Summary
Product Leader | Business & Innovation Strategy
Thomas cultivates inspired, motivated, and aligned product teams to deliver impactful, customer-centric solutions that persuade audiences, deliver measurable outcomes and enable sustainable growth.
Curious, proactive, and disciplined, he thrives at leading cross-functional teams and excels at collaborating with stakeholders to uncover foundational purpose (the “why”) and actionable first principles (the “how”) to guide transformative product, design, engineering, and marketing operations (the “what”).
Through strategic vision and holistic execution, Thomas empowers teams to innovate, adapt, and thrive—consistently creating lasting value together in ever-changing environments.
Areas of Expertise
Amplifying Purpose why
Vision & Product Innovation Strategy : purpose exploration, mission definition, opportunity & solution discovery, iterative product development, user experience design, business model evolution, enduring market forces & change.
Transforming Culture how
Organizational Design & Process Adaptation : roles & responsibilities, organizational design, sustainable process optimization, operational agility, stakeholder alignment, persuasion, decision making & conflict resolution.
Guarding Knowledge what
Insight Discovery & Mentorship : product-innovation operating models, knowledge base development, interpreting data & insights, strategy definition, narratives & content curation, transferring knowledge & leadership coaching.
Organizations seek my guidance to…
Design a future-vision to align internal & external stakeholders
Invent rich narratives that inspire cross-functional teams to execute on defined plans
Discover impactful outcome-oriented opportunities based on customer & market data
Build impactful & measurable solutions that solve real world problems (B2C, B2B, SAAS, AI)
Cultivate customer-centric cultures & scalable product-development operations
Illuminate, challenge & resolve team, organizational, strategic & leadership rifts
Build sustainable processes to support long-term transformative objectives
With a fearless open mindset Thomas adopts a contrarian approach to resolving complex business challenges by uncovering foundational truths to drive transformative actions.
Core Strength : Information Architecture
Thomas excels at synthesizing vast amounts of complex data into clear, actionable insights. By distilling content into intelligible parts, identifying key threads of meaning, and constructing thematic narratives, he crafts cohesive strategies that powerfully convey value to target audiences. Transforming complexity into purposeful direction, Thomas mobilizes innovative teams and stakeholders to act decisively and with conviction.
Mandate
Thomas studies how power dynamics influence decisions and leadership practices across organizations. He leverages these insights to guide leaders towards effectively articulating transformative vision, communicating persuasively, and driving meaningful change.
He finds fulfillment in sharing fundamental human, product, and economic truths—helping inspired teams craft well-designed, high-quality products that deliver a lasting positive impact for all stakeholders.
Grounded in the virtues of compassion, patience, simplicity, and grit, Thomas finds purpose in empowering others to discover their own path.
Experiences
Stellantis
Director Product Culture & Excellence (#SWX Software) | Marseille, FR 2023-Present
At Stellantis, and within the Software Division, we develop software solutions that power the future of mobility. Thomas is responsible for managing and evolving our software product culture, driving transformational change, demanding and sustaining excellence, and aligning key stakeholders to newly defined operating models and standards that are intended to fulfill strategic corporate missions.
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Leading transformation initiatives & establishing a new Product Culture within SWX (Software Group).
Coaching cross-functional teams to adopt innovative ways of thinking & working.
Fostering a forward-thinking product environment to emphasize complexity reduction/simplification.
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Managing key governance events for product discovery, development, delivery & financing milestones.
Bridging corporate initiatives with stakeholder actions & operational teams to ensure alignment.
Crafting strategy, mission, product goals, & process alignment documentation that inspires.
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Leading process alignment goals between Software, Hardware, Sales, and Technology teams.
Defining & refining new operational processes to streamline collaborative efficiencies.
Emphasizing the impact & value Product as a key leadership stakeholder.
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Championing key methodologies like Opportunity Canvas, PRFAQ, and Customer-Centric Principles.
