Arohi Desai
Director of Product Management at Instructure
Leading AI platform development and the IgniteAI suite for the Canvas LMS at Instructure.
Intro
I'm Arohi Desai, currently the Director of Product Management at Instructure, where I lead our AI platform strategy and the IgniteAI suite. My journey started in hardware engineering at Intel, but I found my true calling in building products that solve complex problems in EdTech and FinTech. I’ve spent my career navigating the 0-1 phase and scaling growth-stage products, always with a focus on how technology can quietly change daily routines for the better. I’m deeply passionate about the intersection of AI and education, specifically how we can use AI as a 'thinking partner' to amplify human potential rather than just a tool for automation. Beyond the tech, I care about the 'people' side of scaling—building trust and practicing radical honesty. I’m always happy to help engineers looking to pivot into product management or chat with fellow product leaders about removing friction from our workflows.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Mentorship for engineers transitioning into Product Management
- ›Insights on AI integration in EdTech and FinTech
- ›Advice on 0-1 product development and scaling
What I'm looking for
- ›Feedback from educators and Canvas LMS users on AI features
- ›Dialogue with product leaders on AI workflows
- ›expanding my professional network
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Began as a Graphics Hardware Engineer at Intel before pivoting to Product Management, holding leadership roles at PowerSchool, LoanGlide, and UPTIQ before joining Instructure.
Education
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Arlington (2010 – 2012); Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from Gujarat University (2006 – 2010).
Achievements
- ›Led the launch of IgniteAI suite for Canvas LMS at Instructure.
- ›Built a marketplace-based POS and BNPL financing platform at LoanGlide.
- ›Managed compliance roadmap for PowerSchool SIS across 15+ states.
- ›Successfully transitioned from hardware engineering at Intel to PM leadership.
Opinions
- AI should be a 'thinking partner' and a tool to 'amplify your craft' rather than a replacement for human thinking.
- In education, we must move from 'policing to partnering' regarding AI and academic integrity.
- Great products change your daily routine quietly until you cannot imagine functioning without them.
- Scaling a product is primarily a 'people problem' involving trust and listening.
Personality
Communication style
Reflective, encouraging, and practical; balances strategic thinking with relatable human anecdotes.
Formality — 6/10
Vocabulary