“Nine years of growth, grit, and getting better every day”: Sandhya’s journey of confidence, collaboration & change

Sandhya’s nine-year journey at AtkinsRéalis is a story of steady growth, resilience, and transformation. From joining as a Finance Executive to becoming a Senior Lead, her path reflects the power of collaboration, continuous learning, and a culture that truly supports its people.

When Sandhya looks back at the past nine years, she sees a journey of transformation, steady progress, and learning that shaped who she is today. 

Born and raised in Bengaluru, Sandhya completed her graduation from Bangalore University. After nearly two years of work experience, she joined AtkinsRéalis in 2017 as a Finance Executive, stepping into an environment where most colleagues had over six years of experience. 

For many, that could have felt overwhelming. For Sandhya, it became an advantage. 

“Collaborating with experienced professionals helped me pick up process discipline, understand stakeholder expectations, and adapt quickly to corporate culture,” she reflects. 

Being part of the Finance Shared Services - Bengaluru from its early days, she witnessed every major transition -from the pilot batch of the FSS setup to the global rebranding, and later, the massive One ERP transformation. With each milestone, her confidence grew, and so did her responsibilities. 

Today, she proudly leads a team she built from scratch - a turning point that transformed her from an individual contributor into a people manager. 

A culture that feels safe, supportive, and truly peoplecentric 

AtkinsRéalis, to Sandhya, is more than just a workplace. It’s a place where people uplift one another. 

She recalls the early days of the pandemic when, on the very same day lockdown was announced, laptops were issued so employees could transition smoothly to working from home. That moment, she says, reflected the organisation’s values — quick, thoughtful action to ensure the safety and continuity of its people. 

Another defining aspect of the culture is collective responsibility. “When someone is on long leave, the team steps up and shares responsibilities, so no one feels pressured. That collaboration is part of our DNA.” 

It’s this culture of care that keeps her grounded and motivated. 

Recognition that celebrates talent, creativity, and impact 

Sandhya believes that recognition at AtkinsRéalis goes beyond KPIs. 

She fondly recalls winning 1st place in a painting competition themed around company values - a moment that validated not just her skills at work, but also her creative side. 

On the operational front, the #WOW - recognition platform adds a global layer of appreciation. 

“It feels good when achievements earn points and get visibility across regions. It motivates you to keep doing your best.” 

This recognition, both formal and personal, keeps employees engaged and connected. 

Rising from Finance Executive to Senior Lead: a journey of resilience 

She has completed numerous training programs, from LinkedIn Learning modules to Workday upskilling sessions. But the real transformation began when she stepped into a people management role. 

“It wasn’t a cakewalk,” she admits. “Every year brought its own challenges, but consistency and the will to grow kept me moving forward.” 

She credits her managers for being her strongest support system: 

“They backed me even on my wobbly days, tolerated all my tantrums, and guided me with honesty. That support made all the difference.” 

Today, she stands as a Senior Lead, having risen steadily through every phase - proof that patience, effort, and the right guidance can shape remarkable growth. 

AtkinsRéalis also encourages certifications, which she believes is a boon for anyone aspiring to advance their career. 

Innovation made simpler — One ERP as a game changer 

“In simple words, One ERP changed everything.” 

For Sandhya, the migration to the new system across UK/E, India, and ME regions made daily tasks more streamlined and accessible — from booking timesheets to modifying entries with ease. As more regions prepare for transition, she sees One ERP becoming the backbone of seamless operations. 

An inclusive workplace where every voice matters

Sandhya has seen firsthand how diversity plays out in real interactions — colleagues from different backgrounds share their perspectives openly, with leaders encouraging inclusive decision-making. 

From policies to reporting channels to awareness programs, the company fosters a culture where people feel safe, respected, and heard. 

Teamwork that lifts everyone up 

One of Sandhya’s favourite parts of her role is the spirit of collaboration. 

“Everyone is willing to step in, share knowledge, and help each other succeed. It creates an environment where challenges are shared and solved together.” 

The best example of this? 
The One ERP migration. 

Her team worked weekends, shared workload, communicated openly, and supported each other through every backlog. That unity led to successful completion — a testament to teamwork done right. 

Work-life balance that feels real and attainable 

Three days in office plus two days from home offers the perfect blend of collaboration and flexibility. Clear timelines, fair task distribution, and managers trained to promote healthy boundaries make it easier to sustain energy and wellbeing. 

The company’s support systems include: 

- Hybrid work arrangement 

- Paid time off and holiday leave 

- Employee Assistance Programs 

- Health & wellness initiatives 

- Productivity and time management tools 

- Digital platforms that reduce manual effort 

For Sandhya, these practices turn balance into something real and meaningful. 

Communication that keeps everyone aligned 

Daily or weekly huddles, Microsoft Teams channels, standardized escalation processes, and Town Hall updates all ensure transparency and alignment. 

Clear sops simplify processes, and leadership updates help teams understand the bigger picture. 

Leadership that lifts others while leading with integrity

To Sandhya, strong leaders embody: 

- Accountability 

- Clear communication 

- Empathy 

- Decision-making 

- Strategic thinking 

- Integrity 

She has personally seen her superiors lead by example — giving guidance, offering honest feedback, delegating tasks for development, and creating a space where people feel supported enough to grow.