Designing & driving continuous learning initiatives + Product Discovery frameworks for product teams.
Overseeing the development of a product leadership curriculum and managing supplier relationships.
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Defining & enhancing best practices to elevate product excellence across the Software Group.
Supporting product managers in achieving their potential and growing within Stellantis.
Proactively engaging with colleagues to identify opportunities for improvement and drive innovation.
theway.ink
Founder | Marseille, FR 2020-Present
theway.ink leverages custom-build knowledge databases designed for LLM and generative AI solutions to decode ancient Daoist wisdom on leadership, being and culture to inspire and guide modern leaders. The mission is to bridge past and present cultures to reinforce core human virtues and reimagine the purpose of leadership.
Meritis
Senior Growth Strategist : IPSOS | Montpellier, FR 2021-2022
At Meritis, and within the S&D Software business unit, we provide data-centric software development services. Thomas’ mission was to manage a talented software development team to build data platform solutions & provided product innovation consulting services to a key Meritis account: IPSOS Public Affairs Unit.
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My product development responsibilities for IPSOS included:
Delivering a V1 + V2 DIY global market policy data platform solution for Meta.
Co-authoring a UX.UI analysis for the V1 DIY market policy data platform for Meta.
Delivering a statistical performance data solution for BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary Company).
Technical analysis for a geo-spatial engagement tracking solution for the FIFA 2022 world cup.
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My advisory responsibilities for IPSOS included:
Identifying innovative solutions to advance IPSOS statistical products
Defining the scope of work for each digital solution
Managing the software development team & product deliverables
Managing the client relationship, presenting product demonstrations
Collaborating with UX.UI designers on feature definition & wireframes
Monitoring overall progress, schedules and budgeting
Senior Product Manager : Rakuten | Montpellier, FR 2020-2021
On a mission at Rakuten DX, Thomas was responsible for managing the development and delivery of a mobile sports tracking application for Rakuten sponsored international tennis tournaments including: Davis Cup, Erste Bank Open and Mercedes Cup.
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My product development responsibilities for Rakuten included:
Managing a software development team following industry standard Agile principles.
Identifying user experience solutions to improve the mobile application
Defining the scope of work for each development cycle
Managing quality control, deployments and product demonstrations
Managing the client relationship with the Rakuten Sports Marketing Director in Madrid, Spain.
Monitoring the overall progress, schedules and budgeting
Rokk3r
Senior Innovation Strategist | Miami, USA 2019-2020
At ROKK3R we were tasked to to identify, design, validate, and develop strategic action plans for exponential business opportunities for corporate clients. As a polymath and senior innovation strategist, Thomas served as a liaison between THINK (ideation) and CO-BUILD (execution) teams. His mission was to transform innovative business concepts into marketable solutions, from idea to functional product. He worked on two strategic business innovation projects within the Ed-Tech, and E-Commerce markets.
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Market data & competitive analysis, opportunity, solution & risk analysis
“Blue Ocean” value creation, business model design, go-to-market planning
Scalability, enterprise architecture, founding team evaluation & risk mitigation
Contract negotiation, strategic business partnerships, persuasion, leadership coaching
Financial analysis, pitch presentations, fundraising & venture capital culture
Entrepreneurial Coaching, emotional intelligence, resilience
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Product design; user experience, user interfaces
Feature analysis & prioritization, experimentation, feasibility analysis
Intellectual property assessment, competitive analysis, legal advisory
Prototyping, AGILE cross-functional product development, iterations & pivoting
Beta testing, user engagement testing, validation & deployment
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Marketing strategy, growth hacking, social networking tactics
Community engagement, influencers, go-to-market strategy
Brand definition, narrative development, story-writing & story-telling
Regional & global growth strategy definition & planning, partnerships
YuVie
COO | Product & Operations | Miami, USA 2016-2019
At YuVie, and as a founding member, shareholder and operations lead, we developed a B2B mobile video-tech marketing solution designed to create and distribute 30 second end-to-end branded videos to engage audiences on social-media platforms. Thomas’ mission was to holistically lead cross-functional product and business functions to bring to market and grow a patented B2B video-tech solution.
