Sign In

Sarah Kettles

Sr. UX Researcher at Outdoorsy & founder of OutPass Trekking

Professional Background

Sarah Kettles is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in research, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With significant experience in user experience research and project management in prominent tech companies like Airbnb and Facebook, Sarah has honed her skills in understanding user behavior, guiding teams, and fostering collaborative environments. Her tenure as Senior Director of Research at Zebra Technologies showcased her ability to lead research initiatives that inform product development and enhance user engagement. Her career has been characterized by a deep commitment to empathy and understanding, believing firmly that effective collaboration drives the best results.

Throughout her impressive career, Sarah has transitioned through various roles, including Director of Research at The Zebra and Clearhead, a part of Accenture Interactive. Each role has been a stepping stone towards her goal of making meaningful contributions to the understanding of user experiences. In her various positions, Sarah has consistently placed human insights at the forefront, ensuring that user voices are represented in decision-making processes.

Education and Achievements

Sarah’s educational background laid a solid foundation for her career. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, where she cultivated her interest in understanding human behavior—a critical aspect of user experience research. She also studied at Université Jean Moulin in Lyon, which added an international perspective to her skill set, enriching her understanding of diverse user needs. Her earlier studies at Mansfield Legacy High School provided her with a robust beginning, preparing her for the challenges of higher education.

Entrepreneurial Endeavors

Recently, Sarah has ventured into entrepreneurship by founding OutPass Trekking, a side hustle that reflects her love for the outdoors and her desire to connect others to nature. Through OutPass Trekking, she offers unique wilderness camping experiences that not only allow individuals to immerse themselves in nature but also provide an opportunity for personal growth and introspection. Sarah's passion for the environment and personal development is evident in her commitment to creating enriching experiences for her clients.

Aside from her entrepreneurial spirit, Sarah continues to be an active participant in the research community. Her previous roles as Research Program Manager at Airbnb and Research Participant Recruiter at Facebook highlight her dedication to user insights and her skillful approach to research methodologies. At Airbnb, she not only managed research programs but also contributed to design processes, ensuring that user experiences were at the forefront of product development and optimization.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional achievements, Sarah is known for her empathy and her adventurous spirit. She enjoys spending time outdoors, which is reflected in her hobbies such as gardening, hiking, and long-distance backpacking. These activities not only provide her with inspiration but also allow her to cultivate a deeper connection to the environment. During the pandemic, Sarah took her passion for DIY projects to the next level, showcasing her ability to adapt and innovate even in challenging times.

In summary, Sarah Kettles is a multi-faceted professional whose blend of educational background, extensive experience in tech research, and newfound entrepreneurial journey truly position her as an expert in both user experience and collaborative leadership. Her unique approach to bringing together research insights and entrepreneurial ventures continues to inspire those around her, making her a valued leader in her field.

Related Questions

How did Sarah Kettles develop her skills as an empathetic leader in the research field?
What inspired Sarah Kettles to start her entrepreneurial journey with OutPass Trekking?
What are some key insights Sarah Kettles learned from her experience working at Facebook?
How does Sarah Kettles integrate her love for the outdoors into her professional life?
What role has her education in psychology played in shaping Sarah Kettles' approach to research and user experience?
Sarah Kettles
Add to my network

Location

Austin, Texas