Human-Centered Strategy for an AI-First World
I build and scale high-performing product and research organizations. A decade of AI experience, a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, and a track record of driving measurable business outcomes through customer-obsessed strategy.
About Me
I'm a product and research executive with a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction and over a decade of AI experience. I've built and scaled high-performing organizations at Klaviyo, BCBS, Motorola, and United Airlines, delivering measurable business outcomes through customer-obsessed strategy and data-informed decision making.
My leadership centers on inquiry-driven cultures where teams challenge assumptions and ship products that genuinely serve users. I teach AI Product Design at IIT's Institute of Design and speak internationally on AI transformation and research leadership.
Strategic Leadership
Building and scaling research organizations that drive revenue growth and competitive advantage
AI Transformation
A decade of shipping AI experiences, from predictive analytics to generative AI product strategy
Organizational Development
Hired, mentored, and developed high-performing teams with cultures of radical collaboration
Work With Me
I partner with organizations navigating AI transformation, building research capabilities, or seeking strategic product leadership.
I don't do staff augmentation or junior IC work. I build strategy, teams, capabilities, and organizational change.
AI Strategy & Transformation
Navigate the AI landscape with confidence. I help organizations develop AI product strategies, internal tooling, and processes that balance innovation with user needs and business outcomes.
- AI product roadmap development
- GenAI experience design
- AI process & internal tooling
- Team transformation & literacy
Research Organization Building
Build or scale your research function. From hiring your first researcher to establishing a mature practice, I bring a proven playbook.
- Research team design & hiring
- Research operations setup
- Executive stakeholder alignment
Speaking & Workshops
Inspire your team or conference audience. I deliver engaging talks and hands-on workshops on AI, UX, and data-informed product development.
- Conference keynotes & talks
- AI design bootcamps
- Executive briefings
Leadership Experience
View Complete HistoryHead of Product Research
Klaviyo
Leading realignment of team to inform product strategy. Previously served as Head of Analytics & AI Product Design (July 2023-Sept 2025), achieving 10x improvement in AI feature adoption through new design patterns and reimagining reporting experiences to exceed revenue targets by 120%. As Head of Design Research (July 2021-April 2024), established research practice, drove partnership with product analytics, and maintained high employee satisfaction through economic and organizational change.
Head of Design Research & Strategy
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Built research and design strategy practice from the ground up, recruiting diverse team of 21 reports including contractors. Championed design process across divisions, elevated engagements from delivery to thought leadership. Developed processes to increase reuse of design assets and expanded team's role in product roadmap strategy. Successfully transformed team's fiscal position from significant loss to profitable contributor. Received consecutive nominations for Stellar Star award.
Independent UX Research Consultant
Various Companies
Provided strategic UX research and product leadership to high-growth startups and established enterprise companies. At Uptake, identified need for and led design of evidence solutions for data science predictions, coordinated interdisciplinary team to develop data literacy program, and improved cross-team collaboration. At AutoDesk, created mental models to inform new construction planning software. At Pogotec, established A/B testing program. Additional engagements with Jiobit and PerBlue spanning discovery, product strategy, and usability optimization.
Principal Design Researcher
Motorola
Led and grew global A/B testing program that identified opportunities resulting in over $100 million in increased revenues and savings for eCommerce website. Established and led design research program spanning Lenovo and Motorola business units. Led company-wide effort to ensure regular consumer feedback before committing to final product features, increasing confidence in decisions. Conducted concept evaluation research that prevented poor product investments, saving over $2.5 million in component costs. Received Moto Bravo Award for contributions.
Thought Leadership
Speaking internationally on AI product design and publishing insights on human-centered technology.
Speaking
Designing for Uncertainty with AI
UXLx: User Experience Lisbon 2025
Leveraging uncertainty to enhance AI-driven interactions with probabilistic design.
AI Bootcamp for Designers
San Francisco, CA
Intensive 3-day bootcamp teaching UX professionals to design AI experiences.
Recent Writing
0 to 1 in Hours: Leveraging AI to Launch
How I used v0, Gemini, and Claude to build and launch a full platform in days.
ReadTowards Truly Holistic User Research
Why we need to stop arguing and start integrating quantitative and qualitative data.
ReadIntersections of Humans & Data
Three tips to re-center your data systems on the human to avoid soulless algorithms.
ReadPhD & MS, Human-Computer Interaction
Iowa State University
BA, Computer Science & English Writing
DePauw University
Adjunct Professor, AI Product Design
IIT Institute of Design
Writing & Thought Leadership
Exploring the frontiers of AI, Data Science, and User Experience.
0 to 1 in Hours: Leveraging AI to Launch
How I used v0, Gemini, and Claude to build and launch a full platform in days instead of months.
Towards Truly Holistic User Research
Why we need to stop arguing and start integrating quantitative and qualitative data.
Intersections of Humans & Data
Three tips to re-center your data systems on the human to avoid soulless algorithms.
Recommendations
"What makes a mentor or manager great is when they can provide you just enough structure, but not too much. Mike is one of those people. Many companies would be fortunate to have him in a leadership role."
"Mike is that rare thing - a person who can work incredibly hard + incredibly smart at the same time! He never takes a research issue at face value and always goes DEEPER. I guarantee if you add Mike to your team, POSITIVE transformations will start to happen!"
"Mike comes prepared with a native understanding of a broad range of generative and evaluative techniques, and knows when to apply which. He's that smart. Listen to what he has to say. I want to hire this guy. Seriously."
"Mike's leadership, humility and highly structured approach was instrumental to the continuous improvement of customer satisfaction and conversion on Motorola's eCommerce site. Mike is a rare gem and someone you want on your team."
Let's Build Something Together
Looking for a strategic partner to lead your AI transformation, build a world-class research organization, or speak at your next event? Let's connect.