“Working here has set a very high bar: work is meaningful to me only when I’m working with people who share the same dedication to their craft, and who take true ownership of their outcomes.”
Kelly’s journey at Eight Sleep
When did you join Eight Sleep? What was your role when you joined, and how has it evolved over time?
I joined Eight Sleep in October 2023 as a Web Product Designer. For nearly a year, I was the sole product designer on the team, working on both the website to start and eventually the mobile app. As the team grew, I stepped up to build and lead our product design team, now overseeing the entire app experience. I’ve enjoyed being able to not only design the product, but also influence how we approach design as an organization.
What were you doing before, and what made you want to join Eight Sleep?
I led a totally different life prior to Eight Sleep: I trained and qualified as an aviation finance lawyer, spending my days helping big banks buy and sell aircraft (yes, a world away from design). After stumbling into design, I joined Apple as a product designer with less than a year’s worth of experience. I helped to launch Apple Music Classical, and supported the team that brought digital IDs to Apple Wallet (which was recently announced at WWDC 2025!).
When I was given the opportunity to join Eight Sleep, what I wanted most was growth. Given I was still fairly new to design then, I wanted to be stretched, challenged, and pushed to my limits, similar to the intensity I experienced in commercial law, but in a field I’m passionate about.
What’s one project or moment at Eight Sleep that you’re especially proud of?
Completely redesigning the Eight Sleep App from the ground up. We made some tough decisions, stripping away elements and features that weren’t core to the user experience. It was scary to have to be the one to reimagine an experience our members have grown so accustomed to, but transformative projects like this don’t come around often. We’re continuing to iterate based on member feedback (we get a lot of it!), but seeing positive responses to our cleaner, more focused approach has been rewarding.
Working at Eight Sleep
How would you describe the team culture at Eight Sleep in a few words?
At Eight Sleep, we’re experts leading experts. Every single person is dedicated and deeply skilled in their field, with a true sense of ownership over their work. It’s a given that everyone does their best. Working here has set a very high bar: work is meaningful to me only when I’m working with people who share the same dedication to their craft, and who take true ownership of their outcomes.
What’s something small – but meaningful – that makes working here different from other places?
DMs from leadership. Having an open line to leadership makes me feel part of the process, instead of just executing against someone else’s vision. It keeps hierarchy flat, communication transparent, and makes everyone feel relevant to the bigger picture.
What’s your favorite non-work related memory with your colleagues?
Team Korean barbecues whenever I’m in New York!
How do you feel supported to grow professionally and personally?
Working in a high-pressure environment is a 360° challenge, and while I joined to grow myself professionally in my field of design, I was stretched in ways beyond that realm. One of the best parts of working at Eight Sleep is that we’re given all the resources we need to succeed. Ultimately, it’s up to us to use those resources and rise to the occasion. I appreciate that balance of support and personal accountability, which is rare.
Just for fun
What do you like to do in your free time?
I train in Pilates almost seven days a week, and take it seriously! At some point I’d love to take it to the next level with teacher training. I’m also currently in my cooking era, most recently experimenting with making Miso Braised Short Ribs and the world’s best Chocolate Cake.
What’s your go-to Pod temperature settings?
I need cooler temperatures to fall asleep, and have been going as low as -10 on my Pod and Blanket to carry me through this heatwave in London. My temperature gradually eases as the night goes on, and I like waking up with a gentle thermal alarm at +2.
