Back to Home
Mike Oren hiking in Peru overlooking a glacial lake

About Me

I'm an AI Product Executive and Research Leader with a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction. I've spent over a decade building and scaling high-performing product and research organizations, driving measurable business outcomes through customer-obsessed strategy.

Currently, I serve as Head of Product Research at Klaviyo, where I lead AI product strategy and design research initiatives. I'm also an Adjunct Professor at IIT Institute of Design, where I've been teaching the next generation of design leaders for over 8 years.

Beyond Work

When I'm not leading product teams or researching AI interfaces, here's what keeps me energized.

Side Projects

LexiRogue

A word game I designed and built in my free time—because even off the clock, I can't resist creating interactive experiences.

South Loop Runners

Designed and built the website for my local Chicago run club.

Running

Running is both a hobby and a passion. I've completed multiple marathons, including the Chicago Marathon (one of the World Majors), but I like to keep my runs fun—which is why my wife and I also enjoy the runDisney events at Disney World. There's nothing quite like running through a theme park.

Chicago MarathonrunDisney

Fitness

Beyond running, I stay fit through a mix of weightlifting, yoga, and pilates. Balance is everything—in work and in wellness.

Travel

I'm an avid traveler who loves exploring new cultures and ancient history. Recent adventures in 2025 include exploring the pyramids of Egypt and the ruins of Peru.

Egypt 2025 Peru 2025

Reading

During runs, I listen to non-fiction and podcasts. At night, I read fiction—favoring speculative fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, and horror). Currently working through The Expanse series, with occasional breaks for books like R.F. Kuang's Katabasis and Philip Pullman's Book of Dust trilogy.

The ExpanseSpeculative Fiction

Gaming

Avid console gamer with a Switch 2 and PlayStation 5. I gravitate toward adventure games with puzzles like Zelda, precision platformers that test my skills, and deep RPGs—Elden Ring and Final Fantasy VII (both the original and the remake) being favorites.

ZeldaElden RingFinal Fantasy VII

Let's Connect

Whether you want to talk AI product strategy, go for a run, or just say hi—I'd love to hear from you.