After HP acquired Poly, my role expanded to include enhancing the interaction between Poly headsets and HP commercial PCs. This shift allowed me to focus on collaborating with multiple teams to create a seamless integration between the two product lines, improving compatibility, and elevating the overall user experience. 

I worked hand-in-hand with a group of portfolio product managers, diving deep into their world to fully grasp the unique details of their products and industries. This collaboration gave me valuable insights that helped guide a larger mission: to merge and harmonize the various product backend platforms. By understanding the nuances of each product, I was able to identify key opportunities for integration that would streamline operations and align with the broader business unit strategy. It was a process of discovery, innovation, and teamwork, ultimately leading to a stronger, more unified approach across the whole portfolio and the entire business.

I took the lead in driving the software product roadmap for the headset business unit, ensuring every milestone aligned seamlessly with the company’s larger goals. It wasn’t just about planning for the next feature or update, it was about strategically guiding the product’s evolution to meet both immediate needs and long-term objectives. By working closely with stakeholders and keeping a pulse on market trends, I ensured that each decision moved us closer to our vision while staying true to the broader business strategy. This approach allowed the roadmap to become more than just a plan—it became a path to continued growth and innovation.

Product Manager

Poly

Driven by a desire for improvement, I led a series of key initiatives that completely reshaped the software release cycle. By streamlining processes and introducing more efficient methods, we doubled the release cadence per year. This newfound speed allowed us to deliver critical updates and new features, ensuring we stayed ahead of customer demands. The impact was significant—faster feature deployment, improved user satisfaction, and a stronger, more agile development team ready to tackle new challenges.

Developed and launched an entirely new software strategy for the headset group, designed to introduce cutting-edge features, functionalities and processes. The strategy was built with a focus on enhancing every aspect of the user experience, including strengthening our relationship with customers. Through a careful blend of innovation and execution, we successfully integrated these improvements, making the headset more dynamic and user-friendly. The outcome was transformative: users now enjoy a smoother, more engaging experience, and the headset product became a key player in their everyday routines. This marked a significant leap forward in both functionality and customer satisfaction.

NICE inContact

Led the strategy for launching five new digital channels, carefully crafting a plan that would not only meet market trends but also cater to evolving customer needs. From concept to execution, I guided the development process, ensuring each channel was built to enhance the product and offer a better user experience. The successful implementation of these channels marked a turning point, as they seamlessly aligned with both market demands and customer expectations, driving meaningful improvements and boosting the product's overall value.

I worked closely with the curriculum team to bring a new training initiative to life. Together, we developed and delivered a series of internal training videos for a new product, designed to improve staff proficiency. The collaboration was key, by combining their expertise in education with my product knowledge, we created engaging and effective training materials. The result was a more confident and capable team, fully equipped to understand and support the new product.

Product Manager II

I designed tailored onboarding and training plans for a diverse range of customers—SMB, mid-market and enterprise. Each plan was carefully customized to address the unique needs of each client, ensuring they had the tools and knowledge necessary for a smooth platform launch of NICE InContact. By focusing on their specific challenges and goals, I was able to help them hit the ground running, setting them up for long-term success right from day one.

I conducted hundreds of in-depth training sessions, both live and remote, engaging with various departments to empower our customers. Each session was designed to provide them with the essential skills needed to navigate and utilize the platform effectively for their unique needs . With each interaction, I could see how their newfound skills transformed their approach, enabling them to leverage the platform to its fullest potential.

Customer Onboarding Manager

I organized and led an intensive three-week technical support training program, bringing together partners eager to enhance their skills. Each day was filled with hands-on exercises, engaging discussions, and real-world scenarios, all designed to equip them with the knowledge they needed. By the end of the program, the partners emerged certified as tier 1 support providers, ready to offer exceptional service to their customers. It was a proud moment for everyone involved, knowing we had set them on a path to success.

I set out on a collaborative journey, working alongside various departments to tackle a common challenge: the high volume of trouble tickets from newly onboarded customers. Together, we brainstormed and implemented strategies, sharing insights and expertise from each team. It was a collective effort, fueled by our shared commitment to enhancing the customer experience. Slowly but surely, we began to see the results of our hard work. Through proactive measures and streamlined processes, we successfully reduced trouble tickets by an impressive 40%. This achievement not only eased the burden on our support team but also brought greater satisfaction to our customers, who felt more confident navigating our services.

Technical Support Engineer II

Total Protection Inc

Lead Security System Technician

Hi, I’m Kody, and I’m seeking my next opportunity as a Product Manager at a B2B SaaS company.

As a customer-obsessed, technically proficient Product Manager, I excel at deeply understanding my product to create exceptional customer experiences that drive retention and loyalty.

My path to Product Management wasn’t traditional—I started in Customer Support, where I onboarded hundreds of users and gained extensive technical expertise. I used to think Product Managers just attended meetings and acted as Subject Matter Experts. That changed when a Director in the product encouraged me to apply for an open Product Manager role. Initially, I was skeptical, and so was the hiring manager, who questioned why we were even meeting since I didn’t have a PM background.

