The Engagement Manager’s Journey: Learning, Adapting, and Thriving

At Workday, every project brings new opportunities to grow. From managing complex engagements to adapting to unexpected changes, each experience has shaped the way I approach my work.

Managing Client Relationships and Projects

As an Engagement Manager, I focus on managing client relationships and ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish. This means understanding client needs, collaborating with teams to find the best solutions, and keeping projects on track. From timelines and budgets to resource management, I oversee multiple moving parts while being the main point of contact for both clients and internal teams. Clear communication and quick problem-solving are key to keeping everything on track and ensuring successful outcomes.

Learning to Trust the Process

Reflecting on my first day at Workday, I would tell myself to be patient and trust the process. Like most of us, as a new joiner to the team, I was eager to make a great first impression and prove myself. I dove straight into the details, trying to anticipate every possible challenge before we even got started.

Early on in one of my first projects, a client asked about a specific approach to a solution, and I honestly didn’t know how to answer right away. Instead of pretending I knew, I took a moment, paused, and told the client I’d get back to them after checking with the team. To my surprise, the client appreciated my honesty, and my teammates jumped in to help right away. That moment taught me something important: I didn’t need to have all the answers from the start — no one does. What matters is being open, asking the right questions, and leaning on the support of those around me.

If I could go back, I’d remind myself that growth isn’t about knowing everything upfront — it’s about building relationships, learning from every experience, and trusting that if I am open to learning new things, I’ll do well here.

Adapting to the Unexpected

Early in my time at Workday, I was working on a project where everything seemed to be moving according to plan — until, suddenly, it wasn’t. A key stakeholder on the client side left midway through the engagement, and just like that, priorities shifted, timelines changed, and everything we had carefully mapped out had to be reworked.

At first, it felt overwhelming, and I panicked. I remember thinking, How are we going to get this back on track? But after my nerves settled, I focused on resetting expectations. I had conversations with the client’s new team, clarified expectations, and worked closely with my colleagues to adapt our approach. It wasn’t easy, but we made it work. That experience shaped how I handle change. No project goes 100% as planned, and that’s okay. The key is to stay flexible and focus on what we can control.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Workday’s certification process was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve had. The material was tough, and I struggled to keep up at times, especially while juggling my regular work. But through it all, I persisted, and I look back on that phase with a lot of pride. Here are a few key takeaways that helped me succeed:

• Think Like a Consultant: The exam assesses how well you can approach a problem and recommend solutions, not just how to configure the system. Focus on the why behind your decisions, not just the how.
• Understand the Client’s Needs: The exam reflects real-world scenarios where you are the bridge between the technical team and the client. Your ability to communicate and manage relationships is just as important as your technical knowledge.
• Know How to Manage a Project: It’s not just about configuration — it’s about managing the overall project and client expectations. Review past project documentation to understand how Workday solutions were implemented and how to manage the process effectively.

These lessons not only helped me pass the exam but have also shaped how I approach my work every day.

Another defining experience was a project with an enterprise customer, where I served as the testing lead for Workday. It was challenging because there were many moving parts, as multiple integrations had to be tested simultaneously, and each stage depended on the flawless execution of the previous one. On top of that, business stakeholders had tight deadlines, so any delays in testing could set back the entire project. I coordinated with teams across different time zones, ensured that test scripts were updated in real-time, and managed last-minute configuration changes that impacted our testing plans. Keeping everything aligned while troubleshooting unexpected issues made it a high-pressure but crucial experience. Now, I know that if I did it once, I can do it again.

The Impact of Great Leadership

Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at Workday have come from the people I’ve worked with. Ketan Shah, in particular, has played a pivotal role in my growth. His support and encouragement to trust my instincts, even in moments of self-doubt, have been invaluable.

One piece of advice Ketan shared that has stayed with me is: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re simply chances to learn and improve.” This perspective shifted the way I approach challenges, helping me view them not as setbacks, but as opportunities to grow. It’s a mindset I find myself returning to often.

“We’re all told that mistakes are opportunities for growth, but how many leaders truly embody this mindset? It’s their actions, not just their words, that leave a lasting impact on you.”

Looking Ahead

Every project at Workday has been a learning experience, shaping the way I approach challenges and adapt to change. Whether it’s managing complex projects, navigating unexpected shifts, or learning from mentors, each experience has reinforced that growth is an ongoing process. The key is to stay open, keep learning, and trust that every challenge is another step forward.

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