Sandhya Dulgaj: Leading With Purpose, Resilience, and Heart

“Your journey may be tough, but your purpose is tougher. Keep rising, not just for yourself—but for everyone who believes in you.” – Sandhya Dulgaj

For over 13 years, Sandhya Dulgaj has been shaping careers in the IT sector, building high-performing teams, and redefining the way organizations attract and nurture talent. As Talent Delivery Manager at Intellias, she has grown from an individual contributor into a strategic leader—driven not just by ambition, but by a deep sense of responsibility to her work, her family, and herself.

A Calling Found in People and Purpose

Sandhya didn’t stumble into HR—she chose it deliberately. The fast-paced, evolving nature of IT recruitment drew her in, but it was the human connection that made her stay. “Over time, this profession became more than just a career—it became my passion,” she says. “Building high-performing teams and aligning talent strategies to business goals felt deeply fulfilling.”

From day one, her approach was purpose-driven. Whether she was helping a young engineer land their first role or aligning senior leadership hires with company strategy, Sandhya focused on impact, not just numbers.

The Role Models Who Built Her Strength

Behind Sandhya’s drive stands a powerful influence—her mother. A true multitasker, her mother managed a demanding government job, cared for a differently-abled daughter, and still held the family together with unwavering grace.

“Her resilience taught me what it means to work hard without complaint,” Sandhya reflects. “She showed me that strength isn’t about what you say—it’s about what you carry and how you keep moving forward.”

It’s this example that has shaped Sandhya’s leadership style: empathetic yet firm, humble yet unshakably committed to excellence.

Achievements That Speak of Grit and Growth

Sandhya’s career is marked by milestones that mirror her values. In 2024, she was recognized as “TA Leader of the Year” at the GCC Workplace Awards and earned the “Beyond Services Award” at Intellias for exceptional organizational contributions.

In 2025, the recognition went even further. Named among “50 Under 50 Women of the Year” by OutStory Media and awarded “Most Influential Women Leader” by Hypedge and She Inspire Magazine, Sandhya received her honor from acclaimed actress and motivational speaker Smita Jayakar—a moment she calls “humbling and unforgettable.”

“These awards represent more than professional success,” Sandhya says. “They’re a reflection of authentic leadership, empathy, and purpose-driven growth.”

Challenges That Forged Resilience

Her journey wasn’t without hurdles. Navigating high-volume recruitment in an ever-changing tech market was demanding enough—but doing it as the single breadwinner of her family added layers of responsibility.

Supporting her mother and differently-abled sister while excelling in a high-pressure corporate environment required discipline, self-motivation, and a willingness to make personal sacrifices.

“There were times I had to choose work over comfort, responsibility over rest,” she recalls. “But every challenge shaped me into a stronger, more empathetic leader. It taught me that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about showing up, even on the hardest days.”

Principles That Guide Her Path

Integrity, empathy, resilience, and accountability are Sandhya’s non-negotiables. She leads with transparency, listens deeply to candidates and colleagues alike, and holds herself responsible for every outcome she drives.

“These values aren’t just professional—they’re personal,” she explains. “They define how I show up at work, how I mentor young professionals, and how I live my life.”

Building the Future of Recruitment

Sandhya’s work at Intellias goes far beyond filling roles. She is spearheading initiatives to modernize hiring through AI-powered tools, creating faster, more inclusive recruitment processes.

One of her proudest projects is IntelliMentorship: Sourcing Bootcamp, designed to give MBA freshers hands-on exposure to industry tools and mentoring from seasoned recruiters. “It’s about creating opportunities, not just jobs,” she says.

Sandhya is also integrating AI-driven platforms like HireEZ, SeekOut, and ChatGPT-enabled sourcing assistants to reduce manual effort, personalize candidate outreach, and improve quality-of-hire. “Recruitment is no longer about speed alone—it’s about precision, inclusion, and strategy,” she adds.

Eyes on the Horizon

Looking forward, Sandhya hopes to amplify her impact as a strategic talent leader and thought influencer in GCC forums and HR conferences. She aspires to mentor more women, empower early-career professionals, and champion the adoption of advanced recruitment solutions.

“Being recognized for leadership is an honor,” she says, “but inspiring others to believe in themselves—that’s the real legacy I want to leave.”

Advice for Young Women

Sandhya’s message to women starting their careers is both practical and empowering:

“Believe fiercely in yourself, even when no one else does. Your circumstances don’t define your future—your courage, choices, and consistency do. Take up space, chase opportunities, and don’t let guilt hold you back from growth or independence. You have every right to succeed on your own terms.”

A Life Led by Purpose

For Sandhya Dulgaj, success isn’t about titles or awards—it’s about responsibility, impact, and the people who count on her. Her story reflects a rare mix of professional excellence and personal strength, proving that purpose can carry you through even the toughest seasons.

As she puts it best: “Your journey may be tough, but your purpose is tougher. Keep rising, not just for yourself—but for everyone who believes in you.”