In this episode of Behind the Podium, host Jasper Appleton interviews Karen Rewalt, a product manager at IBM specializing in government health and human services. Karen discusses her role in enhancing products for social programs that support citizens in need, particularly during the challenges brought on by COVID-19. She shares her career journey, which began with aspirations to become a pediatrician and evolved through various technical and business roles, ultimately leading to her passion for product management. The conversation highlights how COVID-19 has prompted government agencies to prioritize digital transformation, particularly through cloud computing, to rapidly deliver critical social services. Karen emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs, applying design thinking, and collaborating across teams to build solutions that truly help people.