Bertrand D.
Studied at Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science
Works at Stanford SEED
Available Monday at 8:00 PM UTC
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About Bertrand
For over 25 years, I have lived the evolution of AI and tech in Silicon Valley, wearing every hat from startup founder to executive at Google and IBM. I know the thrill of shipping zero-to-one AI products—like the Webby Award-winning Google Assistant "Interpreter Mode"—and the rigor required to scale them. Beyond the tech, I am deeply passionate about the human side of product leadership; I have successfully coached many Google Product Managers through their promotions by helping them master technical product roadmaps and craft executive-level narratives that drive impact. As a native French and English speaker who has mentored businesses across Africa and Asia, I bring a global perspective and deep "been there" empathy to our sessions, ready to help you navigate your unique professional challenges with confidence.
Why do I coach?
I coach because great mentors accelerated my own career, and I know firsthand how transformative that partnership can be. At this stage in my journey, I find my greatest professional happiness in helping others thrive. I am driven to pay it forward, using my experience to help you navigate challenges and unlock your full potential.
Work Experience
Stanford Seed Consultant
Stanford SEED
February 2025 - Present
I advise entrepreneurs leading companies in the Stanford Seed Transformation Network with whom I develop customized and creative business solutions.
Director of Product Management, Gmail
2023 - August 2024
• Responsible for generative AI features for email composition on Gmail, including “Help Me Write” and “SmartCompose” • Defined vision for future-proofing communication interactions in Gmail platform
Director of Product Management, Google Assistant
2021 - 2023
As part of the Assistant product leadership team, built and ran a product organization spanning many of the user-facing product teams (including music and podcast playback, issuing phone calls &text messages from the Assistant, alarms & reminders, routines, etc...) located in Mountain View, Seattle & Zurich.
Group Product Manager, Search Answers & Interpreter Mode, Google Assistant
2016 - 2021
Drove the requirements across several key feature areas, as part of the original product team that launched the Google Assistant in 2016. Built out and led product teams to drive requirements for these features thereafter. Founding Lead PM for the Google Search Answers experience in the Google Assistant on smart speakers and displays. Founding Lead PM for the Assistant Languages team that produced the “Interpreter Mode” Assistant feature, which earned: • 2019 Webby Award for Best Technical Achievement in Apps, Voice category (“Interpreter Mode” on Smart Displays) • 2020 Webby Award for Best User Interface category (“Interpreter Mode” on Mobile) • Became a tentpole feature for 4 iterations of Google’s flagship smartphone Pixel 6, 7 & 8
Co-Founder, CEO
SecuriMobile
2009 - 2011
Founded and led a startup that offered a cutting-edge voice biometrics based mobile authentication platform for high-value transactions. Along with the founding team, led the strategy, product, design and pricing. • Assembled team and advisory board • Led the company from its legal incorporation, to its first paying customer and term sheet. -Awarded the 2010 TIE50 Software Award (awarded to 10 startups out of 4,000 applicants) -Semi-finalist in the invitation-only Qualcomm Prize 2009 -Semi-finalist in the invitation-only McGinnis Venture 2009
Director, Product Management
Asyncast
June 2008 - December 2009
Led the product management organization for an early “Spotify for news” service startup.
Sr. product manager
Nuance Communications
August 2006 - July 2008
After BeVocal was acquired by Nuance Communications for over $140M in 2006, transitioned into product management to lead the product integration of the BeVocal platform into the "Nuance On Demand" network, drove requirements for key client deployments (DisneyWorld Resorts, AT&T Mobile etc…)
Education
Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science
BS, Computer Science / Modern Languages
Carnegie Mellon
MS, Software Management