At Aspect, we put humans first—and there's no better way to illustrate this than by highlighting the experiences of our wonderful team. “Spotlight On” is a series where we showcase the unique experiences of teammates across our organization. In our last Spotlight On, we talked with Liz Boone’s journey from contact centers to product management.
In this installment, we're chatting with Aspect veteran and Manager of Engineering, Karthi Gengaram. Karthi has spent more than 15 years on Aspect's Engineering team, serving as an invaluable part of leadership and company growth.
Q: What path led you to your current position at Aspect?
I began my journey with Aspect 17 years ago as a Principal Engineer focused on Quality Management. Over the years, I had the opportunity to contribute to several challenging and rewarding projects in this space. In early 2019, I transitioned into a leadership role, taking on the responsibility of managing the very team I had been part of. By 2024, my role expanded further to include oversight of the Performance and League engineering teams. Most recently, in early 2025, I joined many of my colleagues in contributing to the growth and success of Workforce Experience(WFX).
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the tech/software industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
My interest in technology started in my higher secondary school with a natural curiosity about how things work. I was always drawn to logic, and problem-solving. Software felt like the perfect combination.
When I joined Aspect, I had the opportunity to work on projects that were both technically challenging and deeply meaningful. That experience solidified my commitment to this field. Over time, as I took on leadership roles, first managing my own team in 2019, then expanding my responsibilities in 2024 to manage Performance and League engineering teams. I found a new layer of passion in mentoring others and helping teams thrive.
What keeps me going today is that same sense of purpose and possibility. The tech landscape is always evolving, and there’s always something new to explore. But more than that, it’s the people I work with, the collaborative spirit, and the constant learning—that make this journey truly fulfilling. Most recently, moving into WFX in 2025 with many of my colleagues has been another exciting and challenging chapter.
Q: What accomplishment at Aspect are you most proud of?
After so many years at Aspect, it’s difficult to list every accomplishment, but a couple of recent achievements I am truly proud of myself and the team are:
- Leading the team to build a mobile app in just 3 weeks. We came together as an amazing team, aligned on priorities, and turned an idea into a functioning app in record time. This experience not only showcased the team’s agility but also highlighted our ability to execute under tight timelines while maintaining quality.
- Transitioning to the WFX project within 2 weeks. After years of working with our enterprise suite, we successfully transitioned to the WFX project and started delivering value within 2 weeks. This smooth transition reflects adaptability, a continuous learning mindset, and a commitment to keep moving forward in alignment with the organization’s priorities.
Q: What are you looking forward to accomplishing next in your career?
I’m passionate about helping my teams grow. I look forward to mentoring, sharing knowledge, and removing blockers so we can all deliver with confidence, quality, and speed. Overall, I look forward to adding value wherever I am, learning continuously, and growing while enabling others to grow alongside me.
Q: What's your favorite part of Aspect’s company culture?
Everyone is approachable, whether it’s discussing a blocker, brainstorming a solution, or just sharing a quick win, there’s always support and encouragement. Most importantly, the culture of collaboration that keeps us moving forward together, even during tight deadlines or challenging projects.
Q: As a team leader at Aspect, how do you foster positive culture within your department?
I ensure that everyone in the team feels comfortable sharing ideas, raising concerns, and asking questions. I empower the team to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and drive solutions while providing guidance when needed. This builds confidence and engagement.
Q: What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned from working at Aspect?
Aspect taught me that technical skills can get you started, but continuous learning, effective collaboration, and a customer-centric mindset is what drives a lasting impact. It was not just about delivering software but also about delivering value, building relationships, and growing together as a team.
Over the past 10 years, working under Kevin Nolan’s guidance has significantly shaped my leadership journey and helped me grow into a better leader.
Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with family, going for long drives, exploring different places and cuisines, and learning about historical events through movies and reading.
Q: What's one item on your desk you couldn't work without?
One item on my desk I couldn’t work without is my notebook. I use it to quickly write down ideas, track priorities, and reflect on daily learnings. It helps me stay organized and focused throughout the day.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to pause time. It would let me take a breath during busy days, reflect calmly before making decisions, and spend more unhurried moments with family while still keeping up with everything at work.
Want to hear more from Aspect veterans? Check out Beth Zindel’s 25 year journey with Aspect and read our conversation with consulting leader Lori DeWald.
