Claudia Baijens is the VP of Product at TestGorilla, where she leads the product, UX, research, science, and IP development teams.
She plays a key role in driving innovation in the talent acquisition space and has successfully scaled the product organisation from 6 to 32 people.
With over a decade of experience spanning SaaS, consulting, and international expansion, Claudia brings deep expertise in product strategy and building scalable processes. Prior to joining TestGorilla, she was a Senior Manager at Bain & Company, where she rose rapidly through the ranks across global offices. She also holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Claudia is a passionate advocate for authentic leadership and diversity in tech, with a particular focus on empowering women in leadership roles. She is a sought-after speaker on topics such as product innovation and inclusive leadership, and is dedicated to fostering inclusive, high-impact environments both within her teams and across the wider tech industry.
Follow Claudia on LinkedIn.
When I made the leap from management consulting to product leadership at a SaaS company, I was excited to build impactful products — but also aware that I was stepping into unfamiliar territory, with few industry connections and no ready-made network to lean on.
Like many women in tech, I found myself navigating yet another male-dominated space. And I quickly realised that progressing in this environment would require more than just hard work. It would mean surrounding myself with mentors, peers, and women walking a similar path.
Fortunately, I found my dream role at TestGorilla – a company where inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword but a guiding principle. From designing a platform that reduces hiring bias to building product teams where women are the majority, we’ve challenged the norm from day one.
But even in the most inclusive companies, you’ll have to navigate systems that weren’t created with you in mind. Thankfully, building a network is something you can start now, without waiting for the world to be perfect. It’s one of the most powerful ways to learn, grow, and build resilience.
Here are some practical tips to get you started
Find the right rooms — and walk into them.
You don’t need a VIP invite to get started. I began by attending product events hosted by our investors, especially ones that brought together peers from other portfolio companies. I met people at a similar stage to me, as well as others who were a few steps ahead, and found supportive spaces where I could share ideas, frustrations, and real talk. It was less ‘networking’; more peer support.
Be upfront about what you don’t know.
Not sure how to start a conversation? Try this: “Here’s something I’m struggling with right now, how have you approached it?” That kind of vulnerability builds instant trust. It puts people at ease and opens the door to more meaningful, less transactional conversations. And chances are, the person you’re speaking to has faced the same thing.
Come to events prepared, but not polished.
Have a loose elevator pitch: who you are, what you’re working on, and what you’re curious about. It helps ground the conversation, especially when you’re nervous, and makes it easier for people to remember you when you follow up. But don’t overthink it. You just need enough context to spark connection. After all, people relate to a real human, not a flawless script.
Don’t build your network alone — ask to be included in others’.
You don’t have to start from scratch. I’ve asked friends in SaaS to connect me with their colleagues in product, and I’ve had mentors who didn’t just offer advice — they introduced me to their own networks. A warm introduction from someone you trust can lead to opportunities and conversations you might not find on your own. Most people are happy to help when you ask to be included, so don’t be afraid to reach out and tap into the networks around you.
Grow by playing to your strengths.
Growth often starts just outside your comfort zone. Start with something that excites you, even if it also makes you a little nervous. For me, that was public speaking. Giving talks helped me build confidence, spark conversations, and form new connections. People would reach out afterwards, and just like that, the ice was broken. But that’s only one path. Maybe you prefer sharing insights online or asking thoughtful questions. The key is to show up in a way that feels true to you – not the way you think you’re “supposed” to.
Don’t underestimate the power of digital presence.
LinkedIn has been a game-changer. People have reached out in response to my posts to say, “That really resonated”, and just like that, we’re connected. Sharing authentic insights is a low-pressure way to build visibility and start meaningful conversations. Engaging with others’ content you find interesting can open just as many doors.
You don’t need to be loud or extroverted to build a powerful network. Meaningful connections begin with authenticity and vulnerability — showing up, sharing your interests, being honest about what you don’t know, and having real conversations.
Women often underestimate ourselves and overestimate others. But here’s the truth: no one has a secret superpower. If you have the ideas and the motivation, you already have what it takes.
So don’t wait until you feel 100% confident. Ask your friends. Send the message. Walk into the room. All it takes is the first step.
