Week 29 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.
Hannah Drew
IT Operations Manager at Chorus
How did you first get into tech/innovation?
Working in technology wasn’t a career path I was actively pursuing when I got my first role in the industry. I was looking for project management related roles and found an opportunity to work for a legal software company. Despite not having a technical background, I felt aligned with their mission and that I could contribute positively to their software implementation projects.
What did your career path look like before landing your current role?
I started as a junior project manager for a software company, progressing to PM and eventually to product owner working directly with the development team. From there, I moved into product ownership for the company I currently work again working with a very technical team. As time went on, I moved into an operational role; overseeing project delivery across the business and eventually also operations for the wider service desk which is what I currently do.
What does your role involve day-to-day?
I oversee the day to day operations for the IT branch of an MSP in the South West. Service desk, project delivery across several technical disciplines and internal operations such as automation, ITSM development and infrastructure fall under the umbrella of my responsibility.
Day to day I spend a lot of time analysing and improving processes; working with team leaders within the department to ensure cross department collaboration, reviewing performance, engaging with clients and being an escalation point both internally and externally. I work to minimise risk, increase efficiency and provide excellent customer service. A lot of my role is collaborative; so I attend a lot of meetings!
What challenges have you faced working in tech, and how did you overcome them?
I think the tech industry can be intimidating.
Technical concepts can be complex, jargon is rife and the pace of change within the tech landscape is phenomenal. It’s also an industry dominated by men.
Early in my career I was a young, non-technical woman working in a team of much older, very technical men. In my experience, women have to demonstrate their ability much more before they are seen as credible. I’ve been able to achieve this by speaking up, demonstrating that it’s possible to be a decision maker without having the same level of technical understanding as others in the team and not shying away from challenge.
Was there a moment or opportunity that helped you break into the industry?
I fell into the industry rather than actively pursued it. The door to tech was held open for me by a woman in a senior position in a software house who showed me that it’s possible to lead despite not having a technical background.
What advice would you give to women who want to work in tech or innovation?
Don’t be intimidated!
The most important trait of someone working in technology is to be curious. If you have an interest in technology, even if you’re not in a technical position; there is so much fun to be had working in a technical environment so don’t hold back applying for roles.
What do you love about working in the South West tech ecosystem?
It’s a very supportive ecosystem where women recognise the challenge and support each other with ideas & advice which is fantastic. There are frequent events to share ideas, discuss challenges and provide guidance.
Connect with Hanna!
Follow Hanna’s journey and connect with her on LinkedIn here
