Sam Ladner
Sociologist and Researcher
Sam Ladner (she/her) is a sociologist who helps teams innovate, design, and learn. She is the author of Practical Ethnography: A Guide to Doing Ethnography in The Private Sector and Mixed Methods: A Short Guide to Applied Mixed Methods Research. She has worked on dozens of software projects at Microsoft, Amazon, and many other client companies. She recently retired from Workday, an enterprise software company, as a Senior Principal Researcher studying the future of work. She received her PhD in sociology from York University and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Rosenverse talks by Sam:
" We are guardians and stewards of that story, giving people the agency to share their experience. "
Methodological toolkit for unique research impact
March 11, 2026
" The purpose of research is paramount; it guides the choice of methods and how rigorously to apply them. "
Methodologies: Beyond the interview [Advancing Research Community Workshop Series]
September 4, 2024
" Sometimes you’re too early. Don’t fear. File this away and keep your powder dry. "
How Research Can Drive Strategic Foresight
March 9, 2022
" Strategic positioning means research is a decision-making tool, not just a service to requests. "
The Future of Research: Bridging the Gaps
July 29, 2021
" Users left data trails—data exhaust—that can actually inform and empower them if designed well. "
Data Exhaust and Personal Data: Learning from Consumer Products to Enhance Enterprise UX
June 8, 2016
" Only work with companies willing to invest the time required; otherwise, deliver what you can and be honest about it. "
Discussion
June 8, 2016
