At the Danny Sullivan Group, we believe in celebrating the women who drive change, challenge norms, and inspire the next generation. This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the journeys of the incredible women within our team—sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
Hannah’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making workplaces more inclusive, supportive, and fulfilling. From navigating different industries to building HR functions from the ground up, her journey is a testament to the power of experience, learning, and leadership.
• How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve worked in a multitude of roles and industries, all of which have led me here. HR on paper may look the same everywhere, but each industry has its own nuances that make it completely different. These experiences have given me the knowledge and perspective to understand what good HR looks like—how a business should care for its employees and truly embody its values from the inside out.
• What inspired your career path?
I was driven by a desire to help people lead happier, more productive lives at work. Since we spend the majority of our adult lives working, I believe it should be a fulfilling and purposeful experience with a lasting impact.
• Any key milestones, experiences, or challenges that shaped your journey?
In my previous role, the business was split in half, and I was tasked with setting up an entire HR department from scratch. It was a challenging but rewarding experience—working independently meant I had to be incredibly resourceful, problem-solve on my own, and take full ownership of building something from the ground up.
• Are there any qualifications or experiences that have been particularly valuable in your role?
Having a CIPD Level 7 qualification has been hugely valuable. It not only deepened my HR expertise but also gave me access to an extensive network of HR professionals, which has been an incredible resource throughout my career.
• What do you want to be doing in the future, or what changes would you like to see in the industry?
In the future, I want to move into business psychology and coaching, working with senior leaders to understand who they are as individuals and how that shapes their leadership and decision-making. I’d also love to pursue a PhD in organisational behaviour and eventually advise the government on workplace practices to create real, meaningful change in the way we work.
• Thoughts on how the industry can evolve, especially regarding diversity, inclusion, or innovation.
The construction industry is diverse in many ways, but there are still significant gaps. I believe more needs to be done at the school level to engage and excite young people from different backgrounds about the opportunities in construction. It’s about breaking down barriers and showing the breadth of career paths available.
• Is there a woman who inspires you? Why?
I don’t have just one—and I think that’s okay! Inspiration comes from many different places and people.
