I'm Kris Bernard,
Product and Design Leader
from Los Angeles, California.
As a design and technology leader with over 20 years of experience, I have honed my skills in creating SaaS products that cater to both B2B and B2C markets. My expertise lies in product development and engineering, with a specialized focus on Internet and Cloud Services. As a PMI-certified Project Management Professional and a Certified Scrum Master, I am dedicated to leading diverse teams toward the successful execution of complex projects. I hold an MBA in Administrative Management and a Bachelor's degree in Merchandising.
Although my initial academic pursuits were in Computer Science, where I maintained a 4.0 GPA, I took a creative turn into courses like History of Architecture, History of Furniture, Textiles, and Computer-Aided Design for Interiors. This shift was driven by my fascination with blending technology and the creative arts, a theme that has permeated my career. I even returned to my alma mater to teach future interior designers, further integrating my interests.
Despite my career being rooted in virtual products where technology is the product, several passion projects have afforded me the opportunity to dabble in the more tangible design product space.
○ In 2008, a website I conceived, design, and built was featured in prestigious publications, like Martha Stewart’s Blueprint magazine, Time Magazine's "The Design 100: The People and Ideas Behind Today's Most Influential Design", including the cover of Loft Life Magazine for a feature called The Lovely Ladies of Cyberspace.
○ In March 2020, during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, I developed a test website to evaluate shopping cart software, starting with a simple, throw-away idea. What began as a proof-of-concept to stave off boredom unexpectedly transformed into a profitable venture, quickly generating over $12,000 in revenue from physical goods that I designed and had manufactured.
This blend of experience and entrepreneurial spirit exemplifies my holistic approach to merging business, technology, and design, driving forward innovations that resonate with today's buyers.
Currently, I serve as the Vice President of Product Development for a large cloud consulting services company where I manage a talented team of Software Engineers, SREs, Product Designers, and Product Managers.
As a design leader, I am dedicated to creating exceptional customer experiences that drive business outcomes. My team's focus on metrics, such as CSAT and the HEART framework, ensures that we are constantly measuring and improving the customer experience. By leading cross-functional teams and prioritizing collaboration, I am able to deliver products that provide both business value and meaningful customer experiences that keep them coming back.
As a product leader, I have a strong track record of supporting my teams to achieve success and bring high-quality products to market. I possess a deep understanding of the product development cycle and excel at guiding cross-functional teams through every stage, from ideation to launch. I take pride in inspiring and motivating teams, leveraging my strategic mindset to achieve outstanding results and surpass business objectives.
As a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2013, I have extensive experience managing projects and leading teams. I work with a range of project management principles and methodologies, including large-scale planning, Agile/Scrum ceremonies, and road mapping. In addition to managing projects, I also have experience leading a team of project managers to ensure successful project completion within set timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
With experience facilitating workshops for both technical organizations and non-profits, I am a skilled facilitator who excels at guiding participants through ideation, problem-solving, and decision-making processes. I create collaborative environments that foster creativity, open communication, and constructive feedback, enabling teams to unlock their full potential and achieve exceptional results. With a focus on effective facilitation and clear communication, I help teams succeed in reaching their goals.
As an experienced product development process professional, I have a demonstrated ability to design tailored product development processes that meet the unique needs of organizations and their teams. My approach is rooted in a deep curiosity of team dynamics, and I prioritize efficiency and value creation in every stage of the process. With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, I am committed to helping organizations achieve their product development objectives and drive sustained success.
As a team building specialist for research and development teams, I recognize the importance of strong teams in achieving success and driving innovation. I am committed to creating safe and collaborative environments that promote creativity, open communication, and a culture of continuous improvement. With an emphasis on best practices and team-building activities, I collaborate closely with engineering, design, and product teams to cultivate high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results.
A step-by-step workbook to help you build a Product Development Process that WORKS for your organization.