There’s something quietly powerful about a life that doesn’t go to plan but still turns into something meaningful.
Umesh Sharma’s story is one of those—shaped not by a clear roadmap, but by unexpected turns, steady effort, and the people who believed in him along the way.
The Path That Wasn’t Supposed to Happen
“I never had a plan to get into SAP or even IT,” Umesh shares. “I wanted to become a doctor.”
When that path didn’t work out, he pivoted into HR and recruitment, eventually working in SAP hiring. It was there, in the middle of placing candidates and understanding their roles, that something shifted. The very people he helped into jobs began asking him why he wasn’t doing the work himself.
That question stayed with him. What started as curiosity became a decision—and eventually, a career.
“I’m kind of an accidental SAP consultant.”
Learning by Stepping In
Umesh didn’t enter SAP with a structured plan or formal pathway. He stepped in because an opportunity opened, and he chose to take it. From there, his learning was hands-on—through documents, systems, and most importantly, the people around him who were willing to guide him.
Support became a defining part of his journey. He speaks openly about how much it mattered to have people who believed in him, especially early on. “I always had people around me who were very supportive… who kept motivating me that you can do it.” That belief helped him build his own.
Growing With the Product
Over time, Umesh found himself deeply embedded in the SuccessFactors space, particularly in Employee Central. But what stands out is how he describes that growth—not as something separate from the product, but something intertwined with it.
“The product was growing, I was growing simultaneously.”
As the platform evolved, so did his capabilities. New features, increasing complexity, and changing expectations became part of his day-to-day. Instead of resisting that pace, he leaned into it—learning continuously and applying what he learned in real-world scenarios.
It wasn’t just about staying relevant. It was about growing alongside something that was constantly changing.
From Doing the Work to Leading People
Leadership came gradually, not as a sudden shift but as an accumulation of responsibility. When Umesh was given a bigger team, it marked a turning point in how he approached his role—not just as someone delivering outcomes, but as someone responsible for others’ growth.
He quickly realised that leadership wasn’t about control or authority. It was about creating an environment where people felt safe to speak, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. “I learned to become friend with them… even if you made a mistake, just tell me.”
He would intentionally step back at times, allowing his team to lead conversations and handle situations on their own. It wasn’t about removing himself—it was about giving them space to grow.
And in that process, he found that leadership is never one-sided. “I felt that I also learned a lot of things from them.”
The Human Side of Migration
Moving from India to Australia brought a different kind of challenge—one that extended beyond work. It meant adapting to a new culture, a different pace, and a new way of thinking about responsibility and ownership.
Professionally, the shift required him to move from focusing on individual tasks to understanding the full picture. Personally, it came with moments of isolation and adjustment. “When you migrate… sometimes you feel a bit depressed.”
There were also practical challenges, like language and communication. But over time, through consistent interaction and openness, those barriers softened.
What he gained in return was perspective. He began to see the importance of building trust with stakeholders—not just delivering solutions, but helping people understand them. “Spend half an hour with them… you will see the change.” Because in the end, success in projects often comes down to how well people are aligned.
Life Beyond the Screen
Despite working in high-pressure environments, Umesh has found simple, grounding ways to reset. He turns to yoga, excercise, and small breaks—like stepping out for a short walk or grabbing a coffee—to clear his mind.
But one of the most personal parts of his routine is his love for plants. What started as a hobby has grown into something much bigger, with dozens of plants filling his space. “I have 50–60 types of plants in my house… people say it’s a nursery.”
For him, they’re not just decorative. They’re living things that require care, attention, and consistency—much like people. “They’re living things… somebody living along with me.” It’s a quiet reflection of how he approaches life overall.
The Advice He Carries
When asked what advice he would give to someone starting out, Umesh keeps it simple, but deeply grounded in experience.
“If you are going through hell, keep going.”
He speaks about persistence, self-belief, and the reality that growth often takes longer for some than others—but that doesn’t make it any less possible. Hard work, in his view, is non-negotiable.
At the same time, he emphasises the importance of direction and guidance. Having the right mentor—someone you trust and can be honest with—can make all the difference. It’s not about finding the most senior person, but the right person who understands your journey.
A Life That Wasn’t Planned—But Was Built
Umesh didn’t follow the path he originally imagined, but in many ways, he built something just as meaningful. His journey is shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to people—both in how he leads and how he grows.
It’s a reminder that not having a plan doesn’t mean you’re lost. Sometimes, it simply means you’re open to becoming something you never expected. And if you keep going, that can be more than enough.
Connect with Umesh on LinkedIn
