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Isabel Yap
Product @ Klaviyo | Writer
Professional Background
Isabel Yap is a highly accomplished and collaborative Product Manager with over a decade of experience in fast-paced technology environments. As a dynamic leader, she has played a pivotal role in building innovative cross-platform products that have generated significant value for thousands of customers. Isabel is known for her adept ability to launch initiatives that extend beyond product management, including ventures into higher education and operational expansions within the EMEA region. Her expertise in streamlining processes, such as talent acquisition and rollout escalations, exemplifies her skill in solving complex challenges even under minimal guidance.
Isabel’s career trajectory includes pivotal positions in high-growth settings, beginning when she contributed as a product manager from seed to Series A stage twice. Currently, she is thriving in a growth-stage role with Klaviyo, where she helps creators to expand their businesses by enhancing the core platform. Her diverse portfolio of projects ranges from optimizing infrastructure to developing sophisticated RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis tools that empower users to make data-driven decisions.
Education and Achievements
Isabel’s academic background is as impressive as her professional experience. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, one of the premier institutions globally for business education, where she honed her skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and innovation. Her undergraduate education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and minors in English and Japanese Studies from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. Additionally, she completed an Intensive Program in Japanese Language and Culture at Sacred Heart University (聖心女子大学) and received her Bachelor's degree in Management from Ateneo de Manila University.
Her commitment to education continues in her professional career through various roles. She has served as a Learning Leader at Santa Clara University and a Teaching Assistant at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, demonstrating her passion for guiding and mentoring future leaders in the field.
Isabel is also a published author and award-winning writer who intertwines her passion for storytelling with her professional pursuits. Her debut collection, "Never Have I Ever," published by Small Beer Press in 2021, showcases her skill in writing speculative fiction. It celebrates themes rooted in Filipino mythology, reflecting her cultural heritage and creative inspiration. The collection received notable recognition, winning the prestigious British Fantasy Award and being a finalist for several others, including the World Fantasy, Locus, Crawford, and Ignyte Awards.
Achievements
Isabel Yap's career is marked by impressive accomplishments across various roles and industries. In her previous positions, she has demonstrated a robust understanding of product management and marketing dynamics, evident from her role as Senior Product Manager at Klaviyo. Here, she led strategic initiatives that empowered creators, enhancing user engagement and product efficacy. Her strategic mindset has also been critical in her earlier roles, including her impactful work at Thrilling and her foundational experiences at Guidebook Inc.
At Guidebook Inc., she began her journey in product management, transitioning through positions that included Product Marketing Manager and Accounts and Product Specialist, ultimately culminating in her role as a Senior Product Manager. Her versatility and commitment to cross-functional collaboration laid the groundwork for her future successes in product development.
Isabel’s experience in the tech industry is complemented by her contributions in customer success and her collaborative work with the community team at prominent companies such as Scopely and GREE International, Inc. This blend of technical expertise, creativity, and customer-centric focus has made Isabel a much-admired industry leader.
In addition to her professional achievements, Isabel's literary success marks her as a multifaceted individual. Her commitment to writing stories steeped in cultural narratives enhances her profile as a Product Manager, as it underscores her dedication to clear communication and engagement with diverse audiences. Her ability to translate complex concepts into accessible language not only informs her roles as a product documenter and presenter but also allows her to resonate deeply with her audience and stakeholders.
In summary, Isabel Yap stands out as a dynamic and accomplished professional within the tech industry. With her impressive background in product management, robust educational qualifications, and celebrated literary contributions, she embodies the fusion of creativity and analytical thinking necessary for the modern business landscape. Her dedication to driving innovation, creativity in storytelling, and commitment to collaboration makes her a valuable asset in any endeavor she undertakes.