How This Director of Engineering Turned Her Childhood Passion Into a Flourishing Career

Gurleen Kakkar’s curiosity for programming was ignited early in life, driven by her passion for problem-solving and her father, an engineer at India’s electrical power generation organization, who played a pivotal role in her career journey.

“During high school, he arranged an internship for me at his organization, which was a fascinating experience and solidified my interest in software engineering,” Kakkar shares.

After completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science and a PhD in business administration and management, Kakkar joined UKG—a company specializing in HR, payroll, and workforce management solutions—as a senior project manager. She’s now the Senior Director of Software Engineering, a role that allows her to lean on her strengths while refining her skill set.

Kakkar attributes her professional growth to continuous learning. When asked about the most surprising aspect of her career journey, she shares the eye-opening realization that “with a commitment to learning new things, there is nothing you can’t achieve.” 

Software engineering is constantly evolving, and Kakkar finds that staying curious and open to new knowledge has been incredibly rewarding. This growth mindset has enabled her to adapt to changes, overcome obstacles, and seize opportunities she might not have considered otherwise.

Here, we caught up with Kakkar to learn about her work at UKG, the challenges she faces as a woman in software engineering, and the traits and skills that have driven her success in the field. 

Can you tell us about your current role at UKG and what a typical day looks like?

I’m currently the Senior Director of Engineering, leading a global team for Identity and Access Management (IAM) services. My day starts at 5 a.m., preparing to send my kids to school. After that, I walk my dog, then head to the office where I collaborate with my team in Noida. I return home around 4 p.m., have coffee with my husband to recharge, and then continue my workday with my U.S. team and stakeholders.

As a leader in software engineering, what unique challenges do you face as a woman in this field?

Rather than challenges, I would describe them as unique tussles related to career growth. Motherhood, especially when children are toddlers, demands a lot of time and attention, which coincides with peak career-growth periods. Balancing these responsibilities is a unique aspect of a woman’s life.

Could you share the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role?

My role is directly tied to the organization’s goals and success, making our decision-making crucial. I get to drive and strategize, experiment and innovate, and enable and empower others to bring their talents to the forefront.

What is your best advice for overcoming the challenges in your field?

“Every problem has a solution. If you haven’t found one, you haven’t thought or tried enough.”

What traits or skills do you believe are essential for success in your role?

Success requires a combination of several key traits and skills:

• Leadership: The ability to guide and inspire a team toward achieving common goals is crucial. Effective leadership involves not only directing but also listening, understanding, and supporting your team members.

• Decision-making: Making informed and timely decisions is essential, especially in a fast-paced and dynamic field like software engineering. This involves analyzing data, considering various perspectives, and anticipating potential outcomes.

• Engaging and motivating others: Keeping the team motivated and engaged is vital for maintaining productivity and fostering a positive work environment. This includes recognizing achievements, providing constructive feedback, and creating opportunities for professional growth.

• Commitment and accountability: Being dedicated to your work and taking responsibility for your actions and decisions builds trust and credibility within the team and organization.

What professional advice would you give your younger self?

Plan early for everything—career, finances, and personal goals. Early planning helps set clear objectives and create a roadmap to achieve them. It also allows for better preparation and adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences or insights as a leader at UKG?

The company is transforming like any other successful organization and is on the right track. UKG is all of us, so we all need to evolve. Transformation and evolution can be uncomfortable but fun if taken in the right spirit. It’s essential for organizational and individual success and survival.

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