What has it been like watching Hop grow into an international team and platform over the last seven years, and which milestone stands out the most to you?
It’s been really special to watch Hop grow and evolve over the last seven years. When I think back to where we started and compare it to where we are today, it’s incredible to see how much has changed—from the evolution of the platform and the growth of the business to expanding into new markets. Seeing that progress and how far Hop has come is something I’m incredibly proud of.
One milestone that really stands out to me personally is launching in South Africa. It felt like such an important moment for Hop and a real reflection of how far we had come as an international business. Seeing the platform expand into a new market, reaching new people and building new relationships, was incredibly exciting and something I’m grateful to have been part of.
The hospitality industry has shifted massively since you started. How have you adapted your operational leadership to keep both our platform and our team ahead of the curve?
The hospitality industry has changed so much over the last seven years, and I think adapting to that change has been a big part of our journey at Hop. From an operational perspective, I’ve always tried to stay focused on being agile, listening to what our customers need, and making sure the way we work continues to evolve alongside the platform.
For me, it’s about finding the right balance between having strong processes in place while still being flexible enough to adapt quickly. As we’ve grown, I’ve focused on making sure we’re working efficiently, making informed decisions, and continuously looking for ways to improve how we operate. Ultimately, it’s about keeping the business moving forward while making sure both the platform and the team are ready for whatever comes next.
With a continuously expanding ecosystem of integrations and partnerships, how do you decide which tech partnerships to pursue next?
For me, it always comes back to the value a partnership can bring to our customers and the wider Hop platform. As our ecosystem continues to grow, we look at where there are opportunities to make things simpler, more connected, and more efficient for the businesses using Hop.
We also listen closely to customer feedback and look at how the hospitality industry is evolving, as this helps us understand which integrations will have the greatest impact. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right partners that complement what we already offer, solve real operational challenges, and help us continue to strengthen and evolve the platform.
Hitting this seven-year milestone is incredible! What are you most excited about when you look toward Hop’s next phase?
Hitting seven years is an incredible milestone, and I’m really proud of how far Hop has come. Looking ahead, I’m most excited about the opportunities we have to keep evolving the platform, expanding what we offer, and finding new ways to support our customers as their needs continue to change.
There’s still so much potential for growth, and I’m excited to see how we can build on everything we’ve achieved so far. For me, the next phase is about continuing to innovate, strengthen the platform, and make sure Hop keeps delivering real value for our customers. It’s exciting to think about what the next seven years could bring.
And of course, going to South Africa to meet our amazing team, partners and clients with a little trip to the vineyards too!
Recent statistics indicate that women currently hold 29% of C-suite positions in the tech industry. As a female COO in this field, what steps can other tech companies take to improve their culture, enhance mentorship opportunities, and support more women in executive roles?
As a female COO working in tech, this is something that’s really important to me. From my own experience, having the right support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow can make such a difference in your career. I’ve learned a lot from the people around me throughout my journey, and having people who believe in you, challenge you, and give you the opportunity to step up is incredibly valuable.
I think tech companies need to create environments where women feel confident putting themselves forward and can see a clear path to leadership. Mentorship is a big part of that, but it’s also about giving women real opportunities to take on responsibility, make decisions, and develop their leadership skills.
For me, it’s important that we continue to support and encourage more women to progress into senior roles. Seeing more women in leadership creates greater visibility for those coming through and shows what’s possible. I feel very proud to be a female COO in the tech industry, and I hope that by supporting and encouraging others, we can continue to see more women stepping into leadership positions.
