Ian Chou

Background

About Ian Chou

I’m a strategic product leader who builds products that solve real problems driven by why — not just ticking off what. With 8 years of experience across AI, SaaS, 3D/VR, and cloud security, I bring a consulting-trained approach to product management: distilling insights from scattered data, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving customer-centered decisions. At Cisco, I led a product and GTM realignment for a cloud security SaaS line with $xM in revenue goals. By analyzing the sales pipeline and segmentation strategy, I identified misaligned efforts across 6 teams and unified them under a shared roadmap — leading to 50% overachievement in bookings. I also drove Cisco’s quantum strategy, building the roadmap for quantum networking and quantum-safe security, and secured $50M+ investment to launch Cisco Quantum Labs. At Owl3D, I built an AI-native 3D video editing product from the ground up — leading product vision, design sprints, user and technical research, and prototyping to create a differentiated experience for 3D video creators. By shifting the team from a tech-first to a customer-first approach, we achieved strong product-market fit, significantly improved retention, and grew into a commercially viable product used by 3D creators. I thrive at the intersection of technology, user empathy, and business strategy — helping organizations move faster by connecting the dots others miss. Passionate about smart home tech. I’ve voice-controlled every light and appliance at home — and somehow became the go-to smart home setup guy among friends. When I’m not building AI products or automating my smart home, I moonlight as an EDM DJ and mixologist. I’ve crafted signature drinks like “Travel Around Taiwan” and “Ohiyo Kyoto” for Kellogg MBA events — remixing local flavor, culture, and creativity into every glass.