Driving Product Innovation: Get to Know Venturous’s New VP of Product, Shannon Boon
At Venturous, we’re fortunate to work alongside leaders who bring deep expertise and fresh perspectives to our community. In this spotlight, we sat down with Shannon Boon, our new Vice President of Product, to talk about her 20+ year journey in product leadership, what drew her to Venturous, and how she sees product shaping the future of our platform. From lessons learned at global tech companies like Indeed to her vision for building trusted, long-term relationships in the marketplace, Shannon shares insights that every leader navigating today’s evolving landscape can learn from.
Q: To start, can you introduce yourself and share a little about your background in product leadership?
Shannon Boon: I’m Shannon Boon, the new VP of Product at Venturous. I’ve spent over 20 years in product, working across both platform products like identity and communications, and large consumer experiences such as Indeed’s homepage and search. I’ve also led initiatives in emerging technologies, including responsible AI. A common thread through all of these experiences is my passion for building products that foster relationships between people, which is why I’m so excited to be joining Venturous.
Q: What drew you to join Venturous as VP of Product, and what excites you most about this role?
Shannon Boon: The mission really resonated with me. Helping companies find the right leaders creates a ripple effect. It influences culture, talent, growth and business outcomes. Venturous is at a pivotal moment, building not just a marketplace but a scalable platform. I’m excited to help create real value for both companies and leaders in our ecosystem.
Q: You’ve led product organizations at some of the world’s largest platforms, including Indeed. What excites you about moving from big tech to a more entrepreneurial setting like Venturous?
Shannon Boon: In larger companies, I learned how to scale products with rigor and discipline. At Venturous, I get to pair that experience with the creativity and speed of a more entrepreneurial environment. I’m especially energized by the ability to experiment quickly, move fast, and see the impact of decisions immediately and it feels like the best of both worlds.
Q: How do you envision product playing a role in scaling Venturous over the next few years?
Shannon Boon: I see product as the engine of scale. Our goal is to make the experience seamless and trusted so both companies and candidates return again and again. By building from individual matches into long-term relationships, powered by AI and data, we can truly differentiate Venturous in the marketplace.
Q: What trends in product development or innovation should leaders be paying attention to right now?
Shannon Boon: AI is of course top of mind, but I believe its value goes beyond efficiency. When used responsibly, AI can build trust and transparency, which both companies and candidates want. I also see marketplaces shifting from transactional interactions to trusted, long-term relationships. Venturous is embracing both of these trends, and that’s what excites me.
Q: Looking back, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about building products people actually use and love?
Shannon Boon: Early in my career at Sabre, the early Travelocity days, I built a product for travel agents without fully considering how fear of disruption would affect adoption. That experience taught me that true product success requires understanding not only what customers say they want, but also how products make them feel.
Q: At Indeed, your mission was to help people get jobs. At Venturous, the focus is on helping companies find leaders. How do you see those missions connecting?
Shannon Boon: On the surface, they seem different, but both are about people and finding the right fit. At Indeed, it was about connecting job seekers with opportunities. At Venturous, it’s about connecting companies with leaders who can transform teams and culture. They’re two sides of the same coin.
Q: What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your career journey?
Shannon Boon: I actually served as Chief of Staff for a while. It was one of the most formative experiences of my career. It taught me more about executive decision-making and alignment than any MBA class could. One day I’d be leading a highly strategic international project, the next sourcing something as small as a sweater. That range gave me invaluable perspective on execution, motivation, and leadership at every level.
Q: Is there a book, podcast, or resource that has had a lasting impact on how you work or lead?
Shannon Boon: Yes, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith. It shifted my mindset on career growth: excelling at your current role won’t necessarily get you to the next one. You have to build new skills like delegation, leadership, executive presence, to truly accelerate. It’s a lesson I carry with me and pass on when mentoring others.
Q: What habits or routines help you reset and recharge outside of work?
Shannon Boon: I don’t keep a strict routine, but small things make a big difference. Taking a morning walk helps clear my head. Spending time with family or cooking a meal allows me to be fully present, and those moments recharge me in a meaningful way.