For Sylvia Baeyens, product line manager at Brooks, running is more than just a sport, it’s a lifelong companion. That connection began when she joined her school’s team, where she discovered not only a love for competition but also for the rhythm of the sport itself. Sylvia credits running with shaping her socially, personally, and professionally, calling it her “why.”
“It’s the joy of pushing myself, the challenge of competing with myself, and the peace that comes from the daily miles that keep me coming back,” she reflects. “Running has been with me through every season of life—it’s my home.”
Family as Fuel
When asked about her inspiration behind both her job and her consistent running, Sylvia doesn’t hesitate in saying it is her family. Being the eldest of five, Sylvia paved the way for her siblings who followed in her footsteps(literally). But , the person she admires most is her mother. Speaking of her mother, Sylvia stated “She was running throughout my childhood while raising five kids, something I now fully appreciate. She still trains, still sets PRs, and has a running group that’s met for years” The mother daughter duo has also completed the Boston Marathon together. “Neither of us had ideal training going in, but we got through it. Knowing she was just a wave behind me, probably trying to catch up, was the motivation I needed when things got tough.”
From Runner to Product Line Manager
Sylvia’s deep connection to the sport has landed her in her current position as a Product Line Manager for Brooks. “I’ve been running in Brooks shoes (the Adrenaline, specifically) since high school so there’s a real emotional connection to some of the product lines I now get to work on.” But, despite her robust knowledge of product, Sylvia understands the importance of leaning on customer and community feedback in the product line process. “My job requires more than just personal experience; I have to listen beyond my own preferences. My true edge comes from staying connected to the broader running community.” This community listening is what keeps Brooks dominating the running industry as a footwear powerhouse.
Designing for Every Runner
Something that sets Brooks apart is that inspiration for their product draws from the runners themselves. Sylvia and her team diligently listen to runners. They seek out the small details and even more so what contradictions point to unmet needs. But, what excites Sylvia the most is that Brooks balances innovation with inclusivity. This system leads to innovative product that meet specific needs in the running marketplace. “We serve runners across the full spectrum- from elites chasing their dreams to first-timers chasing their first mile. We design with that full range in mind. Our elite-level technology enters the line at our top performance products but trickles down as fast as possible to more approachable models, so all runners can benefit from innovation.how Brooks draws from real runners to innovate.”
Living the “Run Happy” Philosophy
Any Brooks lover knows the guiding principle of “Run Happy”. When Sylvia was asked what this motto meant to her, she mentioned that to her, this slogan has a much broader meaning. To Sylvia, its about more than just pace or distance but about embracing every run for what it brings, whether that’s “a chance to push limits, clear your mind, connect with friends, or simply move your body.” From a product side, “Run Happy” also has a large influence on how Brooks approaches their product. “It challenges us to think beyond just performance metrics and to focus on how our products make runners feel.”
Looking Forward
As Sylvia looks ahead, she sees both exciting technologies and cultural shifts shaping the future of running. Advances in foams, materials, and biomechanics are giving runners more choice than ever. Just as importantly, running is evolving into a community-driven experience, with run clubs and groups becoming vital to people’s social and emotional lives.“The tech race isn’t slowing down,” she notes. “But what really inspires me is seeing running bring people together in new ways. I hope that energy continues to grow, inclusively and joyfully.”
The Gift That Keeps Giving
At the heart of Sylvia’s story is gratitude. Running has connected her to family, community, and purpose — and now allows her to help shape the future of the sport for others. “I hope our shoes meet runners wherever they are on their journey,” she says. “Whether it’s chasing a PR or just chasing some peace after a long day, I want our products to deepen that relationship with running, to make it more joyful and sustainable.”
For Sylvia Baeyens, every mile is another reminder that running isn’t just something she does — it’s who she is. And through her work at Brooks, she’s ensuring that runners everywhere can find that same sense of home in every stride.
