Week 24 of 52 — Women in Tech Series
Welcome to our Women in Tech series. Over the next 52 weeks, we’ll spotlight inspiring women shaping the technology industry — sharing their stories, achievements, and insights.
From founders and engineers to designers, researchers, and community leaders, this series celebrates the diverse voices driving innovation and building the future of tech.
Nicola Saner
CEO of Chorus
How did you first get into tech/innovation?
I didn’t follow a traditional route into tech at all. I actually came into the industry through a combination of curiosity, opportunity, and being willing to say yes before I felt completely ready. Early on, I realised I loved problem solving, working with people, and being part of fast-moving environments where things were constantly evolving and tech naturally gave me all of that. What really pulled me into the industry was innovation and the pace of change. I was fascinated by how technology can transform businesses, improve experiences, and create opportunities for people. The more exposure I had, the more I realised tech isn’t just about technical skills, it’s about creativity, communication, leadership, and driving change.
What did your career path look like before landing your current role?
My career path definitely wasn’t linear, and I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to now. Before becoming CEO, I worked across a variety of roles that helped me build experience in leadership, operations, customer relationships, business growth, and people management. I originally came from the fitness and rehabilitation sector but where I learnt a lot about phycology which I now use a lot in my day to day work managing a people and a business.
Over the years, I progressed through roles that gave me exposure to leadership, strategy, customer engagement, and business transformation. Each role taught me something different, whether that was resilience, communication, decision-making, or how to lead people through change.
As my career developed, I became increasingly passionate about culture, innovation, and creating environments where people can thrive. That naturally led me into senior leadership and eventually into my current role as CEO. I learned very quickly that progression isn’t always about having the perfect plan, it’s about being adaptable, taking opportunities, and continuously learning. I said yes to challenges, stepped outside of my comfort.
What does your role involve day-to-day?
My role as a tech CEO is incredibly varied, no two days are ever the same, which is something I genuinely enjoy. A big part of my role is setting the direction for the business and making sure we continue to evolve, innovate, and create value for both our customers and our people.
Day to day, that can involve everything from strategic planning and leadership meetings to working with partners, customers, and industry peers. I spend a lot of time focused on people and culture as well, because I strongly believe successful businesses are built around engaged, supported teams.
Technology moves incredibly quickly, so another important part of the role is staying close to industry trends, innovation, cybersecurity, AI, and understanding how emerging technologies can help businesses adapt and grow.
What challenges have you faced working in tech, and how did you overcome them?
Another challenge is how fast the industry moves. Technology, cybersecurity, AI, and customer expectations are constantly evolving, so there’s a need to continuously learn and adapt. I’ve overcome that by staying curious, surrounding myself with talented people, and being open to learning from others rather than feeling like I always need to have every answer.
Was there a moment or opportunity that helped you break into the industry?
One of the biggest moments was realising that tech isn’t just about coding or technical expertise, it’s about people, innovation, problem-solving, and business transformation. How to use technology to put human requirements first.
Looking back, I think the biggest breakthrough wasn’t one single moment, it was saying yes to opportunities before I felt 100% ready. That mindset probably shaped my whole career
What advice would you give to women who want to work in tech or innovation?
Be curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Technology changes constantly, so nobody knows everything. The most successful people are usually the ones willing to learn and adapt.
I’d also encourage women to build networks, find mentors, and support other women in the industry. Having people around you who encourage and champion you can make a huge difference, especially during moments of self-doubt.
Most importantly, back yourself. Your perspective, experiences, and voice are valuable. The tech industry becomes stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive when different people are represented within it.
What do you love about working in the South West tech ecosystem?
I think the South West does a brilliant job of combining innovative thinking with strong people-focused values. There’s a huge focus on culture, wellbeing, inclusivity, and creating opportunities, which makes it an exciting and rewarding environment to be part of.
Connect with Nicola!
Follow Nicola’s journey and connect with her on LinkedIn here
