"Empowering others to reach their best while navigating challenges along the way."

Meet Hannah, Engineering Manager at Mobile.de and a true inspiration. Cameron Daniel recently caught up with her to discuss her journey into tech, her experiences as a woman in the field, and her advice on improving ED&I within the tech industry.

After noticing a significant gap in Engineering Managers with a solid background in Mobile Applications Development, She was inspired to step into the role, determined to bridge that gap and bring a fresh perspective to leadership.

Hannah is dedicated to fostering growth in the tech community. Whether through mentoring, technical writing, or speaking at conferences, she’s making her mark. She’s also incredibly proud to hold the title of Google Developer Expert for Android – a recognition of her expertise and impact in the field.

Hey Hannah, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear a bit about you.

I’m an engineering manager at Mobile.de in Berlin and previously an Associate Engineering Manager at Taxfix. My career has generally been centred on software development, recently focusing on building dynamic and user-friendly mobile applications for Android and sometimes iOS. I’m also a Google Developer Expert for Android which is a title that greatly highlights my expertise in this domain. Beyond my professional work, I’m deeply committed to fostering growth in the tech community, through mentoring, technical writing, or speaking at tech conferences. Outside work, I enjoy baking, hosting friends for meals and reading books to unwind.

Can you tell us about your journey into the tech industry and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I started coding during my teenage years in high school, although I didn’t see it as a career path. However, soon after graduating with an Actuarial Science Degree, I realised that my passion was in programming. I pursued certificate courses in computer programming while working in roles that allowed me to apply my tech skills. I took up roles in Web Development, DevOps and Mobile Development. The tech community was incredibly supportive, and finding mentors and collaborators was crucial to my early growth.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in tech, and how have you overcome them?

As a woman in tech, one of the challenges has been navigating an industry that traditionally has fewer women, which can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. The isolation can intensify the imposter syndrome that affects us all from time to time. However, I’ve overcome this by actively seeking out and contributing to communities that support women in tech. Mentorship has played a huge role in my journey, both as a mentee and a mentor, helping me build resilience and confidence in my abilities at the same time inspiring and motivating other women in tech.

What has been your proudest achievement in your career so far, and what impact do you believe it has had on your team or the industry?

One of my proudest achievements has been earning the title of ‘Google Developer Expert for Android.’ This recognition not only validates my expertise but also allows me to give back to the community by mentoring others and sharing my knowledge. It’s rewarding to see the impact this has had, particularly in inspiring others to pursue their own paths in technology globally. I get to interact with Software Developers, CTOs and Directors of tech companies through the networking community provided through the GDE program.

Why did you want to go into leadership?

I initially envisioned my career path leading to a Principal Engineer role, but as I progressed in my work, I began to notice a significant gap—there weren’t many Engineering Managers with a solid background in mobile applications development. This intrigued me and inspired me to step into the role of an Engineering Manager, determined to bridge that gap. In my role at Taxfix, I worked with several EMs who had this knowledge of mobile applications development and it was a nice relief to collaborate closely with them. Embracing leadership has enabled me to make a broader impact, guiding teams and ensuring that mobile engineering continues to be a vital and influential part of our tech ecosystem

What motivates you most about your job?

What motivates me most is seeing the tangible results of our work, particularly in mobile application development. The process of creating something from scratch, testing it, and then watching users interact with it is incredibly fulfilling. I also find great satisfaction in mentoring others and helping them grow in their careers. In my role as an Engineering Manager, I don’t get to code as much but this same satisfaction is felt when I sit through demo meetings with my team as they build MVPs and enhance features on existing products. It never gets old for me.

What are the most important things for you as a leader?

For me, the most important aspects of being a leader are fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging continuous learning, and being a reliable source of support for my team. It’s about empowering others to achieve their best while also guiding them through challenges. I always remind them they are the experts in the room, I am only an enabler of their expertise.

What is the biggest change you want to see in the tech industry?

I want to see a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. While there has been progress, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued in this field. I can see there’s some growth over the years and leading by example is one way to encourage others that it is possible to make an impact globally.

How do you think companies can improve the approach to ED&I?

Companies can improve their approach to ED&I by moving beyond mere policy creation and actively cultivating environments where every individual truly feels they belong. One powerful strategy is to implement targeted hiring initiatives, such as focusing on women in STEM from local universities or specifically recruiting women in EMEA. This kind of deliberate action from hiring managers is what will drive meaningful, visible change in the tech ecosystem, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the richness of different perspectives and experiences.

Can you share some advice for young women who are considering a career in tech or who are currently working their way up in the industry?

My advice to young women in tech is to build a strong network, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Stay updated on industry trends, but also focus on mastering the fundamentals. Remember, your journey is unique—embrace the challenges and celebrate the wins.

How do you find the transition when relocating to a different country and new work environment?

Relocating to a new country and work environment was both exciting and challenging. It required adaptability and openness to new experiences. The support from my colleagues and the broader community made the transition smoother, and it’s been rewarding to see how this move has inspired others back at home.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced working in a new cultural environment, and how did you navigate it?

The biggest challenge was adapting to the varied work cultures and communication styles. I approached this by carefully observing, asking thoughtful questions, and being receptive to feedback. Building strong relationships and gaining a deep understanding of the new environment allowed me to integrate effectively and maintain a high level of performance.

And lastly what book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf? 

Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work by Kanika Tolver

Interviewed by Cameron Daniel