Michelle Pae

Worked as Contributor at Portfolio.

The Center for AI & Democracy is a peer community for people using AI in the fight for democracy.

We’re technologists, investors, and operators building a counterweight to the growing influence of tech oligarchs.
We believe the future is being written by the wrong people, and our goal is to mobilize tech leaders who share our democratic values to engage in the political process.

Check us out at techfordemocracy.org and join in if our mission speaks to you.

Worked as NEW INC Mentor at New Museum of Contemporary Art.

Serve as a trusted advisor to early-stage founders, specializing in transforming entrepreneurial visions into market-ready digital products. I partner with founders to navigate the critical 0->1 phase, providing hands-on guidance across product strategy, team building, and go-to-market execution.

Core expertise:

— Product strategy and roadmap development
— Technical and design talent acquisition

Leading digital innovation initiatives at the intersection of art, technology, and user experience to enhance the museum's global online presence and visitor engagement, advancing MoMA's mission of making art accessible to audiences worldwide.

Key achievements:

— Architected and currently executing a multi-year digital strategy focused on expanding online engagement and creating new revenue oppo

Worked as Strategic Advisor at The Second Shift.

Lead Product, Data and Marketing Teams through high-growth response to Covid-19.

— Created strategic marketing plan and product roadmap to maximize app usage through the surge in telehealth.
— Achieved 76% growth in app installs and 55% in purchases over two quarters.
— Developed 3-year plan to modify product offering, change fee structures and increase performance across multiple KPIs.

The Second Shift is a talent marketplace focused on providing flexible, high-value job opportunities for women professionals. Acquired by Sinecure

Lead business strategy, goal setting, hiring, and general management.
— Achieved 58% top line growth Y-O-Y.

Responsible for building and managing the digital platform from the ground up, including product vision and roadmap, creative direction, design

SpaFinder Wellness was the world’s largest seller of spa gift cards redeemable at 20,000 spas and wellness facilities worldwide. Acquired by Blackhawk Network.

RealDirect was a venture-backed real estate platform and brokerage that enabled more effective and efficient residential real estate transactions using a suite of digital and data-driven tools. Acquired by Zillow.

Worked as VP, Product, Pronto at IAC.

Worked as VP, Product at Seevast.

Worked as Interaction Designer at R/GA.

Worked as Director, Product Management at Shopping.com.

Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies from Barnard College.