On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we sat down with Chloé Hannouille, to discuss her journey into product management, what excites her most about the role, and how companies can foster greater diversity in tech.

From Digital Marketing to Product Management

Chloé joined SkeyDrone about one year ago as Senior Product Manager, but her career path wasn’t always set on product management. “I didn’t originally plan to work in this field,” she admits. With a background in applied communication, specializing in public relations and digital marketing, her initial ambitions leaned towards journalism. “At one point, I even considered becoming a wedding organiser,” she laughs. “Looking back, that would have been a terrible fit for me!”

Interestingly, another career path she considered—interior architectural design—shares some unexpected similarities with product management. “Both involve listening to needs, creating something engaging, and designing an experience that resonates with people.”

Her transition into product management was driven by a desire for new challenges. “The role of a digital product manager was still relatively new, and there was a lot to build from scratch. That made it exciting—defining processes, shaping the vision, and bringing structure to something evolving.”

The Thrill of Product Management

Ask Chloé what she loves most about her job, and she lights up. “The variety and the impact,” she says. “One day, I’m deep in discussions with the technical team, the next, I’m speaking with customers to understand their challenges. It’s a mix of strategy, problem-solving, and collaboration—no two days are the same.”

But what truly excites her is seeing a product evolve from an idea into something that genuinely helps people. “Shaping a product that’s both functional and visually appealing is so rewarding. The challenge is to balance business needs with a great user experience.”

Lessons from Mentors and Role Models

Throughout her career, Chloé has drawn inspiration from those around her. “I’ve been lucky to work with incredible people who have guided me. Some of my biggest lessons came from colleagues who challenged me to think differently or encouraged me when I doubted myself.”

Being the Only Woman on the Team

As the only female on her team, Chloé acknowledges the experience is unique. “To be honest, I don’t focus on gender. What matters most is personality fit—working with people who share the same mindset and values.”

That said, she admits there are moments when she wishes she had another woman on the team. “Sometimes, I miss that shared perspective. But overall, I’ve learned to navigate the environment by focusing on the work, building strong relationships, and making sure my voice is heard.”

Encouraging More Women in Tech and Product Roles

So, what can companies do to attract and retain more women in tech? “There’s no single fix,” Chloé says. “But it starts with breaking down the barriers around these roles. Tech isn’t rocket science, yet it can seem intimidating. That perception might discourage some women from pursuing careers in the field.”

She believes fostering inclusivity is key. “It’s about representation at all levels, providing clear career growth opportunities, and offering flexibility for different life stages. Ultimately, tech and product roles should be accessible to everyone—not just those with a technical background, but also those with diverse skills and perspectives.”

Chloé’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, curiosity, and embracing new challenges. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, her story is a reminder that career paths don’t have to be linear—and that diversity in tech starts with creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.

Interested in more employee stories? Read the interview with Benoît here.