to CEO in 2023 highlights the indispensable value of Product Managers in shaping the success of tech giants.
Mohan's journey in product management spans years of experience, underscoring his deep understanding of the industry. As CEO, he continues to embody his product management background, focusing on listening to users’ needs, including creators and viewers, and integrating these insights into the company's overarching strategy.
What sets Mohan apart is his ability to navigate the complex landscape of stakeholders and their diverse needs while maintaining a deep understanding of YouTube's product offerings. His leadership style is characterized by a balance of decisive decision-making and empowering his team to take ownership of their decisions, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
Neal Mohan's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to product excellence. His journey from Chief Product Officer to CEO exemplifies the impact that product management expertise can have on shaping the trajectory of tech companies. Join us in congratulating Neal Mohan for his well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Ivan Zhao
Ivan Zhao's innovative leadership and visionary approach to product design have earned him a well-deserved place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As the founder of Notion, the all-in-one workspace and collaboration tool that has taken Silicon Valley by storm, Zhao has profoundly impacted the tech landscape.
Founded in 2012, Notion has quickly become synonymous with productivity and innovation, largely thanks to Zhao's dedication to crafting exceptional user experiences. Drawing from his experience on the product team at Inkling, an online learning solution in San Francisco, Zhao recognized the need for a versatile, user-friendly workspace solution—and thus, Notion was born.
What sets Notion apart is its meticulous attention to detail in product design. Zhao's deep investment in the importance of good design is evident in every aspect of Notion's interface. He collaborates closely with a talented team of UX and product designers to create an experience that harkens back to the romantic era of tech in the 90s, when users were empowered to build their digital tools.
Under Zhao's leadership, Notion has redefined how teams collaborate and organize their work, inspiring a new generation of productivity tools. His vision for Notion as a platform for creativity and empowerment has resonated with millions of users worldwide, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Ivan Zhao's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to user-centric design. Join us in congratulating Ivan Zhao for his well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Stewart Butterfield
Stewart Butterfield's visionary leadership and transformative contributions have earned him a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As the co-founder and CEO of Slack, Butterfield has redefined how teams communicate and collaborate in the digital age.
Since its inception, Slack has become synonymous with seamless communication and productivity, revolutionizing the way teams work together. Butterfield's unwavering commitment to user experience and innovation has been instrumental in shaping Slack into the powerhouse it is today.
Under Butterfield's guidance, Slack has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of modern workplaces, focusing on intuitive design and user-centric features. His visionary approach to product development has positioned Slack as a leader in the industry, with millions of users worldwide relying on the platform to streamline their workflow and enhance collaboration.
Beyond his role at Slack, Butterfield's influence extends far and wide, inspiring a new generation of product leaders to prioritize user experience and innovation. His dedication to excellence and relentless pursuit of customer-centric solutions embody the values the Silicon Valley UX Awards celebrated.
Stewart Butterfield's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his profound impact on the tech industry. His visionary leadership and commitment to creating exceptional user experiences exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence upheld by the awards. Join us in congratulating Stewart Butterfield for his well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Ajay Arora
Ajay Arora's outstanding contributions to the world of product management have earned him a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. With an impressive track record of innovation and leadership, Arora has significantly shaped the landscape of digital products.
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Product at Disney Streaming, Arora leads product, commerce, and experimentation efforts, driving the success of Disney's streaming services. Additionally, he shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise as a Product Advisor at Product School and as an instructor at Stanford University, where he teaches a dynamic course on product management.
Before his role at Disney Streaming, Arora spent four years at Netflix as their Product Innovation and Growth Director. During his tenure, he was pivotal in multiple key launches, including introducing new payment options, bundle products through cable and telco operators, and lower-priced tiers for emerging markets. His leadership and strategic insights drove Netflix's continued growth and success.
Arora's journey in product leadership began at Amazon's Audible, where he served as the Director of Product for the mobile experience. Since then, he has been a driving force in the industry, shaping the direction of product development and innovation at every step of his career.
Ajay Arora's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in product management. His dedication to driving forward the success of digital products and empowering the next generation of product leaders exemplifies the spirit of excellence celebrated by the awards. Join us in congratulating Ajay Arora for his well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Dan Olsen
Dan Olsen's unwavering dedication to building exceptional products has earned him a distinguished place among the Top 25 product leaders recognized by the Silicon Valley UX Awards. As a hands-on trainer and consultant, Olsen is pivotal in helping companies across industries optimize their products and product teams for success.
Olsen is the author of the bestseller “The Lean Product Playbook,” published by Wiley. It is a comprehensive guide for product managers seeking to adopt lean principles in their product development processes. His expertise has been sought after by industry giants such as Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, Walmart, and many others, where he has provided invaluable guidance and support in building and optimizing products.
With a Stanford MBA and a solid technical background, Olsen brings a unique blend of skills and expertise. His deep knowledge spans product management, UX design, analytics, marketing, and Lean Startup methodologies, making him a trusted advisor for companies looking to drive innovation and growth.
Dan Olsen's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his exceptional contributions and leadership in product management. His passion for building great products and commitment to empowering companies to achieve their full potential exemplify the spirit of excellence the awards celebrate. Join us in congratulating Dan Olsen for his well-deserved recognition as a Top 25 product leader. LinkedIn
-
Alfonso de la Nuez
Alfonso de la Nuez's journey as the co-founder of UserZoom is emblematic of exceptional product leadership. With UserZoom's impressive trajectory, including securing $150 million in funding and a significant acquisition, Alfonso's vision and strategic guidance have been instrumental. Under his leadership, UserZoom has evolved into a global powerhouse, serving Fortune 100 clients across various industries and driving measurable business performance through innovative UX Insights Management solutions.
Having begun his career in Spain in the mid-1990s, Alfonso honed his expertise in digital marketing, website design, and UX research before co-founding UserZoom in 2007. Since then, he has revolutionized how businesses gather, analyze, and leverage user experience insights to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Alfonso's dedication to inspiring the next generation of UX professionals through his leadership and speaking engagements underscores his commitment to advancing the field and fostering innovation.
Alfonso de la Nuez's inclusion among the Top 25 product leaders by the Silicon Valley UX Awards is a testament to his outstanding contributions and leadership in product management. His relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to empowering businesses to create impactful digital experiences epitomize the spirit of innovation the awards celebrate. Congratulations, Alfonso, on this well-deserved recognition! LinkedIn
-
Brian Tolkin
Brian Tolkin, Vice President of Product at Opendoor, has significantly contributed to the digital real estate industry. With over a decade of experience, Brian previously excelled as a Group Product Manager at Uber, where he led the Shared Rides product group and was instrumental in launching products such as uberPOOL, uberHOP, and uberEXPRESS. His innovative approach and leadership have consistently set new standards in product development.
At Opendoor, Brian leads six teams with over 60 engineers and developers, driving the creation and launch of groundbreaking products that simplify the home buying and selling process. His work has been pivotal in digitizing Opendoor’s customer experience, making real estate transactions more accessible and efficient. Additionally, Brian played a key role in establishing Opendoor’s most significant partnership with Zillow, further cementing the company’s position as a leader in digital real estate.
Brian’s dedication to innovation and ability to lead high-performing teams earned him a spot among the Silicon Valley UX Awards’ Top 25 product leaders. His efforts continue to shape the future of real estate, making significant strides in the industry. Congratulations, Brian, on this well-deserved recognition! LinkedIn