About · Christian Young
I’ve spent 20+ years in product design, most recently as VP of Product Design at Operative. Away from work, I’m married to a nurse, a dad of three, a lifelong hockey player and a former newspaper photographer. Here’s a little more about the person behind the résumé.
Based in Denver, CO
Married to a nurse · Dad of three
Ice hockey since high school
Years in product design, from Sun Microsystems to Operative
Career
Former Denver Daily News photographer covering sports, concerts and modeling
Photography
Kids: one at NYU, one at Purdue and a competitive gymnast in high school
Family
Ice hockey player since high school, and still playing today
Hockey
Off the clock
Four things that shaped who I am, and, it turns out, how I lead.
01 · Family
My home team
I’m married to a nurse, which keeps my idea of a hard day in perspective. Our oldest is at NYU, our middle child is at Purdue, and our youngest is a high school sophomore and competitive gymnast.
Three kids, three paths, and one very full family calendar
02 · Hockey
Still lacing up
I’ve played ice hockey since high school and still play today. It’s where I learned most of what I believe about teams, collaboration and staying aware. More on that below.
Where “systems over heroics” really started
03 · Photography
Behind the lens
My side hustle was shooting for The Denver Daily News: professional and college sports, concerts and political events. I also dabbled in model, wedding and nature photography.
It sharpened my eye for composition, timing and the moment that tells the story
04 · What’s next
Ready for the next adventure
I’m looking forward to my next adventure and where it will lead: ideally a VP or Head of Product Design role where Product, Engineering and AI are changing how great products get built.
Open to VP / Head roles · Remote (US) or relocation
Lessons from the rink
What hockey taught me about leading teams.
I’ve played since high school, and four lessons from the ice show up in how I lead every day.
01 · Teamwork
No one wins alone
Five skaters and a goalie win or lose together. Lines change every shift, so the next group has to pick up right where the last one left off. The best players make everyone around them better, not just the scoresheet.
At work: building benches of leaders, not single points of failure
02 · Collaboration
Talk constantly, pass often
Good hockey is loud: calling for the puck, warning about pressure, telling a teammate they have time. A good pass sets up the person receiving it. Hang onto the puck too long and you usually turn it over.
At work: Product, Engineering and Design moving the puck together
03 · Anticipation
Skate to where the puck is going
Chase the puck and you’re always a step behind. Read the play, anticipate where it’s headed and get there first. Products work the same way: design for where customers and technology like AI are going, not where they are today.
At work: designing for where customers and AI are heading
04 · Awareness
Keep your head up
Put your head down to admire the puck and you’ll end up on your butt. Keeping your head up means seeing the whole ice: your teammates, the open lane and the hit that’s coming, not just what’s on your stick.
At work: seeing the whole portfolio, not just the next sprint
Behind the lens
A few favorites from the sidelines and the photo pit.
Pro sports, concerts, motorsports and portrait work from my Denver Daily News assignments and personal projects. Tap any photo to see it larger.
What’s next