Sharon Rylander

Sr. Director, UX Research & Strategy at Square Panda

Sharon Rylander has an extensive work experience spanning several industries. Sharon currently holds the position of Sr. Director of UX Research & Strategy at Square Panda Inc. where they started in 2018. Prior to this, they served as a Board Member at StopGCT, Inc. Ovarian Cancer Foundation starting in 2012. Sharon also has experience in the entertainment industry, working as an Actress and teaching improv classes on the side since 2002.

In terms of their professional career, Sharon served as the Director of User Research & Beta at Anki from 2012 to 2017. During their time there, they played a crucial role in integrating user research into product development, leading to successful product launches and marketplace readiness. Sharon also contributed to various aspects of the company's formation, including influencing business processes, hiring new talent, and shaping company culture.

Before Anki, Sharon was the Director of Customer Care at Tely Labs from 2011 to 2012. In addition to managing usability and beta testing, they built and managed the customer support department from scratch, achieving high customer satisfaction rates despite limited resources.

Sharon's other experiences include working as the Director of Customer Programs at Pie Digital from 2010 to 2011, Beta Program Manager at Sling Media from 2006 to 2010, and as a Consultant at SmartBeta from 2002 to 2006. Sharon also worked as a Sr. Program Manager/Consultant at BetaSphere, Inc. from 1999 to 2002.

Early in their career, Sharon worked as a MarCom Manager in the Tech Marketing department at SGI from 1997 to 1999. During their time there, they played a crucial role in the development and execution of the Corporate Briefing strategy for SGI's Energy vertical, leading to a significant increase in sales.

Overall, Sharon Rylander possesses a diverse range of experiences, including leadership positions in user research and strategy, customer care, and program management. Sharon'sexpertise includes integrating user research into product development, building and managing customer support teams, and influencing company processes and culture.

Sharon Rylander holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and French from The University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, they attended the San Francisco Acting Academy, although it is not specified whether they obtained a degree or pursued any specific field of study there.

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Timeline

  • Sr. Director, UX Research & Strategy

    April, 2018 - present