Jeremy Banks, 34
Director, Product Management | Carbyne
Board Member | Product Hive
What challenges have you overcome to get here today?
Growing up in a family with limited financial means, I didn’t have the traditional path to success. I was the first in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, and that journey wasn’t without its challenges. It wasn’t just about academics; I had to overcome the negative circumstances around me and stay focused on my goals. There were moments when I had to remind myself that success wasn’t defined by where I came from but by where I was going.
What advice do you have for your younger self?
Work hard and be nice to people. Early in my career, I was focused on working hard and proving myself, but I didn’t always realize the importance of empathy. In product, it’s not just about creating solutions — it’s about truly understanding people’s needs, whether it’s a customer, a team member or a partner. Building relationships, listening actively and being kind opens doors in ways that hard work alone can’t. Those connections make all the difference when you’re collaborating on products that affect real lives. Being genuinely nice and thoughtful will help you grow as a leader and shape the products you create, making them more user-centric and impactful.
