Breaking the Code: Crafting Your Path from Developer to Leader

The Bright Beginning

My journey into the world of computers began in high school, where I was fascinated with building my own PC and writing my first program that ran on it. My passion expanded to web development where I led a computer science club at University. The realization that software could simplify people’s lives motivated me to choose a career path in software engineering. I still remember early in my career when I was able to fix a persistent bug that had been frustrating customers for years. Once my fix was shipped, what seemed like a little victory to me was also appreciated by customers, and it remains a lasting memory to me — that if you work hard and preserve, anything is possible.

The Turning Point: Growth and Leadership

I joined Workday back in 2016, starting as a Software Engineer within our Financials Application Development. In my early years, I immersed myself in integrating Workday data with the Worksheets product, honing my skills in distributed systems and API development. The trajectory of my journey led me from the role of Principal Software Engineer to a position as a Software Engineering Manager for the API & Integrations team in Data and Content Generation (DCG). Currently, I lead the DCG Content Services team, building the next generation document layout experience as part of the Content Platform. My team specializes in backend services, crafting the backbone for users engaged in designing and generating rich text documents infused with dynamic data sourced from Workday. The impact of our work is far-reaching; the next time you generate a payslip, compensation statement, or an offer letter, my team plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the right data is seamlessly woven into your final document.

Navigatingation: Diverse Roles and Fostering Team Growth

Throughout the past 15 years, my journey has been a tapestry of diverse roles within the teams I’ve been a part of. In the face of team challenges, I’ve cultivated a two-fold approach: observing the reactions of my technical leads and stepping up to share my perspective. This dynamic has often resulted in shouldering additional responsibilities and assuming leadership roles in projects demanding technical depth and a soothing presence. Drawing inspiration from other leaders, I’ve learned that as a manager, one serves as a role model, leading by example to inspire a team toward a specific mission. My focus extends beyond the binary of successes and failures; it encompasses the holistic development of my team, with their career growth holding equal significance to the delivery of exceptional software. The perpetual learning journey is constant, and witnessing my team navigate challenges while advancing in their careers brings me as much joy as seeing our customers relish the use of our software.

Balancing Act: Technical Roots and Managerial Heights

Being a technologist is something I genuinely enjoy, and I still find moments to dive into hands-on coding, even if it’s not in the realm of highly critical deliverables. Whether it’s a minor toggle change or a bug fix during peak team capacity, I willingly step in to help manage the workload. My philosophy revolves around empowering developers to make decisions, and I’m always ready to share my opinion when asked. With the expansion of my direct reports and responsibilities, my aim is to provide the same opportunities to my team members that I once seized as a developer. Solving intriguing problems, delivering top-notch software, and making informed long-term architectural choices serve as avenues for developers on the team to enhance their skills, and for me, a means to identify the next wave of leaders within our organization. While I engage in technical inquiries and contribute feedback in design documents or code reviews, the technical growth and career development of my team hold a place of importance for me.

Embracing Leadership:Navigating Challenges and Upholding Values

Navigating the realm of leadership requires a distinct skill set and presents its own set of challenges, which may or may not align with your preferences — and that’s perfectly fine. Traits that proved invaluable in problem-solving as a developer might not seamlessly translate into your journey as a people leader. The key lies in understanding individual motivations, learning their work styles, and embracing honest feedback. One valuable lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t please everyone all the time, and that’s completely acceptable. In this dynamic, Workday’s core values of Employees, Innovation, and Integrity have been my guiding lights. While your developers foster a high-performing culture and fulfill their commitments, your role is to maintain the unique chemistry that makes the magic happen. As Aneel often emphasizes, “happy employees mean happy customers.”

Workday’s Unique Melody

Workday is not just a workplace; it’s the pinnacle among my past employers, standing out with an exceptional blend of the finest individuals and an unparalleled company culture. What truly sets us apart is the belief shared by everyone — that by working together toward a common goal, great things can be achieved. If you enjoy delving into intriguing problems, shaping customers’ experiences, and collaborating with talented and motivated individuals, Workday not only welcomes you — it celebrates your unique contributions to our shared success. Join us and find out why your work days are brighter here.

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