I turn emerging tech into products people love.

“Competing without software artificial intelligence is like competing without electricity”

— Naval, retold by Naren.

“Competing without software artificial intelligence is like competing without electricity”

— Naval, retold by Naren.

In high-ambiguity environments, I chase and bring signal to the foreground. I connect the dots between data, AI, product design, and systems thinking — not to just ship features, but to unlock meaningful, compounding value. My work focuses on translating complexity into clarity, crafting intelligent products that are as human as they are technical.

Hi, I’m Naren Katakam — an AI-native product leader and designer based in Amsterdam, crafting future-ready experiences where emerging tech meets human insight. For over two decades, I’ve been building digital products that don’t just function — they adapt, learn, and evolve.

I see artificial intelligence not as a feature, but as a co-creator — a medium to rethink how we build, scale, and connect. Currently, I’m shaping intelligent products with Thoughtworks — helping global clients turn bold ideas into practical, scalable, & resilient systems.

M Y P L A Y B O O K

A living system of principles and practices that shaped my clarity.

Think Systems, Build for Signals

I don’t just ship features — I architect feedback loops. Whether it’s product-market fit or model drift, I’m always designing for evolution, not one-offs. Every product is a system — and I build with the long game in mind.

Ruthless Prioritization, Thoughtful Execution

Great product work is just as much about what you don’t ship. My playbook balances strategic bets with tactical clarity. I frame decisions with data, context, and narrative — and build trust through consistent execution.

Design is Strategy, Not just Aesthetics

My design roots make me product-shaped, not just product-titled. I use design as a thinking tool — to break ambiguity, shape interfaces, and align cross-functional teams. The goal is always to humanize tech, especially in AI-heavy spaces.

AI is a Partner, Not a Feature

I don’t bolt AI onto products. I reimagine what’s possible when agents, models, and data-native workflows drive user value. From LLM-first tooling to agentic UX, I build with emerging tech, understanding its limits — and keeping human in the loop.

M Y E X P E R I E N C E

2018 — Current

Product Principal — Thoughtworks

2016 — 2017

VP, Product & Design — RingMD

2013 — 2016

Founder & Chief Creative — TWS

2010 — 2013

Marketing Strategy — Microsoft

2005 — 2010

Various — Others

I’m drawn to the edge of what’s possible — where emerging tech meets real human need. Whether you're navigating the ambiguity of an AI-first product, scaling something data-native, or just exploring an idea worth shaping — I’d love to hear about it.

You’re welcome to book a free discovery call if you’d like to explore a challenge, unpack a strategy, or simply think out loud with someone who’s been in the trenches. You’ll also find case studies, practical insights, and reflections on building modern products throughout this site and on my Substack.

Reach out anytime — for advice, collaboration, mentoring, or just to say hello. Let’s build what’s next, together.