Ana Jovanovska, Senior DevOps Engineer and AWS UG Macedonia Leader, calls DevOps “love at first deployment.” Blending code, cloud, and creativity, she thrives on solving complex challenges while drawing inspiration from anime, LOTR, game design, and her chonky cat. In this interview, Ana shares her journey, lessons learned, and the mindset that keeps her curious, resilient, and always ready for the next big challenge.
Tech & Career
What first drew you to the world of DevOps, and what keeps you fired up about it today?
I think DevOps drew me into its world. I went completely unaware, but it was a love at first deployment. It was the first thing in my life to exhaust me intellectually and it felt really good.
With your expertise in Terraform, security, and AWS, what’s one challenge you love solving again and again?
POC’s (Proof of concepts) and investigations when something is unknown and there is not much information yet.
Challenge accepted, let’s go.
You’re the AWS UG Macedonia Leader. What’s been a standout moment in that community role?
Bringing people together and sharing knowledge. If I inspire even one person to get that certification, I’ve done my part.
DevOps is all about collaboration and automation. How do you bridge the gap between infrastructure and development teams?
I was Dev before being Ops, so understanding the whole process is key in DevOps. Also, I’m really good with people, so listening is important.
What’s a recent project or initiative you’re especially proud of and what made it meaningful?
My current client gave me 100% trust in their entire cloud infrastructure, and I can make my own decisions for their projects and clients.
Culture & Growth
What advice would you give someone just starting out in DevOps who wants to go deep into cloud and security?
Learn on your own, spend time researching, see what’s out there. It often gets hectic, so be prepared to be thrown into the fire. And don’t forget communication and teamwork – these are the essentials.
What does a strong DevOps culture mean to you, and how do you help build it on your team?
Communication, and not giving up when it gets tough. Keep asking “Why is this?” or “Why that?” even if you don’t get answers. Be persistent no matter what. Build your character – it will pay off in the end.
You have a unique mix of technical precision and creative expression. How do those worlds intersect for you?
I see art everywhere, even in DevOps. It’s just who I am. I recently got a full scholarship for Game Design, so art follows me even on days when I think I don’t have time for it.
In your opinion, what’s the most underrated skill a DevOps engineer should have (beyond code)?
Communication. You can be the most skilled tech out there, but without knowing how to talk to your team, discuss ideas, and share knowledge, you can’t complete the DevOps cycle.
What’s one leadership or career lesson you’ve learned the hard way and wish someone had told you earlier?
Imposter syndrome. It’s real, it’s scary, and it feeds on fear and failure. But it gets better over time. You’re not alone – that’s why IT communities exist.
Beyond the Code
If you could build or engineer any product or tool, no limits, what would it be?
Something in embedded technology. I really miss microcontrollers.
Which character from LOTR do you relate to most, and why?
Somewhere between Bilbo (small but persistent, adventurous, and loving life) and Aragorn (loyal, strong, and a great leader).
What’s your go-to way to decompress after a long day of problem-solving and automation?
Binging anime and K-dramas, movies, cartoons in general, and of course, squeezing my chonky cat.
If you could sit down for coffee (or whiskey) with any tech icon, who would it be?
Anton Babenko (hopefully soon!). He’s my Terraform hero.
What’s your current favorite horror movie, anime, or band you’re obsessed with and what do you love about it?
I’m watching The Summer Hikaru Died and Dan Da Dan (ongoing anime), both of which can fit into the horror category. The animation is amazing, and the storylines are too.
Also… K-pop.
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