An Interview with Jessica Wang: The Pulse of Progress at PulsePoint
Jessica Wang
Senior Product Manager
Jessica Wang is a Senior Product Manager at PulsePoint, where she’s been making an impact in her first year with the company. Before joining PulsePoint, she spent nearly eight years at Basis Technologies/Centro, where she advanced from Product Analyst to the role of Senior Product Manager.
Jessica holds a Bachelor's degree in Systems Design Engineering with a Management Sciences Option from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from McMaster University. Outside of her professional achievements, Jessica is also a devoted wife and mom, balancing her career with her family life.
Intern: What motivated you to pursue a career in this industry, and how did you first get started?
Jessica: I began my career in tech after completing several internships at large companies, such as banks and insurance firms in an analyst role. However, I quickly realized that the structured environment and lengthy approval processes weren’t what I wanted in a job. I wanted to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting and role where I could constantly learn and grow.
While exploring new opportunities, a friend working at an ad tech company introduced me to real-time bidding. I was amazed by the concept—an ad auction happening in just one-tenth of a second before a webpage fully loads. That conversation sparked my interest in ad tech, which, as many of you know, is a dynamic industry driven by emerging technologies and evolving regulations—exactly what I was looking for. My friend eventually referred me to Centro (my previous employer), where I began my career in both ad tech and product management
Intern: What have been the most rewarding aspects of your career, both professionally and personally?
Jessica: Professionally, the most rewarding aspect has been delivering products that truly make an impact and solve real problems. Working in product management gives me the opportunity to deeply understand customer pain points and come up with creative solutions that align with business goals and help users directly—it’s incredibly fulfilling.
On a personal level, the most rewarding part has been the amazing people I’ve met along the way. I’ve had the privilege of working with some exceptionally talented individuals, and some of them have become great friends.
Intern: How do you balance ambition with self-care, especially in a high-pressure environment?
Jessica: Balancing ambition and self-care is much easier when you’re surrounded by a supportive team. I’m fortunate to work with peers who are not only hard-working but also value fun and camaraderie. When I first joined PulsePoint, I was pleasantly surprised by the creative ways we inject fun into our work—like using "spin the wheel" to delegate tasks or having themed calls for select recurring meetings to keep things interesting.
Outside of work, I prioritize self-care by scheduling weekly badminton sessions, monthly massages/facials, and spending time with friends and family. These activities help me relax and recharge.
Intern: What advice would you give to young women just starting out in your field?
Jessica: I would say to -
- Stay curious and adaptable—the tech and ad tech industries evolve rapidly. Keep learning, ask questions, and take on challenges that push you outside your comfort zone.
- Surround yourself with the right people—a supportive network of peers and mentors can make all the difference. Work for companies that invest in their employees' development and foster a culture of learning and inclusion.
- Trust yourself and your perspective—imposter syndrome is real, and I’ve experienced it many times. But no one starts out knowing everything. Your ideas bring value, and speaking up—whether you’re right or wrong—can be a great learning opportunity.
Intern: Looking ahead, what changes or progress would you like to see in the industry, especially for future generations of women?
Jessica: As a working mom, I know how challenging it can be to balance a career and family. I feel incredibly fortunate to live in Canada, where we have a generous maternity leave policy (up to 18 months), but I’m also keenly aware that not all countries or companies offer the same support. For example, in the U.S., the legal minimum for maternity leave is just 12 weeks.
Having experienced a difficult postpartum period myself, I can't imagine returning to work only 12 weeks after giving birth while also navigating childcare arrangements. Beyond that, the early months are a critical time for bonding, and I wanted to be fully present for my child’s development.
For future generations, I would love to see workplaces embrace more flexibility and empathy. Extending both maternity and paternity leave, offering reduced hours, and providing remote work or flexible work hours would be transformative—not just for working parents, but for the workforce as a whole. These changes would create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, recognizing that everyone faces unique life challenges.