From hiring strategies to nursery rhymes in minutes. Meet Sameera

For International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting voices from across AtkinsRéalis.

Sameera’s story begins with her youngest “manager”, a daughter who doesn’t understand deadlines but shapes her resilience, perspective, and purpose in profound ways.

“She has taught me lessons in patience, presence, and unconditional love that no professional experience ever could,” Sameera says. “There are moments when I move from discussing hiring strategies for the Middle East to singing nursery rhymes within minutes.”

Sameera is Lead - Talent Acquisition for the AMEA region, based in Bangalore. She works closely with leadership and project teams to identify, attract, and engage talent across some of the region’s most ambitious projects. It’s a role with real reach, every person she helps hire goes on to build infrastructure that connects communities and shapes the future of the region.

She describes her role not just as hiring, but as enabling people, strengthening teams, and contributing to long-term regional development across AMEA. “Every hire impacts the communities and infrastructure AtkinsRéalis builds. "

The moment that changed everything

Sameera doesn’t talk about a project or a promotion. She talks about coming back from maternity leave.

“What stood out immediately was the trust and support I received from the team when I returned. It was the turning point that reshaped how I saw myself.”

She’s candid about what that period felt like. “There was a phase where I was rediscovering my rhythm, balancing new responsibilities, and quietly questioning myself. But what I found here was not hesitation, it was belief. I was trusted to continue leading, contributing, and growing.”

That trust, she says, created something deeper than confidence in her role. It created belonging. “It showed me that our culture is not just about performance, but about people and their journeys. It’s an environment where you are supported through life’s transitions, and where your potential continues to be recognised.”

The experience also taught her something she carries into how she leads. “Growth often begins when someone else sees potential in you before you fully see it in yourself.”

Changing lives, not just filling roles

For Sameera, the impact of her work is personal. Every role she fills represents a real change in someone’s life; a career step, a relocation, a new direction.

“I’ve seen how the right opportunity can change someone’s confidence and direction,” she says. “Being part of that moment is incredibly fulfilling.”

She’s passionate about creating those opportunities, supporting emerging talent, and championing greater diversity across the region. And she sees a direct line between what she does and the projects AtkinsRéalis delivers. “Every role I help fill contributes to something larger, building infrastructure that develops and connects communities.”

You don’t have to choose

“If you had asked me earlier, I would have spoken about career growth, leadership, and making meaningful impact. Today, success carries a deeper meaning.” Motherhood reshaped her perspective, it taught her resilience on the most demanding days, patience when outcomes take time, and the importance of being present.

“The moments of challenge, balancing responsibility and ambition became my greatest teachers. They showed me that it is possible to nurture both a career and a family.”

Her advice for women building their careers reflects exactly that. “Your journey need not follow a predefined path. Motherhood taught me resilience. Leadership taught me courage. And experience taught me that you don’t have to choose between ambition and authenticity, you can carry both.”

Interested in building your career at AtkinsRéalis? Explore our opportunities and discover what’s possible.