Spotlight: Thomas Stockham
- Prachi Jaiswal
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Introducing the new board member of Product Hive.
Thomas Stockham didn't initially aim to become a product manager. He pursued econo
mics and computer science at the University of Vermont, but a last-minute internship at Podium before his senior year altered his career path. He enjoyed the work so much that he returned full-time after graduating and dedicated four years to developing their communications platform. When COVID struck and local businesses urgently required digital communication tools, Thomas found himself at the heart of something that was crucial to its users.
His desire for meaningful work guided him to a healthcare startup, where he took on the role of head of product. His team developed an AI scheduling platform that assisted senior care facilities in assigning the appropriate nurses to the appropriate locations. The work was fulfilling but also tiring. When it was time to move on, he joined BambooHR, where he currently leads data experiences and AI products as a Group PM.
The Product Hive journey
Thomas discovered Product Hive in 2018 through events held at Podium. He recalls entering a room filled with enthusiastic product professionals eager to share knowledge and feeling that it was something unique. Years later, that same vibrant atmosphere attracted him to join the board.
His goal for Product Hive is to create a community where product professionals genuinely feel at home, seeking, learning and growing with authentic human connections.
Expanding some of the core value that people get beyond job hunting to development and connection would be really impactful. — Thomas Stockham
On AI and staying human
At BambooHR, Thomas is at the forefront of AI product development daily. However, he acknowledges that certainty in this field is merely an illusion. Instead of claiming to have all the answers, he urges product professionals to maintain curiosity, experiment safely, and prioritize listening over speaking.
He believes that AI should handle routine tasks, allowing you to focus more deeply on the aspects of product work that bring meaning.
Empathy, Judgment, Taste — these are qualities that should not be delegated to machines. They will always be overseen by humans to ensure sound business practices and customer satisfaction.
You can learn something from every single conversation you have with someone about how they are using AI. — Thomas Stockham
Experimentation over fear
Thomas acknowledges the security concerns and uncertainty associated with this technological era but believes that remaining stagnant poses a greater risk. He has witnessed the benefits of proactive engagement. At a recent AI hackathon he organized at his home, participants from commercial real estate, operations, customer success, and tech collaborated to create something new. Each participant approached the challenge with unique problems and perspectives. This event exemplifies how individuals are keen to embrace AI and evolve with it.
There is more risk in pausing the learning and the experimentation because of fear, instead of pushing the experimentation forward in a safe way. — Thomas Stockham
Opportunities and Connection
Before concluding, Thomas shared that BambooHR is currently recruiting for positions in product and design. His advice for those aiming to distinguish themselves is both practical and straightforward — don't wait for approval to start creating.
In your free time, utilize AI to develop something, address a problem, or delve into a concept. He believes this approach is the most effective way to demonstrate your product intuition and indicate to any organization that you are proactive.
Connect with Thomas- https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasstockham/
Be a "learn it all", not a "know it all". — Thomas Stockham
Comments