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Provided leadership to align a multi-national team: USA, Europe, Asia
Institutionalized a measurement-centric lean culture to align internal KPIs
Defined investment strategy, assets, co-lead venture pitch presentations
Negotiated term sheets, raised venture capital funding
Pivoted a mobile B2C solution to a B2B solution for iOS & Android
Negotiated content licensing deal with Universal Music Group
Managed the adoption of corporate leaders within: furniture, automotive, telecom, and fitness
Secured Trademark & Patent protection from USTPO
Raised $750K to iterate the product and fund growth initiatives.
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Managed the mobile software development cycle, iterations
Defined feature prioritization, MVP requirements & product roadmaps
Defined user experience and interface design requirements
Managed user engagement workshops, conducted AB testing
Lead product demonstrations:
Auto: BMW, Toyota, Mini, Land Rover
Media: Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group
Furniture: Bears Furniture, Ashley Furniture
Health & Wellness: Planet Fitness
Retail: Nike, Converse
Communications: T-Mobile
Hospitality: Carnival Cruises
Community: Boys & Girls Club
BETA tested Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United and FC Barcelona
Implemented GDPR standards
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Defined business narrative, lead digital marketing strategy
Lead growth hacking & cotent production: print, web, social media
Engaged with community, managed sponsored events, lead customer support
Presented at national industry-specific conferences: High Point NC and Las Vegas NV
Ocean Bleu Collective
Co-Founder, Innovation Consultant | New York City & Miami, USA 2013-2019
At Ocean Bleu Collective we provided waves of innovation and strategy services to a network of international professionals, that like trade winds, steered transformative change. Thomas’ mission was to lead the REBUILD (product innovation) function within the group, co-lead the RETHINK (change & leadership) function, support the OBC team and lead the strategic growth of the business.
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RETHINK - Change mindset, unlock potential. Leadership strategy.
REBUILD - Transform actionable ideas into reality. Product strategy.
RECREATE - Develop rich content. Marketing strategy.
RESELL - Inspire audiences to act. Sales strategy.
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Coached entrepreneurs on product strategy, the innovation process and AGILE methods
Coached entrepreneurs on startups, leadership principles, and venture capital strategy
Coached entrepreneurs on narrative development, presenting, culture & persuasion
Coached entrepreneurs on branding, tactical digital growth hacking techniques, GTM strategy
Coached entrepreneurs on leadership values, business culture and management principles
Coached entrepreneurs on collaboration, sustaining partnerships & defining goals
Coached entrepreneurs on cross-cultural & international business development
Coached entrepreneurs on launching ventures in the United States & Europe
Cultivated a client network of international business leaders
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Advised on product development, prototyping & iterative cycles.
Developed business model & beta solutions for:
Prop-tech, Infrastructure
Metropolitan Transportation
Social Media, Content Creation
Hospitality & Wellness
Luxury Goods & Cosmetics
Sports & Event Marketing
Human Resources
Online Education
Facilitated opportunity evaluation & applying first principles logic
Facilitated Solution ideation, UI/UX design & prototyping
Facilitated feature prioritization & competitive risk analysis
Facilitated product roadmap planning & solution scaling strategy
Coached product lunches & demonstrations to international audiences
Supported purchase order negotiations between startups & fortune 500 clients
Supported venture capital fundraising negotiations & strategic alliances
Advised on cross-functional digital solution team management
Advised user engagement, customer & market feedback analysis
Advised on talent recruitment, motivations, contract negotiation
Advised on supplier relationships, sales, marketing & influencer strategy
Advised on international shipping, customs standards & protocols
Advised on obtaining intellectual property protections (Patents & Trademarks)
Implemented process design optimizations to drive organizational efficiency
Promoted stakeholder alignment & sustainable communication strategy
Promoted holistic mindset adoption & customer-centric principles
Golden Seeds
Venture Capital Analyst | New York City, USA 2013-2015
At Golden Seeds we provided strategic resources, network opportunities and venture capital investment to women-led startups and businesses. Thomas’ mission was to collaborate with fund partners on advising early stage women-led startups on raising venture capital investment, conduct due diligence of prospective business ventures, and managed fundraising & pitch events.
