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M.S. Paola Sanmiguel
Human-centered Product Research, Design & Strategy - Founder - Foresights - Salesforce - Ex-Google, Intel, VZ - IYA@USC
Professional Background
M.S. Paola Sanmiguel is an exceptionally dynamic and interdisciplinary leader, specializing in user-centric product research, design, development, and strategy. Her impressive career spans across Fortune 100 tech giants like Google, Intel, and Verizon, alongside notable contributions in start-up environments. Paola is renowned for her record of initiative and innovation, consistently delivering outstanding results within teams and organizations.
Throughout her career, Paola has established herself as a self-starter who is adept at addressing challenges, leading through periods of ambiguity, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. She excels in cultivating an organizational culture that prioritizes empathy, curiosity, and creativity. By inspiring her teams with the courage to turn potential failures into transformative breakthroughs, she has redefined the standards of excellence in product development.
Paola's approach to design thinking emphasizes a holistic customer experience (CX) strategy. She firmly believes that engaging directly with customers is vital for crafting innovative and user-centric products that resonate deeply in the marketplace. By considering the full product lifecycle, she ensures that the products she works on not only meet current demands but also have a positive long-term social impact.
Innovation, in Paola's view, is about continuously framing and reframing questions and ideas. This perspective drives her to embrace excellent product research, design, testing, and strategy, effectively instilling creative thinking and enabling fluid collaboration throughout her projects. Her commitment to rapid prototyping and impeccable execution establishes her as a leader in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Paola's educational background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She obtained a Master of Science (M.S.) in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology from the prestigious University of Southern California. This advanced degree has enhanced her ability to merge design principles with practical business acumen, equipping her with the skills necessary to lead complex product development initiatives.
Additionally, Paola has broadened her knowledge through the d. School Executive Education Innovation Master Series at Stanford University, specializing in Design Thinking Methods & Practice. This training has solidified her expertise in creative problem solving and innovative design processes.
She is also a Doctoral Candidate in Science, Technology, and Society at the University of Virginia, showcasing her commitment to exploring the intersections of technology, societal change, and user experience. Her foundation in liberal arts is evidenced by her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political and Social Thought and English Language and Literature, attained with honors at the University of Virginia.
With a truly interdisciplinary educational background, Paola uses her rich knowledge to advocate for user-centric design that balances aesthetics, functionality, and social responsibility.
Notable Positions
Over the years, Paola has held several influential positions that reflect her versatility and expertise:
- UX Research & Product Design at MuleSoft: In this role, Paola has leveraged her skills to enhance user experience, ensuring that product design is informed by in-depth user research.
- Founder & CEO at SprintAwesome Consulting: Here, she successfully led a consulting firm dedicated to providing innovative product strategies that align with client needs.
- Manager, Research & New Product Development at Verizon: Paola managed a global product solutions team, guiding new developments that respond to user insights and market trends.
- Lead Global Trainer at Google AdSense: Paola developed and delivered training programs that empowered new hires, improving overall team performance and customer satisfaction.
- Sr. Curriculum Designer, Customer Experience at Intel Media: She played a pivotal role in designing educational content centered around enhancing customer experience, ensuring users received exceptional service and support.
Volunteer and Advisory Roles
In addition to her professional engagements, Paola actively contributes to her community through various volunteer and advisory positions:
- Advisor at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation: Paola offers her expertise to support initiatives that empower the Latino community, promoting education and opportunity.
- Freelance Designer at verynice: A consultancy project utilizing her design skills for social good, reaffirming her dedication to combining creativity with community impact.
- Advisor, UX & Product at Generation Connect, Inc.: Her insights have helped shape innovative learning and development products, enhancing user engagement.
M.S. Paola Sanmiguel continues to be a transformative figure in her field, inspiring innovation and empathy in product design and user experience. Her diverse career path and exceptional educational background emphasize her commitment to creating impactful, user-focused solutions. Each role she undertakes reflects her passion for leading with intention and the courage to innovate.
