Mums in Tech ft. Hannah Hagon
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Hannah Hagon, Founding Director/Chief Play Officer at Unplugged Tots.
The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.
Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?
I’m Hannah Hagon, founder of Unplugged Tots and a passionate advocate for early years technology education. I focus on embedding computational thinking and problem-solving skills in young children through screen-free learning experiences, ensuring our children have the foundational tools to thrive in a digital world. I started doing this in 2018 but founded the company in 2024.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
It’s a roller coaster of balancing all the things, keeping everyone and everything fed and watered and (most importantly) not forgetting oneself!
“The way I view it is that everything changes, life is a constant change of seasons.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
I’m not sure I have in all honestly. The way I view it is that everything changes, life is a constant change of seasons. What works for me now that our daughter’s are 11 and 9 simply wouldn’t have worked for our family dynamic when our girls were very young. My career shrank after maternity leave ended but that was a choice and when I went back it was on my terms but I speak from a place of privilege. I think we have to take comfort in flexing the emphasis on certain areas of our lives as other areas grow, contract and expand and we have to absolve ourselves of this guilt that we have to be all things to all people all the time.
I’m trying to create a life that fulfils my heart and provides an opportunity for our next generation to know that family and career can work in symbiosis without this constant pull of either/or and burning out in the process.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
The perception of others – the top down directives and pigeon holing when I knew there were areas within the business that my skills could be of benefit to the various organisations I’ve worked in – that may sound conceited but it became frustrating. Hence, why I now run my own company!
“For me, it’s all about balance and absolving myself from the guilt around what society deems to be the ‘perfect mother/parent’.”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Being intentional with my time – I can be my most productive during those 6 hours when they’re at school. Focusing on my long, medium and short term goals with a plan on how to achieve them and deadlines associated with them move the needle constantly so that I’m not procrastinating. It means when the girls come home, I’m there, doing homework, spelling and times tables (badly!) It doesn't mean that I’m perfect, there are times when I can’t stop thinking about a project and I’m distracted. For me, it’s all about balance and absolving myself from the guilt around what society deems to be the ‘perfect mother/parent’.
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
Having an understanding leadership team helped me massively, I was actively encouraged to attend school assemblies, sports days and concerts because the leadership team had children and some had older children and they missed those moments through work and didn’t want me to miss them. It made me feel valued as a person, not just as an employee. They understood that I have a life outside of work and they in return got the best from me.
“Don’t let anyone dim your sparkle, if you want something then go for it and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Asking what working mothers want. Not everyone wants the same thing and it’s unfair to give a one size fit’s all policy. I know that working from home was a non negotiable for me but I also know that for some, being in an office environment supports collaborative working styles. I know that some people prefer working longer days to condense the hours whereas others want shorter hours every day to fit in with school days. I appreciate it’s hard to work out the logistics but there may be things that will end up working for more people which celebrates the company being fully inclusive and progressive.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
Don’t let anyone dim your sparkle, if you want something then go for it and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. There are women watching, seeing how to grow, learn and lead and if we do good we all succeed. You don’t need to choose between being a great mother and having a great career. Give yourself some grace and stop thinking of all the ‘shoulds’ and enjoy (or hate – weaning, eugh!) each stage of motherhood and your career. Your children are watching you, they’re learning from the best, so relax into it but know that everything changes and you only notice when you look back, take stock and realise how far you’ve come. xx
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