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Janna Bray

Building Notion's Research Team

Professional Background

Janna Bray has carved out a notable career in the field of research, blending her profound academic background with hands-on experience managing dynamic teams across various high-impact sectors. With a distinctive ability to deliver multi-method insights, Janna expertly leverages customer feedback to inform and drive strategic product and business decisions, ensuring that user experience remains at the forefront of every initiative. Throughout her career, she has built research teams from the ground up, encompassing a diverse set of specialties including UX researchers, survey scientists, market researchers, behavioral scientists, and product operations specialists.

Janna's prior roles reflect an impressive trajectory through well-regarded companies where she has made significant contributions. Notably, she served as the Head of Research at Notion and Robinhood, and occupied key positions within Airbnb, where her work spanned multiple divisions including Marketplace, Luxe, and Infrastructure. Her leadership skills shine through her experience managing teams of varying sizes, from small groups of 4 to expansive teams of up to 80 individuals. Her versatility extends to understanding both highly technical engineering tools and luxury brand-focused products, making her insights valuable across different market sectors.

Education and Achievements

Janna Bray completed her academic journey at prestigious institutions, laying a solid foundation in public policy and political science. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan, equipping her with critical analysis skills and a deep understanding of the political landscape that influences market dynamics. In addition to her formal degrees, Janna acquired a Certificate in Qualitative and Multi-Method Research from the Syracuse University - Maxwell School, further enhancing her research capabilities. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government.

Janna's achievements are not mere milestones; they reflect her dedication to enriching user experiences and representing their needs throughout the product development process. Her commitment to quality and her exemplary leadership continues to make a significant impact within the organizations where she has worked.

Personal Interests

Outside her professional endeavors, Janna Bray is a fervent admirer of live music and often finds solace in attending concerts. Her interests also include practicing yoga, which speaks to her commitment to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, she enjoys immersing herself in thought-provoking content through BBC podcasts, and she undoubtedly shares a love for pizza, indicating a friendly personality and appreciation for good food. This blend of personal interests with her professional dedication marks Janna as a well-rounded individual committed both to her field of expertise and to fostering genuine human connections.

Related Questions

How did Janna Bray develop her expertise in multi-method insights and user experience research?
What challenges did Janna face while building research teams at Notion and Robinhood, and how did she overcome them?
Can Janna Bray elaborate on her approach to leveraging customer feedback to influence product decisions during her tenure at Airbnb?
How has Janna's education in political science and public policy shaped her perspective on product research and user experience?
What specific skills has Janna Bray found most valuable in managing teams ranging from junior researchers to senior managers?
Janna Bray
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Location

Oakland, California, United States