But after our conversation, he saw what I could bring to the table and said, “You’ve been customer-facing for four years and know the product inside and out. I can teach you product management, but I can’t teach someone to be naturally customer-focused. And you are exactly who we need.”

Since then, I’ve devoted time and energy to learning and driving continuous improvements in customer experience and retention—and I absolutely love it! 

Now, I’m eager to connect with customer-driven SaaS companies or fellow PMs to explore new opportunities and share stories on how to innovate product management.

Let’s connect!

Kody Davis

TreeHouse Foods

Communications Manager, Social and Digital Engagement

Patina Solutions

Communications Consultant

Karen Nicholas Communications

Freelance Writer & Communications Professional

Millig Design Build

I recruited and onboarded new employees and created various communication pieces to increase employee engagement. I created a Human Resources department and established internal communications best practices. I helped plan events and contributed to our marketing communications efforts.

Director of Communications & Employee Relations

Willdan Performance Engineering 

I provided communication strategy, developed content for both internal and external audiences and recruited new employees for our division. 

I created targeted communications to ensure employee engagement. I identified new ways to improve and innovate our internal and external communication practices and channels, including monthly update meetings, a branded Medium.com site, video communications, etc. 

I also recruited, hired, and onboarded new employees. I focused on furthering initiatives around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, particularly in the hiring, recruiting, and onboarding process.

Communications & Talent Acquisition Manager

I designed presentations to share critical findings with clients, focusing on simplicity and client engagement. I also helped package our data into consumable content such as charts, graphs, etc.

University of Kansas

As the first communications person for the IT Department, I created and oversaw all communication efforts, including communications planning, crisis communications, and copywriting. I developed internal communication strategies and materials to support new launches, programs, and processes. 

I distilled complex, technical information into simple, digestible, and actional messages for diverse internal audiences, including students, faculty, and staff.  I also built relationships with other departments and team members to ensure seamless launches of new technologies and programs.

IT Communications & Media Relations Manager

David Evans and Associates, Inc.

As the first person in my role,  I created and executed a media relations program – including pitching media, writing press releases, ghostwriting bylines, and submitting applications for various awards. I ensured our external messages were consistent with our internal messages and focused my efforts on telling DEA’s brand story. 

I developed media pitches and articles to attract and engage with new talent through employee profiles in publications, company culture articles, and Best Places to Work awards. We were ranked on Fortune’s 100 Best Places to Work during my time in this role. 

I engaged with senior leadership and colleagues on media outreach opportunities and provided media training, including crisis communications guidance. 

I also assisted in various internal communications efforts, including contributions to internal newsletters and employee communication pieces.

Media Relations Manager

Edelman

Account Supervisor

Special Olympics Texas

Public Relations Coordinator

Corporate Communications | Writer | Employee & Internal Communications - Helping companies engage with their employees and clients

In our current remote/hybrid work environment, engaging and communicating with employees has never been more challenging – or essential. Creating an environment for employees to be the best versions of themselves is not only a cultural win – it’s also a business win.

A Gallup "State of the Workplace" report found that when employees are engaged at work, profitability increases by 21%. Yet, this same report shared that 65% of employees aren’t engaged at work.

We spend a lot of time talking “at” people – not necessarily “to” them. My goal isn’t just to communicate a message. My goal is to ensure those messages are delivered and digested by the audience. It’s also my responsibility to provide executive guidance and direction when messages aren’t the right voice and fit for the audience.

With a background in media relations, editorial content creation, internal communications and employee relations, I bring a range of creative skills and experience to any position. Communicating with employees and partners can be a company's greatest strength rather than its biggest weakness.

Karen Nicholas

I saw this funny question on Reddit: What other names do you call your cat? Like, the unhinged ones.

The responses did not disappoint:

My cat is named Maggie. I call her Magaluf, Magatha Christie, Marge and in Charge, Maggie Smalls, Beef Maggington, Maggington Hotel and Spa…

The cat is named Jaffa, but the alternative names are: Jafalfa, Jafalafagus, Jalfrezi.

My cat’s name is Oliver. He answers to Stinky, Sir-Sheds-A-Lot, and The Tiny Mayor of Chaos.

Cat Benatar – goes by Cat for short. The other is called “Karen from Accounting.” She goes by Kare-bear or Grumpy Face.

Mira goes by Calicofornia Miracle, Miracalicofornia, String Cheese, Linguine String Cheesey, and Terrorfang.

Here are some other things that made me laugh…Happy Friday!
#TGIF

Things that made me laugh 11.21.25

It's Friday; we made it! Here are some things that made me laugh this week... 

#TGIF

Things that made me laugh 12.5.25

Content creator Samuel Weidenhofer had a sobering conversation with 88-year-old Army Veteran Ed Bambas at a Detroit grocery store. Ed works eight-hour days, five days a week. He had a pension when he retired from General Motors in the late 90s, but when GM filed for bankruptcy, Ed opted to take a lump sum. That amount was quickly eaten up when Ed's wife got sick. 

Sadly, Ed's wife passed away, and he had significant medical debt from his wife’s illness. Not only had he lost her, but he had staggering bills. 

