Kim Inouye

product + design + operations leader

People have described me as having a quick mind and a big heart, and I think that's the through-line in everything I do. I show up fully present, especially when things get charged or confusing. I've learned that the most valuable thing I can bring into a room isn't a framework or a deck. It's the ability to stay calm, listen deeply, and shape clarity out of ambiguity. That's what I do. Most recently that looked like leading AI transformation and strategic operations for a 300+ person global design org at PayPal.

What I do

Things that I excel at

AI Transformation

I led a program to accelerate innovation on PayPal's payments team. We created a set of agents and prototyping tools to solve for pain points in the Product Development Lifecycle.

  • 80% time saved on compliance reviews
  • Prototyping tool using design system components
  • Agents that brainstorm ideas from user insights

Building with AI

I use AI tools to design and build working products that solve real operational problems. Cursor, Replit, Claude — I prototype fast and learn by making.

  • Capacity Planner: design team resourcing
  • Rose: feedback decoder

Driving Adoption

Most change fails because people feel like it is happening to them. I bring people into the process early. ICs and managers who have to live with the new way of working get a say in building it. That participation is what turns resistance into ownership.

Stopping the swirl

I can take your swirling team and quickly help them find their north star, sync to rhythms, and align on priorities.

Building with AI

Things I've built

Get in touch

Let's work together

I'm currently exploring new opportunities where I can drive operational excellence and AI transformation at mission-driven organizations. Open to remote and hybrid roles.