Where are you now: From Senior People Operations Specialist to Vice President, HRBP

Career growth isn’t always linear—but it’s always personal. In this series, we’re sharing the journeys of colleagues who’ve evolved with the company, whether they joined early on or found ways to grow over time. Some started as interns, others brought years of experience, and many have taken on new challenges they never expected. These are their stories.

Today, we had the opportunity to ask Mari Ambrose, Vice President, Human Resources Business Partners, “Where are you now?”, to find out how her journey has changed since joining UiPath.

What was your most memorable moment from the beginning, and how did it shape your view of the company or your career path?

I cannot recall a moment per se, but a feeling from the early days was realizing just how passionate everyone was about what we were building. The energy in the office was incredible, people were investing so much time and heart into the work, debating ideas, collaborating intensely, and genuinely enjoying it. We spent long hours together, but it never felt forced, it was by choice, driven by belief and excitement.

I also remember the all-hands meetings and how inspiring and human they were. They taught me that work can be both meaningful and fun, that you can aim high while staying true to who you are. That perspective has stayed with me ever since: work isn’t just something you do, it’s something you build and experience alongside people who care just as deeply as you do.

Looking back, what skill or experience from your first year has turned out to be surprisingly valuable in your current role?

In my first year, I learned how to thrive in ambiguity and to build structure while staying agile and open-minded. The UiPath early culture encouraged experimentation and trust, which helped me grow comfortable leading through change. That foundation still shapes how I handle change with confidence and empathy.

Can you share a project, initiative, or achievement from recent years that you’re especially proud of?

One area I’m proud of and still involved in, though from different angles, is the redesign of our performance and talent experience. It started when I was in charge of the learning and development team. It has changed as we have connected it to our larger people strategy. We've been thinking about how we handle growth, feedback, and how we find potential, not just performance. The goal has been to make the experience more regular and more connected to how the business works. It's been a real partnership between HRBPs, center of excellence (CoEs), and business leaders. It's helped us make things clearer and more accountable while keeping development at the top. It’s still a work-in progress, but it really reflects what UiPath’s Act II is about: becoming more intentional and scalable, without losing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes the company special.

Recently, I've also been thinking a lot about how work is being changed. I'm also wondering about how agentic and automation will change roles, skills, and the HR space. It’s both exciting and challenging, but it pushes us to keep evolving our people practices to match the pace of innovation we’re driving as a company.

How has your perspective on work and career growth evolved since the beginning—and how does UiPath support that evolution?

Now, I see it more as a portfolio of experiences that build range, resilience, and perspective. That shift has required a different kind of accountability, taking ownership of my growth, being intentional about what I learn, and seeking out challenges rather than waiting for them.

UiPath has been the perfect place for that kind of growth. It's a culture that lets you try new things, learn from smart people, and change your impact as the business changes. That attitude has changed how I help others, too. I encourage people to think less about the next title and more about what they want to learn and do.

You’ve experienced UiPath evolve. In your view, what’s stayed the same, what’s changed, and what excites you most about the road ahead?

Having experienced both Act I and Act II, I’d say the biggest constant at UiPath is our spirit, the curiosity, boldness, and willingness to challenge the status quo. In both acts, we've been about changing the market in our own way and bringing something new to the table. That’s what makes UiPath special, and why I love being a part of it. What’s changed is how we approach that ambition. In Act I, we were moving fast, learning by doing, and sometimes by making mistakes. That was exactly what we needed at that point.

In Act II, there’s more clarity and structure, but we haven’t lost that spark. We're learning how to grow responsibly while keeping new ideas at the top. What excites me most is seeing how people across UiPath continue to rally around a shared mission. We don't do everything right, but we have a strong sense of purpose and belief in what we're building. That's what keeps me motivated for what's next.

Stay tuned for more stories from colleagues across UiPath who’ve grown, shifted, and shaped their careers in unexpected ways. Whether they started as interns, changed paths, or stepped into new challenges—there’s more to come.