About Ballast

Ballast Advisory exists to solve the critical product and business challenges facing our clients, from early-stage startups to established enterprises. Our approach is grounded in modern product management — combining strategy, customer insight, and execution discipline to create meaningful impact.

Since 2019, we’ve partnered with organizations to strengthen their product foundations, accelerate go-to-market success, and build teams that operate with clarity and confidence. Our work is rooted in keeping the customer at the center, enabling companies to evolve into industry leaders through thoughtful, outcome-driven product practices.

At Ballast, we believe great products are the anchor of great businesses — and we help our clients realize that potential.

About Jen

I’m a lifelong Bostonian who believes that technology should make life simpler and smarter. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked with organizations ranging from pre-seed startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping teams shape strategies, de-risk bold ideas, and deliver results that save time and money.

With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Information Systems from Boston College and an MBA focused on technology and innovation, I bring a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution to every engagement. I currently serve as a Fractional Chief Product Leader, partnering with B2B and B2C teams to uncover opportunities, streamline development, and optimize product portfolios.

Some highlights of my fractional work include:

  • Leading the initial release of Gridly (acquired by Elephant Energy), which helps homeowners transition to fossil-fuel-free energy through personalized action plans.

  • Launching the first iOS and Android apps for Ollie, a New York–based custom dog food delivery company.

  • Drove ecommerce optimization for The Grommet through Bloomreach implementation.

  • Partnering with engineering development companies as Product Management Lead to vet incoming clients for feasibility and risk.

Earlier in my career, I held senior roles at Cognizant, Pivotal Labs, clypd, and Wayfair, where I led cross-functional teams through strategy, digital transformation, and product delivery initiatives. My consulting background also includes work at Sapient, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and Ernst & Young, where I developed a deep understanding of data, user behavior, and operational excellence.

When people work with me, they can expect a bit of dry humor and sarcasm mixed with a passion for solving hard problems. I thrive on mission-driven projects and am energized by finding clarity in complexity.

Things to know:

  • Pivot tables genuinely bring me joy.

  • I love translating complex systems into actionable insights.

  • During my commutes to Boston, I founded South Shore Trails (2016) — a community resource that helps people find trails suited to their accessibility needs.

  • My clients always save either time or money, guaranteed.