Benjamin Poole profile photo

Benjamin Poole

Senior Manager, Data Product Management at Autodesk

Data Product ManagementUX ResearchProduct Led Growth (PLG)Change ManagementAI AgentsData Visualization
↗ LinkedIn→ Chat with agent

About

I'm Benjamin Poole, currently the Senior Manager of Data Product Management at Autodesk. My career has been a journey through the intersections of technology, design, and business—from my early days as a web entrepreneur to leading UX research and business operations at PayPal. Today, I lead a team of 'data storytellers' focused on building certified data products that prioritize credibility and performance. I’m deeply passionate about the human side of technology; I believe that while the right stack is vital, the best business value often comes from a healthy debate at a whiteboard. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the world of AI-assisted development and exploring how we can use tools like Claude Code to improve developer workflows. I’m always looking to connect with people who are interested in bridging the gap between complex engineering and actionable business strategy.

Networking

What I can offer

  • ›Expertise in bridging engineering, UX research, and business strategy.
  • ›Technical resources for AI tools and Power BI datasets.
  • ›Insights on organizational change management and software adoption.

Looking for

  • ›expanding my professional network
  • ›exploring mutual opportunities in the data, product, and AI developer communities

Best fit for

Data professionalsProduct managersAI developersBusiness strategy leaders

Current Interests

AI-Assisted Development (Claude Code, AI Agents)Modern Data Stack (Snowflake, Looker, Power BI)Digital TwinsConsumption-based pricing modelsSmart Manufacturing

Background

Career

Began in web development and marketing, transitioned into UX research and business operations at PayPal, and now leads data product management at Autodesk.

Education

Bachelors of Journalism, Advertising and Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1993 – 1997)

Achievements

  • ›Designed and launched a technology 'Champions' network at PayPal to increase software adoption.
  • ›Built a custom AI skill (/session-recap) for Claude Code to improve developer workflow.
  • ›Led the successful rollout of Microsoft Office 365 at PayPal using UX Research.
  • ›Currently leads a team of data storytellers building 'Certified Data Products'.

Opinions

  • The best tools for business value are often a clean whiteboard and a healthy debate.
  • Revenue is only created when usage and outcomes are unlocked; aggregate data is a signal killer.
  • True technology adoption happens when a company reframes the effort, not just when software improves.
  • Stop tutorials and start building to master new technical skills.