Sandeep Kaur
Sales Engineer
Henkel
Sandeep Kaur knows what it means to navigate change, embrace uncertainty, and forge her own path. From growing up in Punjab, India, to pursuing advanced degrees abroad, and ultimately pivoting from R&D to a customer-facing career in sales, her story is one of resilience, lifelong learning, and community. Currently a Sales Engineer at Henkel and an active leader within professional organizations, Sandeep’s journey reminds us of the importance of hard work, confidence, and surrounding yourself with the right people along the way.
Grounded in Hard Work, Family Support, and a Growth Mindset: Growing up in a hardworking and supportive family, Sandeep was surrounded by strong values of perseverance, resilience, and the importance of education. Her father built a business from the ground up, and her mother was an independent stay-at-home mom. Together, they created an environment where ambition and curiosity were encouraged. This upbringing instilled a belief in the power of hard work and adaptability. As one of the first in her family to pursue higher education internationally, Sandeep made bold moves in pursuit of opportunity, moving to South Korea for her postdoctoral work and eventually immigrating to Canada. Each new chapter came with its own challenges, but her growth mindset and determination allowed her to stay focused on long-term goals.
Embracing Research, Mentorship, and the Value of Community: While pursuing her academic journey, Sandeep started her career in chemistry. Being expertise in chemistry, she finds her true passion in surface preparation and treatment chemistry, a specialty that would eventually anchor her career in industrial R&D and technical services.
Notably, she became the first woman in her department to independently pursue a postdoctoral fellowship, an achievement that opened doors for other young women in the field. Along the way, she mentored aspiring scientists and students, providing guidance on navigating both academic and cultural transitions, especially for those relocating abroad for their careers. She also understands firsthand the mental toll of working in high-pressure, unfamiliar environments, particularly as an immigrant balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Her experiences managing a demanding career while supporting a family, including caring for two young sons, highlighted the importance of resilience, time management, and leaning on a strong support network.
Pivoting from Technical Roles to Commercial Leadership: After over a decade in R&D and technical services, Sandeep recognized a growing interest in the business side of chemistry. She enjoyed engaging with customers, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions, prompting her to shift from the lab to a customer-facing role.
This transition wasn’t without its difficulties. Moving into sales required building confidence, mastering new business and communication skills, and learning how to translate technical expertise into commercially valuable conversations. Sandeep strategically pursued an MBA to broaden her business acumen and embraced continuous learning opportunities, including sales methodologies and leadership training. What made this career pivot successful was her ability to combine years of technical expertise with a clear understanding of customer needs, a unique skill set that continues to set her apart in her current role at Henkel.
The Role of Mentorship, Networking, and Professional Communities: Throughout her career, mentorship and professional communities played a central role in Sandeep’s development. Early mentors helped her navigate complex decisions about international relocations, career changes, and balancing family obligations. These relationships became a source of encouragement, insight, and perspective during pivotal career moments. Her connection to Women in Chemicals began with a Virtual Mixer Pairing, where she immediately saw the value in a network of supportive, like-minded women in the industry. It wasn’t long before she joined the organization’s leadership team as Mentorship Program Coordinator, a role that aligned perfectly with her values and personal mission to uplift other women in STEM and leadership. She also actively participates in organizations like SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science & Technology), consistently advocating for gender equity in technical fields and supporting initiatives that create new opportunities for women in science and engineering.
Advice for Women in Chemicals: Reflecting on her own experiences, Sandeep encourages emerging professionals to embrace the unknown, take risks, and remain open to career pivots. She believes that technical expertise paired with strong business and communication skills creates a powerful foundation for leadership in any industry.
She also recommends investing time in professional development through books, podcasts, and industry groups. Some of her go-to resources include SPIN Selling by Neil Rackham, The Mindset by Carol Dweck, The Chemical Show podcast by Victoria Meyer, and the American Chemical Society for those early in their careers.
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