Breaking Barriers: Solange Lalji’s Leadership and Innovation at EPAM Netherlands

Breaking Barriers: Solange Lalji’s Leadership and Innovation at EPAM Netherlands 

With an impressive career encompassing digital transformation and data-driven projects across various industries, EPAM's Solange Lalji, Director of Product Management, continues to pave the way for her team while ensuring success for EPAM's clients. “Throughout my career, I've built and scaled teams, managed complex stakeholder landscapes and led large-scale transformation programs,” she says, highlighting the depth of experience she brought to EPAM Netherlands.  

She has always been passionate about problem-solving and piecing together seemingly disparate puzzle pieces to create a whole image with successful results. For example, as a product manager for a global financial services corporation, Solange built a 360-degree customer dashboard that synced and optimized company processes across 40 countries. Additionally, she utilized predictive analytics and omnichannel customer relationship management (CRM) dashboards to drive data evangelism and empower her teams. Solange also advocated for change and equity for underrepresented groups as the Interim Chair of the Board for Lilith, an independent journalist platform. 

The Appeal of Challenge and Technology 

When Solange contemplated joining EPAM Netherlands, the primary factor driving her decision wasn’t just the chance to work with advanced technology and diverse clients, it was the freedom to be a proactive problem solver. Solange's career has been a sequence of seeing problems and crafting innovative solutions.  

“I’ve always tried to see a problem and then find a solution. That interest connected me naturally with a role in product management, which varies from one company to another but consistently requires a mindset of value maximizing and problem-solving,” Solange said. The magnetic appeal of EPAM develops from its unique pairing of engineering excellence with comprehensive strategy consultancy, offering a canvas broad enough for her to meaningfully deploy her skills. 

Rapid Growth: From Senior Manager to Director 

Solange’s progression from a senior product manager to a director position within three years highlights her competency and the valuable opportunities for growth within EPAM.  

When comparing her past and present roles, she notes, “Now as a director, I focus not just on client value but also on elevating the competency level of my team and how they can bring value to EPAM. I am responsible for them and their career while evangelizing client-centric product development. It’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind what we’re building, not just the ‘how.’” 

Leading a Diverse and Dynamic Team 

A kaleidoscope of expertise. That’s how Solange describes her team, highlighting the diversity in backgrounds, from engineering to business analysts and even design. But despite different professional landscapes, her team shares a common trait: adaptability and a deep understanding of client needs. In tech or marketing, a good product manager must master both. “Good product management isn’t just building based on a backlog. It’s about understanding what the product would achieve and aligning it with a thorough integration and marketing plan to ensure product adoption and awareness,” Solange explained. 

Cultivating Product Management Experts 

Regardless of their past experiences or current expertise, Solange believes every team member should consistently engage with critical, value-oriented questions for the client. “If you ask me about the top skills for a product manager, I’d start with soft skills. Hard skills in tech, data or tool expertise can be learned and even supported using AI agents. But being able to collect, understand, orchestrate, communicate feedback and make data-driven decisions are must-haves.” That is what makes an ideal candidate for her team. For those lacking a formal background in consultancy, EPAM provides a rich repository of training resources, ensuring every member can upskill. “We foster an environment that encourages continuous learning, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of product management, regardless of their prior consulting experience.” 

Finding Personal and Professional Fulfillment

For Solange, juggling her career and personal life, including being a parent to a 7-month-old, comes down to finding balance and being kind to herself. She focuses on setting achievable goals and learning to accept that things don't always have to be perfect. “Recognizing the priority, and what works (personally and professionally) allows one to manage responsibilities with grace and efficacy,” Solange advises.  

It’s a philosophy she often shares during seminars and talks, including EPAM’s ‘Women in Tech’ events. She is a passionate advocate for women in technology, often spearheading initiatives within EPAM to support gender diversity and inclusivity. As part of her efforts, she empowered women in the industry through the Cajigo 100 Women in Tech Accelerator Program.  
 
Solange’s journey at EPAM is a fantastic story of leadership, highlighted by rapid professional growth, commitment to team and personal development, and a forward-thinking approach to technology and product management. With an eye on future trends like AI, and a deep understanding of clients’ needs, she continues to build a proactive, skilled team ready for new challenges.

In a world where technology constantly changes the way businesses work and deliver results, figures like Solange are prominent leaders. They guide their teams toward new and innovative goals with wisdom and a dedication to excellence. Her story is not just about personal achievements but about setting a benchmark for effective and empathetic leadership in tech. 

Interested in joining us in our mission to solve complex problems and turn challenges into impactful solutions? Discover exciting career opportunities at EPAM and start your next journey today www.epam.com/careers.