Charting New Skies: This Veteran's Path from Cockpit to Product Management

Buckle up, because this transition has been a wild ride from the open skies to touching down in the world of AI. We will explore Caitlin’s unique journey, which, trust me, is just as wild as DJ Trish’s best hip-hop beat drop.  Let's dive into the adventure, armed with humor and a playlist of witty insights."

As a VC-backed tech start-up, Coactive is proud to be part of the government-run Defense Ventures Program. We take on active or retiring military personnel and give them coaching, opportunities, and corporate experience to broaden their skill sets and advance their careers. In return, they contribute in their areas of expertise, while also giving us jaw-dropping stories about what it’s like to pilot a helicopter through disputed airspace in a storm, while keeping a cool head. It’s a great swap.

In this blog you’ll hear from two Coactive team members who joined us through the Shift Defense Ventures Program.

You've been with this AI startup since it was just a tiny four-person team. Can you tell us about the journey from those early days to where the company is now with 24 employees?

CAITLIN:

It's been an incredible journey. When I first joined, we were working out of a small office in Santana Row,now we have a bustling office in downtown San Jose with 24 talented team members. We've evolved from a seed of an idea into a full-fledged AI startup! Watching the growth from the sidelines during my first year of business school was exhilarating. Now that I’m in my second year and back in the fold, it’s been wonderful to meet everyone. The team's success is a testament to hard work, innovation, and an inspiring culture.

You mentioned the Defense Ventures Program as a key step in your transition to business school. How did that program and your first year at school help you understand your path toward becoming a product manager in the AI industry?

CAITLIN:

The Defense Ventures Program was pivotal in helping me see the potential in venture capital and the tech industry. It gave me my first taste of startup life and I fell in love with it because it was like being a pilot. When the company’s livelihood is at stake, it requires discipline and flexibility in decision-making -  there’s only so much runway to stick the landing!

Business school has taught me that people are incredibly important to my environment. I’ve been able to interact with some of the best business leaders and teachers at Haas. They provided me with a wealth of knowledge to understand strategy and take companies to the next level.

The combination of the Defense Ventures Program and my first year at school was the 'aha' moment I needed in transitioning out of the military. I learned how to apply my military discipline and leadership in a new setting. It gave me the confidence to leap into this exciting and dynamic field.

The decision to pivot to becoming a product manager came from my curiosity and desire for new challenges. It was like trading the open skies for the limitless possibilities of AI, and I haven't looked back since.

Now, as a Product Manager, could you describe the kind of decisions you make on a daily basis, and how they might compare to the decisions you used to make as a helicopter pilot?

CAITLIN:

My role as a Product Manager involves making decisions that affect the direction and success of our platform. While the stakes may be different, the process of making quick decisions under pressure is a skill I've carried from my military days. Just as in a helicopter, I need to navigate through turbulence and ensure a smooth journey for our product.

Prioritizing features that we need to develop is a bit like planning a mission. I've learned to identify critical objectives and strategically allocate resources. The military taught me that not everything can be a top priority. It's about making tough choices and ensuring the most vital tasks are executed flawlessly, just as we would prioritize essential resources for a mission.

You've mentioned working with cross-functional teams in both the Navy and your current role. Can you share some insights into the similarities and differences in teamwork between the two environments?

CAITLIN:

Teamwork in the Navy and at the startup share a common thread of collaboration and mission. However, the key difference is the level of autonomy and innovation in the startup world. In the military, we followed established procedures, whereas, in startups, there’s more room for creativity and problem-solving. The ability to adapt and work cohesively with diverse skill sets is crucial in both environments.

What message or advice would you like to give to other veterans who may be considering a career transition into the tech industry, especially on Veterans Day?

CAITLIN:

Recognize the value of the skills and experiences they have gained in the military. Traits like adaptability, discipline, and the ability to work under pressure are assets that the tech world highly values. Embrace your unique background and let it propel you forward. Don't be afraid to reach out for help and find other veterans to be a mentor for you. The tech industry is filled with innovation and opportunity! As a veteran, you bring a different perspective and drive that can lead to success in this dynamic field. So, this Veterans Day, I encourage my fellow veterans to see the tech world not as an unfamiliar landscape but as a new mission!

Culture is our first and most important product. What makes Coactive special is having a truly collaborative, diverse, and learning team. We’re also the best-in-class solution for analyzing unstructured image data. Be part of the next data revolution. Join our team.