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Coached entrepreneurs on the venture capital process & cultural norms.
Refined business narratives, mission statements & goals towards actionable metrics
Evaluated opportunity & solution impact value, market data & industry capabilities
Evaluated product/market fit, cultural relevancy & customer feedback insights
Recommended strategic pivots, addressing key resource & talent concerns
Built financial & economic models, venture documentation, and reporting assets
Facilitated multi-round capital deployments to target ventures; seed, series A & B rounds
Supporting strategic partnerships, venture capital syndicates
Tracked post-investment venture progress & growth for fund partners
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Vetted startup / early stage business venture proposals
Vetted term sheets, deal memorandums for new investment opportunities
Vetted marketing collateral, documentation & messaging
Vetting founders and core team members; talent, vision, focus & resilience
Challenged purpose, mission, vision (why, how, what)
Challenged market research data & customer reviews
Challenged company defined KPIs & metrics
Challenged business model & growth strategy
Conducted disciplined product/solution/service audits to assess impact value
Facilitated technical review of digital infrastructure, cloud & platform security
Conducted rigorous financial, operative, competitive & cultural audits
Conducted Intellectual Property (existing & potential) audits
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Educated founders on Venture Capital culture & differences between East & West Coast fundraising
Built a resource insight database for entrepreneurs on Startups & navigating Venture Capital
Authored blog articles on venture capital norms between the US, Europe, Canada & South East Asia
Led VC screening & pitch events, organized VC & startup networking events
Represented the VC group at local Techstar events & facilitated workshops
Managed startup coaching sessions for entrepeneurs
Singapore Ministry of Education, Princeton in Asia
International Fellow : Professor of Classical & Modern History | Singapore, SG 2010-2012
Ministry of Education of Singapore aims to provide holistic learning opportunities to expose students to different possibilities that ensure a strong foundation for learning in a variety of domains. Selected by Princeton In Asia, a cross-cultural education NGO & affiliate of Princeton University, Thomas’ mission was to provide a multi-cultural perspective as a history teacher in Singapore’s Nan Hua High School.
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Tasked with enhancing the critical & creative thinking skills of over 300 students:
For Secondary 1 level students (Classical Chinese, Indian and South East Asian History)
For Secondary 3 level (Modern European History)
Led cross-cultural learning projects & events aimed at bridging east & west
Led educational competitions (history & geography focused)
Secondary 3 Level students won first place of Singapore National History Competition.
Mentored prospective students for liberal arts western universities
Coached the Nan Hua Boys soccer team
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Authored original multi-media educational content for course instruction
Illuminated opportunities to strengthen east & west through historical narratives & content
Collaborated with Ministry of Education on standardizing developed educational resources
Skills
Keywords
Globe
Vision
Product Innovation
Product Innovation a dynamic practice of balancing two forces; sustainability and disruption.
Sustainability to empower teams with the resources & techniques to continuously develop innovative solutions. Disruption to challenge the status quo and iteratively discover, design, build, and improve products that truly deliver customer value.
This relationship can be illustrated with the yin yang…
… balancing these opposing energies fosters product teams that remain relevant in the present while shaping the future.
This dynamic is present within modern Product Development frameworks…
… where each stage of the framework is supported by opposing activities, that elegantly combine to drive the innovative process forward.
When applied this framework forms a holistic & sustainable cycle…
… in which each cycle directly feeds into the next.
