Susan Nolan is the Chief Operating Officer at LearnUpon, a leading LMS provider.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
Before joining LearnUpon, I spent time working at a few different tech companies across fintech, logistics, and risk management, which gave me a broad perspective on the industry. I’ve held various roles in customer success and support, but I was really searching for a place with a strong, supportive culture where I felt I could truly make a difference. That’s when I discovered LearnUpon.
I started as an Operations Manager when the company was only a team of 8, and since then, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to grow the team and the business together. It’s been a deeply rewarding journey, both personally and professionally, to grow alongside LearnUpon and help shape its future.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
I started out studying coding at Trinity College, drawn to puzzles and patterns, whether in data or how teams collaborate. While I didn’t pursue software development, that mindset led me to a broader interest in how companies scale, how systems and people align, and how we build the infrastructure that enables strong teams and impactful solutions to thrive.
Today, I’m the COO of a SaaS company, leading internal operations across Workplace, Business Intelligence, Legal, Security, IT, and Customer Experience. I also work closely with our C-Team and senior leaders on company strategy, internal communications, and cross-functional initiatives that drive growth.
When I joined, many core functions like Finance, People, Legal, BI, didn’t exist. I had the chance to build them from scratch, put scalable foundations in place, and bring in experienced leaders to evolve them further. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a company running smoothly.
Operations may not always get the spotlight, but for me, it’s where strategy meets execution. It’s the connective tissues of a company. I love that I get to solve complex problems, connect dots across teams, and help create an environment where others can thrive.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
I’m incredibly proud to have spent the last 11 years helping build a company from the ground up. I joined as employee #9, and since then we’ve grown to over 300 people, expanded from under 100 customers to 1,600+, and scaled our ARR significantly. Being part of that journey, year by year, challenge by challenge, has been the most rewarding experience in my career.
But it’s not just the numbers I’m proud of. We’ve built something that truly matters: an LMS platform that helps companies train and develop their people so they can go on to do great things. That impact motivates me every day.
I’m also incredibly proud of the team. Supporting such a curious and passionate group, removing roadblocks, creating clarity, and helping them grow, is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Watching others grow into their potential has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
Do you have any advice on how to build and lead successful teams?
My advice is to invest equally in individuals and the team. When people feel supported and clear on their role, they’re more likely to step up, collaborate, and deliver strong results.
Tech moves fast and often feels uncertain, we live in constantly changing and ambiguous environments. However, expectations should be clear. Set a clear goal, then trust your team to decide how to get there.
I’m inspired by Kim Scott’s Radical Candor philosophy, leading by both caring personally and challenging directly. That means supporting your team but also challenging them when things go off course. Great leadership isn’t about control or micromanagement; it’s about clarity, removing obstacles, and giving your team what they need to succeed. Then step back and let them take ownership and do their best work.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
No one has ever directly tried to stop me from growing, but I’ve always been intentional about choosing environments where people share my values of collaboration, integrity, and ambition so we can build something meaningful together. That’s created a space where I feel supported to learn, experiment, and lead.
I know that hasn’t been everyone’s experience, especially in tech, which hasn’t always been the most inclusive industry. However I truly believe things are changing. I’m inspired every day by the female leaders in my own company who lead their areas with strength and authenticity. They’re incredible role models, not just for women, but for everyone across the business.
I also make it a point to support others when I see they have the skill and the will to do great things. For me, the tech sector has become a place to grow and evolve and to help others do the same.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Absolutely! One of the biggest challenges I faced was returning to work after a year off on maternity leave. The tech world moves fast, and coming back, I struggled with intense imposter syndrome. I honestly felt the company had outgrown me, and I questioned if I still had value to add.
I was incredibly lucky to have strong support, the company provided a career coach who helped me rebuild confidence and focus on my strengths. I also connected with a mentor who helped me see the real value I bring. That support was invaluable, and I’m unbelievably grateful for it.
Becoming a parent is unbelievably hard, for me it’s often harder than my role as COO, and it changes how you show up at work and in life. This experience taught me to believe in myself again and inspired me to support others facing similar challenges. Creating supportive environments is crucial for everyone’s success.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
My biggest piece of advice is to show up as your full self and be confident in the unique perspective you bring. People want to work with real, authentic people! Remember, everyone around you was new once and eager to learn, and your colleagues will want to support and help you grow. Trust yourself, lean into that support, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You belong!