After meeting Ed, Samuel set up a GoFundMe, and it went viral. As of now, $1.8 million has been raised for Ed. There are thousands of comments and well-wishes from strangers, veterans, and people from all over the world. 

The money is being placed in a trust for Ed; he can finally retire. 

While I have many opinions (and anger) about medical insurance in the US, I want to focus on the kindness of others. It may not seem like it, but most people are kind and generous. When Ed was presented with this incredible gift, he couldn’t stop his tears. He was overwhelmed by the kindness of others. 

May we all find ways to help and support those in our community. The world is filled with wonderful people. Wishing Ed nothing but good health and comfort.

If you hop on TikTok right now, you will see lovely videos of people shopping for Angel Tree recipients. Angel Tree recipients create Christmas wish lists that are written on tags. Then, people select a tag and shop for the items. 

TikTok user @laurel_lyn was talking about the videos with her daughter, who wanted to get an Angel Tree tag. @Laurel_lyn shared that she wanted to make sure they had the money to do it right! For many, these were the only gifts they’d receive during the holidays. 

Hours later, the daughter returned with $230. She had been saving up to buy a guitar, but she wanted instead to use the money for an Angel Tree recipient. 💛

A follow-up video was posted, and the creator shared that she had enough money in her budget to do an Angel Tree gift (and her daughter’s guitar money was not touched)! But, people in the comments wanted to help, and donations poured in. So, this woman and her daughter were able to adopt a few more individuals on the Angel Tree! 

💛💛💛

I recently had a friend say she thought the world was becoming more cruel. But, I disagree. I think the world is still filled with generous, kind people like this thoughtful girl. 

May we all follow her lead and generously spread kindness where we can. #KindnessMatters

Today is one of my favorite days of the year – Giving Tuesday. Many people generously donate time, money, or other resources to help nonprofits. 

This past weekend, a friend and I decided to forgo exchanging Christmas gifts and instead created birthday kits for the local food bank. We bought cake mixes, frosting, pans, soda/pop, balloons, birthday plates, and candles, grouping them together in a kit. We set up an assembly line, and our kids put the kits together in record time! 

(There is a fabulous nonprofit called The Birthday Cake Project that was founded by twin sisters who believed every child should have a birthday cake. The organization’s site will give you instructions and information if you want to do this!)

There are lots of ways we can give back to our communities. While financial donations are always welcome, volunteers are needed, too. And, people who spread awareness. As we celebrate Giving Tuesday, I encourage you to find a small way you can give back if you are so inclined. 

#GivingTuesday

Where did the phrase “pass with flying colors” come from?

𝘏𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘭𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘴!

In the 1600s, boats flew a variety of flags when sailing. The flags were referred to as “colors.” When a ship was defeated at sea, it would be forced to take down its colors. So, if a ship pulled into port with flying colors, it probably experienced a great success at sea!

If you like topics like this, I invite you to check out my newsletter, Drama Dots! It’s full of quirky grammar tips, communication advice, and stories to make you laugh/cry! I’m linking to the latest issue in the comments!

Do you ever use the phrase “pass with flying colors”?

#CommunicationTips

I have several sticky notes taped on the wall by my computer. This is one of my favorites:

Be brief.
Be brilliant.
Be gone.

We can all benefit from this helpful reminder. Whether you are writing an email or giving a presentation, less is more. 

Do you have any quotes or sayings you frequently look at? 

#CommunicationTips

My best friend asked for a pair of hand-knit socks for Christmas. I’ve made her a pair before, but that was 11+ years ago! I stopped knitting when my son was young, and it seemed impossible to pick it back up.

Fast forward to this summer. I signed up for a class at our local yarn store because I needed a refresher. I did not realize how hard it would be to relearn what I used to know! And, there was a new, easier(?) method we were using.  

I STRUGGLED at the beginning. Three trips to the yarn store. Two different occasions of ripping them out. One unfortunate incident with the cats and the ball of yarn. Sigh. I eventually got the hang of it, and last night I stopped with just a few rows left to knit on the second sock. 🩷

It was a great reminder that there is always a new way to do a task. When I was first starting my career, I was aggressively trying to master everything. Then, I’d know how to do it all, right? 😂 Wrong.

In Adam Grant’s book, “Think Again,” he talks about the value in learning new ways to do things – and having the openness to evolve. 

“We laugh at people who still use Windows 95, yet we still cling to opinions that we formed in 1995.” – Adam Grant, author of “Think Again” 

I had no idea that trying to learn how to knit a pair of socks – again – would be such an aha moment for me. Growth involves discomfort, yet it also offers the opportunity to learn something new! (Karen in July did not want to learn this lesson, but Karen in December is grateful for the growth!) 

What’s something you had to relearn how to do? Did you change how you did it? 

#Growth #CommunicationTips
Image of almost finished sock. Not sure about the pink toe, but it's too late to fix it now! 😂

It's Friday! We made it! Wishing everyone a relaxing, calm weekend! Here are some things that made me laugh this week…

#TGIF

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Kody Davis

Karen Nicholas

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The Battle

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Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Karen Nicholas's LinkedIn Performance

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