My Journey Across Product Leadership & Artistic Innovation

I am Michelle Cavanaugh, a product leader, AI innovator, and artist exploring the intersection of technology and human experience. My professional career spans multiple Fortune 500 companies including Walmart, Disney, IBM, and Ticketmaster, where I've leveraged human-centered design and systems thinking to transform products and organizations.

As an artist, I work under the name Zelda Cavanaugh—named after my beloved rescue dog whom I adopted during the pandemic. Through this creative identity, I explore the evolving relationship between technology, humanity, and creative expression.

My Professional Path

My career began at IBM as a Lead Technical Writer and later Brand and Communications Expert, where I established my foundation in user experience and technical communication. During this time, I received multiple Manager's Choice awards for my contributions to IBM Security and Cloud products.

At Walmart, I led the development of AllSpark/Me@Walmart, an app that unified multiple siloed applications and served over 3,000 stores. My leadership at Disney focused on monetizing the content supply chain, and established the company's first design-driven product organization.

Most recently, as Sr. Director of Product Development at Ticketmaster, I led the LiveAnalytics team in implementing NLP and ML technologies that delivered a 15% increase in engagement across NFL, NBA, and Theatre Arts audiences.

My AI Research & Innovation

I established Zelda Cavanaugh LLC as an AI Art company focused on researching empathy in generative AI with the goal of developing therapy-driven solutions. My work in this space has been exhibited internationally, including at the Barcelona Museum of Modern Art.

I believe that artificial intelligence should amplify human capabilities rather than replace them—a perspective I discussed in my Business Schooled podcast conversation with IBM. Currently, I work with companies like LendingTree to develop AI innovation practices and have partnered with Microsoft and MongoDB to establish organizational best practices in product marketing and storytelling.

My Educational Background

My approach is informed by an interdisciplinary background that includes a B.A. in English with a concentration in Technical Communications from the University of Central Florida, an M.S. in Information Design and Strategy from Northwestern University, and a Graduate Certificate in Product Management from Cornell University. This blend of technical and creative education shapes both my professional leadership and artistic expression.

My Artistic Expression

As Zelda Cavanaugh, my work has been showcased internationally in exhibitions at Galeria Azur Berlin, The Biennale of Women in Art in London, and the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona. I create pieces that blend AI, digital storytelling, and traditional media to explore the boundaries of emotion, memory, and perception.

Throughout my career, I've strived to bridge the worlds of product leadership and artistic innovation, positioning myself at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and creative expression. I believe this unique perspective allows me to understand both the technical capabilities and human implications of emerging technologies, creating solutions and art that genuinely resonate with people.