Main Goal: Return back to Nike!
North Star Goal: Footwear Product Creation as a Product Line Manager or Developer (specifically in Bball or NSW)
Christmas 2020
Why Footwear Product Creation?
The Creative Product Process
What initially draws me into the opportunity. Having a clear-cut goal in mind, talking to consumers, designing, sampling, iterating again and again, all to solve a problem or tell a meaningful story. It’s iterative, sometimes chaotic, but always exciting. This is what I loved about building TrainerKinect, an online platform that connects local athletes to trainers, in my Product Development class. It’s also why I chose to work with Georgia-Pacific for my Business Minor Capstone. Even though the product was a toilet paper dispenser, it was one of the few projects available that involved the product development process.
Endless Footwear Opportunities
Footwear is where creativity meets complexity, as there’s an endless amount of components that come into play. What outsole should we use? What cushioning? What uppers? What story are we telling with the design? Being able to navigate such ambiguity, problem solve across functions, and contribute to a bold, shared goal is what I find most energizing. Every detail matters, and every choice is an opportunity to make a product the best it can be for the athletes* we serve. This is why I took classes through BCU, so I could get a better understanding of just how many opportunities there are with footwear.
Putting it Together
Bringing those two reasons together, you have an incredible opportunity for purpose and emotion. You have your hands on products that help consumers evidently feel seen, supported, and understood. Shoes are one of the most powerful methods to express yourself, and when they truly get you, it unlocks the possibility to become the best athlete* you can be. With Nike, there will also always be an opportunity to help make the greatest product in the market.
Why those roles? Could you rank them?
Product Line Management (The Why)
Before any problem can be solved, I always want to understand the why. Getting to be on the front-line with understanding consumer motivation is one of the most compelling reasons for a role as PLM. At my last internship at Wilson Sporting Goods, I loved being able to analyze our consumer behavior, compare it to our competitors, and provide actional recommendations on how we can best service them online. When working on TrainerKinect, the most exciting part was not just the solution. It was getting to interview a wide range of athletes and digging deep into what makes them tick.
The second reason is storytelling. As the voice of the consumer, a PLM helps bring the vision to life by articulating what the consumer needs and how to serve them through product, all while working closely with their triad to iterate along the way. I really enjoyed practicing storytelling through the briefs I created, using creative tactics to build decks that pitched a clear product direction. This connects to why I was initially drawn to the analytics part of my school major, as I love using data to tell authentic stories, especially in spaces where information is often misinterpreted.I also genuinely enjoy presenting, whether through pitches, speeches, or meetings. Using your voice is an art, and it’s a skill I’ve intentionally developed across work, school, and leadership roles.
Lastly, I am driven by the opportunity to facilitate. I’ve heard so many descriptions of PLMs, from the quarterback, the mini CEO, the point guard, and more. My favorite part of working in high-performing teams is getting to know people who may have skillsets I don’t have, and building synergy towards that common goal. I take pride in being self-aware of what I bring to the table and helping others do the same in the product space excites me. That’s exactly what I did during the Intern Combine, where I suggested we split into Data, Storytelling, and Design teams based on team strengths. I’ve also led this way as Product Manager for TrainerKinect, Internal VP of my Filipino Student Association, and Project Manager for my Business Capstone. The next goal would be to do it in an actual job setting where I can help facilitate the product creation.
Product Developer (The How)
Coming from an engineering background, I have always been drawn to solving complex problems with precision and creativity. Being detail-oriented is a key component in both engineering and product development, and it is a strength I enjoy leaning into. This is what led me to engineering in the first place—the excitement of diving deep into problems and exploring possible solutions, something I deal with everyday as a Georgia Tech student. I’d love to be able to apply this detail-oriented mentality to a more hands-on, product-focused role.
Another reason is the opportunity to be more technical and communicate ideas as a subject matter expert. Developers are expected to understand every detail of what they touch, whether it’s building out tech packs or problem solving during the sample process. I experienced this kind of ownership during my Product Supply Chain internship, where I leaned into the technical skillsets I learned in school and practiced communicating progress to teammates who were less familiar with the technical side. I believe my upcoming coursework in BCU will also deepen that technical knowledge, especially in footwear-specific development.
Lastly, I’m energized by the hands-on iteration of materials involved in development. Whether it’s refining a specific component or adjusting fit, you’re constantly working through samples to make the product better. I experienced this firsthand at Wilson Sporting Goods, where I supported the development of an outdoor basketball line by evaluating prototypes and analyzing which shapes, textures, and materials would best serve the consumer. Developers play a key role in bridging creative vision with technical execution, and I enjoy the process of dialing in every detail to bring a product to life.
Comparing the Two
While I have a deeply rooted passion for both roles, I would currently say my strongest pull is slightly toward the PLM side because of the creative opportunities in storytelling and understanding the consumer on a deeper level. That said, my appreciation for the development side continues to grow, especially as I learn more about what it takes to bring those ideas to life. No matter the role, I am motivated by being part of a team that cares deeply about creating great product, and I am excited by the idea of contributing across both the strategy and execution of footwear creation.
Why Basketball? Why NSW?
Basketball
Basketball has always been more than just a sport I played. It was an experience that shaped how I approach challenges, teammates, and personal growth. This space would allow me to give back to the game that taught me so much by creating footwear that helps athletes play their best game. I’m excited by the idea of combining my love for the game with my passion for product creation to help build the future of basketball footwear.
NSW
NSW is all about self-expression and attitude. I’m fascinated by how lifestyle footwear tells stories beyond performance, and how there’s endless opportunities to reflect culture, history, and personality. Diving deep into those stories and helping create products that resonate with people’s identities is what draws me to the sportswear space, and it’s an opportunity to connect creativity with authenticity to truly impact consumers.