REENA MERCHANT: Pioneering User experience Leadership and Authenticity in Tech
Reena Merchant stands at the forefront of User Experience (UX) leadership, currently shaping the core Search user experience at Google. With a career spanning over two decades, her trajectory reflects a seamless integration of technology, design, and business innovation. Reena’s journey is not just one of professional milestones but also a testament to personal resilience, authenticity, and a deep commitment to community impact.
Born and raised in Canada, Reena’s academic pursuits began with a specialization in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, followed by studies in Digital Graphics Design at the Art Institute of Toronto. This foundation laid the groundwork for her unique ability to merge aesthetics with functionality. Her quest for knowledge continued at California College of the Arts, where she earned an MBA in Design Strategy, equipping her with the skills to navigate the complex intersection of technology and business.
Reena’s professional path is marked by significant roles at some of the world’s leading tech companies. Before her tenure at Google, she served as Senior User Experience Manager at Sony PlayStation and Senior Customer Experience Manager at Citrix, where she led the design of GoToMeeting. Her leadership at Rogers Communications Inc. and BlackBerry, where she spearheaded design for various platforms, further solidified her expertise in creating user-centric solutions.
Despite her impressive career, Reena’s journey has not been without challenges. An unexpected job loss early in her career deeply shook her self-confidence. Yet, these setbacks became pivotal moments of introspection and growth. Through deep inner work and a commitment to self-discovery, Reena transformed these experiences into powerful lessons on self-love, confidence, and authenticity.
Inspired by her journey, Reena founded Our Voice in 2019, a community benefit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through self-confidence and authentic presence. She believes that overcoming adversity is crucial for discovering one’s self-worth and emphasizes the importance of resilience in personal growth. Reena’s commitment to this mission is reflected in her ongoing efforts to create inclusive cultures that empower individuals of all backgrounds.
Reena’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements. She serves on the advisory board for the Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design (MHCID) program at the University of California, Irvine. She has also contributed to research and teaching projects at institutions such as OCAD University, University of Toronto, California College of the Arts, and The Savannah College of Art and Design. Her work has been featured in prominent publications including Silicon Valley Modern Luxury, the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and Metro News, as well as on Much Music.
In addition to her tech career, Reena is a visual artist with exhibitions at venues like the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Her creative endeavors reflect her holistic approach to life, where personal expression and professional innovation go hand in hand.
Reena’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in compassion and authenticity. She believes in building supportive corporate cultures where individuals feel safe to show up as their true selves. Empowering and uplifting others through genuine care is a cornerstone of her values, and she sees her role in tech as an opportunity to make meaningful human impacts.
For Reena, the journey of personal growth is ongoing. She remains committed to nurturing her sense of self and embracing authenticity as a guiding principle. Success, in her view, is about having a clear vision and staying true to it, while letting go of worry and remaining present and flexible. Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic,” Reena emphasizes the importance of courageously bringing forth one’s hidden talents and living a life driven by curiosity rather than fear.
As a woman in the tech industry, Reena is passionate about fostering inclusive cultures that empower diverse voices. She celebrates the increasing prevalence of women in leadership roles and believes in the power of diverse leadership styles to drive business transformation and innovation.
Reena Merchant’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of making a positive impact. Her journey exemplifies how personal challenges can forge groundbreaking leadership and inspire others to embrace their true selves. Through her work and community contributions, Reena continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate tech industry.