This framework is made possible by tactfully deploying human resources to fulfill specific tasks & strategic goals…
… so that the outputs of each individual directly flow into the responsibilities of the next team member.
Maintaining the effectiveness of this framework demands agility.
Agility; not as a noun, but as an adjective…
By treating agility as an adjective — a guiding principle — product teams naturally integrate creativity & responsiveness into their practices, enabling them to…
Endure by proactively responding to stakeholders & market forces.
Deliver Value by solving real problems & focusing on customer outcomes.
Sustainably Grow by harnessing principles of learning, adaptability & flow.
In essence, agility transcends fixed methodologies.
And, this agility is critical for discovering category defining solutions, “blue ocean” opportunities…
Combined, these concepts to form a flexible outcome-oriented product innovation strategy focused on value creation…
Blue Ocean Strategy and agility form a powerful combination for building industry-defining products. By embracing flexibility, human-centered empathy, and continuous learning, teams can systematically uncover novel market opportunities, execute swiftly, and keep delivering value over time. This integration ensures that as competition intensifies, the organization remains nimble, creative, and ready to discover the next horizon.
Leadership
Leadership defined as service to others, is not about taking charge, its about taking care of those in our charge.
Becoming an effective leader requires life-long discipline & the sustained practice of positive virtues intended to nurture oneself & the people in our charge.
These positive virtues include:
Applying these virtues enables leaders to improve their capacity to…
Over the long-term, great leadership is about managing change…
Adapt or die, change is the only constant.
Great leadership anticipates change & how it manifests cyclically across organizations…
The challenge is not managing these cycles as they happen, its anticipating when & where convergence might occur…
… and guiding these cycles to converge & diverge in synchronicity without breaking the whole system…
Thus, the mission for leaders is sustaining synchronicity over time, so that it plays to your advantage.
How is this possible?
Through Culture
Culture is not merely a set of values or intentions, it is a set of encouraged actions.
When the intentions & actions of each function align harmoniously, then an efficient, impactful and rewarding operating culture can be achieved...
Achieving this requires active cultivation of the right actions + a balanced approach to the change is proactive…
This is what leadership is all about; proactively defining the right actions & sustaining a healthy pace of change.
This balancing act is what separates great companies from the rest.
Strategy
Strategy is about aligning minds with actions. Building a coherent strategy is key to constructively & sustainably managing change so that it becomes an advantage & promotes growth.
Developing a compelling narrative begins with…
Step 1 : Define a Narrative
Leaders function as storytellers, bringing authenticity to the vision. They harness the power of narrative to build emotional resonance and unite team members behind a shared cause.
Step 2 : Design a Process
Leaders act as facilitators, connecting the strategic vision to clear, coordinated actions. They remove barriers, empower team with resources, and maintain a cadence of iteration and reflection.
Step 3 : Sustain with Oversight
Leaders become stewards of culture and continuity. By consistently referencing the initial vision and the collective sense of purpose, they act as a cornerstone for the organization’s growth.
To endure,
Strategy must be holistic, iterative & sustainable…
When strategy unites minds with actions and effective leadership, organizations find their “way” no matter the path.
Holistic Perspective
Adopting a holistic perspective means imagining each organizational function as operating interdependently. Isolated these functions provide minimal value, but combined their potential is limitless.
The Overview Effect
Applying the overview effect to a company means cultivating a systems-thinking approach, ensuring every functional team aligns with a unified strategy for achieving and sustaining success.
It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of all operations—when one function evolves, the entire organization must adapt seamlessly, maintaining harmony and resilience in the face of change.
The Overview Effect is a cognitive shift in awareness reported by astronauts while viewing the Earth from outer space. It is the experience of seeing first-hand the reality of the Earth as a unique, single, closed and fragile ecosystem hanging in the great void of space. The effect invokes a sense of transcendence and connection with humanity and all living things as a one whole.
What I can offer…
Vision, Compassion, Leadership & Product Experience
Education
Degrees
Certifications
Culture
Fun
