Nadine started in marketing research but later transitioned to engineering by teaching herself to code. With a passion for innovation and growth, she now dedicates herself to mentoring the next generation of digital leaders, striving to empower others through education and continuous learning.
Read the scoop below to find out more:
1. Hi Nadine! Please tell us about your professional background.
I have been in the internet and digital space for almost 30 years. With a BA in Sociology and MA in East Asian Studies from the Harvard University, I started my career doing marketing research for a start-up in the Boston area during the mid 1990s. Because we didn't have an IT budget there, I taught myself how to code and spent the next few years of my career as an engineer.
The third startup at which I worked was bought over by Amazon.com at the height of the dotcom bubble. I joined Amazon and worked as a frontend engineer on merchant tools at the time when Amazon was transitioning to being a selling platform. I moved into programme and product management when I joined the community team. There, I managed Amazon's customer reviews, its gift certificates, wishlist, baby and wedding registries. I then worked as an Executive Assistant for the CIO, who was in charge of much of Amazon's technology infrastructure, including AWS.
I moved to Singapore in 2006 to bring up my kids and to be nearer to my extended family. I worked for Yahoo! Southeast Asia in roles spanning product operation, localisation and product marketing. After that, I move on to work for Viki.com (bought by Rakuten) as the VP of product. I did digital transformation at the Law Society Pro Bono Services Unit (NGO), went back into product, customer experience and technology management at Temasys.io (Communications Infrastructure as a Service) and the Parent Inc. before joining NUS-ISS.
2. Could you share more about the modules/courses which you teach at NUS-ISS?
I teach Digital Product Strategy at NUS-ISS. It is a practice-oriented programme designed for product professionals and digital strategists to develop their expertise in successful strategy curation and execution. The course guides you in formulating a product vision supported by market research, developing a Go-To-Market strategy that aligns with the organisation’s portfolio and continuously evolving a Minimal Viable Product while building customer loyalty.
3. Why did you choose to teach at NUS-ISS?
I've always enjoyed mentorship and teaching. I've also regularly engaged with people in the education space who've been experimenting with different ways of teaching and educating. I've been part of the NUS-ISS community as a speaker and an adjunct for quite a while before joining as a full-time lecturer. I've always admired how NUS-ISS collaborate with the industry to keep their curriculum both engaging and relevant.
4. What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love engaging with a wide range of students and practitioners across industries. I especially enjoy working with our students from the public sectors, helping with product competencies thereby enhancing the products that we use on a daily basis and play a key role in helping Singapore to stay competitive. I also really enjoy working with colleagues on how best to teach and convey the craft of product management and product thinking / mindset, to a very diverse group of students so that they and their company derive the most benefit.
5. How do you keep up with the industry?
Avid reading, listening to podcasts on related topics, and engaging during industry networking events. I also keep up with friends from previous jobs who have forged careers in silicon valley and other parts of the world.
6. What are your favourite activities when you are not working?
Nadine sings in a choral symphony. See if you can spot her amidst the choir. Hint: she's in the front row
I've just picked up choral singing. I now sing with the International Festival Chorus and the Singapore Symphony Chorus. For this year, we've sung the Brahms Requiem, Beethoven's 9th Symphony and will be singing Carl Orff's Carmina Burana, Rutter's Magnificat, and assorted other anthems and Christmas music for the upcoming events.
Nadine’s family photo
I also enjoy walks in many of Singapore's recreation parks and trails and spending time with my family.
7.Tell us something about yourself that very few people know.
Nadine participates in the high-jumping segment as a national gymnast
I used to be a national gymnast and high jumper and I've started experimenting with different activities like rock climbing and acro yoga. Any suggestions what should I try next?