Emily Bahna

Emily Bahna is the Managing Director at thoughtbot, where she leads the Lift Off team, focusing on developing new software-based products and services for various organizations. With over twenty years of experience in user experience design, she has collaborated with notable clients such as Duke University, American Express, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.12

Background and Education

• Education: Emily holds a B.A. in History from Rutgers University and a degree in Graphic Design from Parsons School of Design. She has also studied photography and participated in filmmaking workshops.1
• Professional Experience: Before joining thoughtbot, she founded The UX-Shop, a consultancy specializing in user experience design. Her diverse skill set includes leadership, business development, organizational strategy, product management, and design thinking.12

Role at Thoughtbot

As Managing Director, Emily is responsible for assembling cross-functional teams to tackle complex problems through innovative solutions. Her approach emphasizes creative vision and relationship-building to ensure her teams achieve their goals effectively.2 The Lift Off team specifically assists new founders in launching products and helps existing companies expand their services.2

Personal Life

Originally from New York City, Emily now resides in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband and two teenage children. She is actively involved in coaching and advising startups through various initiatives such as NC Idea and TechStars.