There's a seat for all of us.
Creating purposeful space across product management
Our Story
Our name is our mission. FoldingChair is inspired by Shirley Chisholm's famous quote, "if there's not a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Founded in 2017, our goal has always been to share the discipline of product management with aspiring and current product managers. We started as a free 1 on 1 coaching initiative to help historically marginalized PM's find their place in technology. Compelled by the lack of inclusion in product, we formed with a mission to create purposeful space for others in technology.
After just 3 years, we helped coachees reach over $10 million in salaries. Our alumni work at Square, Workday, Mcdonald's, Capital One, Google and more! In 2021, we expanded our mission to help more product professionals through product trainings, coaching and advisory services.
Martie Burris
Founder
Martie Burris is a Bay Area product leader focused on building meaningful technology. As a Senior Director of Product, Martie has a proven track record developing 0-1 products and optimizing for growth. Most of her experience falls into the sweet spot she refers to as, “consumerprise” which is best described as mixed use software designed for both enterprise and consumer consumption.
Outside of work, Martie is a respected thought leader in the product community. As a speaker, she’s captivated thousands with her stories. Recently, Product School awarded her content among “Best Product Talks.” As the founder of the Inclusive Product Management Accelerator and FoldingChair, Martie has developed curriculum aimed to help historically marginalized people find their voice in product through education, community and mentorship. In 2021. Martie formalized her product trainings becoming an adjunct professor at the Foster School of Business in Seattle.