TOPIC: A Chemical Engineer’s Adventures in Silicon Valley
In this talk, Dr. Jason Ballengee shares his unconventional journey from chemical engineering labs to the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley innovation. He explores how a foundation in engineering problem-solving and experimentation translates to product leadership in the age of AI and digital disruption. Drawing on experiences launching generative AI platforms, building new business lines at JustAnswer, and scaling technology from R&D to commercialization, Jason discusses what engineers bring to the art of innovation — and what they must unlearn to thrive in startup culture. Attendees will gain insights into applying scientific thinking to ambiguous business problems, leading with data and empathy, and navigating the boundary where technology meets human creativity.
SPEAKER: Jason Ballengee, PhD, Senior Director of Product Management, JustAnswer
Jason Ballengee is a technology and product executive known for leading breakthrough innovations at the intersection of AI, data, and human-centered design. Currently the Senior Director of Product Management at JustAnswer, he oversees all new product development and innovation, where his leadership has driven major advances in generative AI–powered services, B2B business models, and digital transformation. Before joining Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem, Jason spent nearly a decade at PepsiCo Global R&D, where he pioneered AI-driven product development, led cross-functional teams in data science and product management, and helped reshape the company’s innovation pipeline. Trained as a chemical engineer with a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, Jason blends scientific rigor with entrepreneurial creativity to turn cutting-edge technology into scalable business impact. Jason is a former Chair of the AIChE Dallas Section - serving from 2015 to 2018.
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