Building Confidence and Collaboration: A Day in the Life of an Associate Manager in Product Support
New to UKG but already making an impact, Smoly is helping his team grow their confidence, strengthen customer connections, and bring UKG’s culture to life every day.
Key Takeaways
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Lead through learning: Smoly’s “knowledge jam” sessions help his team grow skills and confidence together.
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People first in action: By empowering his team, Smoly helps strengthen both employee and customer experiences.
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Small ideas, big impact: Even simple initiatives can build collaboration, engagement, and trust.
Starting a new chapter at UKG has been an exciting journey for Smoly, an Associate Manager who’s already leaving his mark just two months in. With a passion for collaboration and a focus on helping his team grow in confidence and capability, Smoly is a great example of how UKG’s culture empowers employees at every level. From creating “knowledge jam” sessions that spark learning to fostering a space where everyone feels supported, he’s helping his team — and our customers — thrive together.
Tell us a bit about your career journey at UKG.
I’m still pretty new to UKG — just about two months in — but it’s already been such an energizing start! Joining as an Associate Manager on our Customer Experience team in Pune has given me the chance to dive right into a collaborative, people-first environment. I’ve loved getting to know my team, learning the ropes, and finding ways to add value every single day.
Describe a typical day in your role.
My daily motto is simple: add value and make a difference. I spend my day connecting with my team, sharing ideas, and building a space where everyone feels supported and empowered. A big part of my focus is helping my team grow their knowledge and confidence so that we can better serve our customers — and explore the exciting world of HCM together!
How does your work impact our customers?
I believe that when our teams feel confident and equipped, our customers feel it too. By investing time in developing my team’s skills and mindset, we’re able to deliver stronger, more meaningful support. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how internal collaboration translates directly into better customer experiences.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Hands down, it’s seeing my team succeed. Helping them build a foundation of customer excellence — and watching that passion ripple out to the people we serve — is the most rewarding part of my role.
What three skills do you think are essential for your role?
- Curiosity – Always stay curious and keep learning.
- Collaboration – Great things happen when we work together.
Adding Value – Make every day count by finding ways to contribute.
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Tell us about a time when an idea of yours was put into practice.
One of my first ideas was to create structured team learning sessions — kind of like mini “knowledge jams.” It’s been awesome to see how these sessions have boosted engagement and confidence across the team. It’s a small idea that’s already making a big difference.
How has UKG helped you develop as an employee?
Even in just a couple of months, I’ve seen how UKG invests in its people. There’s so much support for learning, mentorship, and leadership growth. The culture here encourages you to bring ideas to life, which makes it easy to stretch yourself and grow.
How do you find work/life balance at UKG?
I really appreciate how UKG lives its values. The flexibility and understanding here make it easy to stay balanced and recharge when needed. It’s nice to work in an environment that genuinely values both your work and your well-being.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and finding little ways to recharge. Whether it’s reading, traveling, or just enjoying some quiet downtime, I make it a point to keep that balance.
What motivates you every day?
For me, it’s the people — my team, our customers, and the shared purpose that brings us together. It’s inspiring to work somewhere where you can truly make an impact.