Motivating Engineers to Solve Data Challenges with a Growth Mindset

With almost two years at Confluent under her belt, Suguna Ravanappa has taken impressive strides as a people manager.

Her eight-person team of engineers in the Global Support organization helps customers tackle technical challenges in their data streaming environments. According to Suguna, leading this team and being part of Confluent’s unique company culture has helped her develop stronger skills as both a leader and a collaborator.

Learn more about her experience.

What would you say is unique about Confluent’s culture?

Confluent’s culture stands out for its focus on innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth. It’s a place where diverse ideas are encouraged, and people are empowered to take ownership and make an impact.

Since joining Confluent, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. Transitioning from a team lead to a people manager has helped me develop stronger leadership skills, such as fostering team collaboration, mentoring individuals, and driving collective success.

What skills have you learned since joining? What are you looking forward to learning next? As a team lead and now a manager, I’ve learned how to effectively balance technical expertise with leadership responsibilities.

At the same time, I've gained a deeper understanding of the importance of supporting my team’s development, while also improving my ability to manage challenges effectively. Confluent’s culture of continuous learning has allowed me to evolve as a leader, and the exposure to innovative solutions has expanded my technical knowledge as well.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to enhance my strategic thinking and leadership capabilities to better support my team’s growth and contribute to the broader success of the company.

What motivates you to excel in your role at Confluent? What’s one question people should ask to find a company that supports their ambitions?

Confluent’s culture of innovation and continuous improvement encourages me to constantly learn and evolve in my role.

Learning and evolving increases my ability to empower my team, help them grow, and drive impactful outcomes. I thrive on solving challenges and contributing to the company’s success by collaborating with a talented and diverse group of individuals—that’s exactly how I’d describe my team and leadership in my department.

The company provides ample opportunities for leadership development, which has been crucial as I transitioned from a team lead to a manager. I appreciate the focus on teamwork and open communication, as it allows me to create an environment where my team feels supported and inspired to perform at their best. Confluent’s commitment to growth and excellence motivates me to push boundaries and contribute meaningfully every day.

One question I’d suggest asking during an interview is: "What kind of workplace culture helps you do your best work, and how do you contribute to fostering that environment?" How does Confluent make career growth, learning opportunities, and growth accessible to everyone at the company?

In my experience, the company prioritizes creating a safe space where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. Confluent also offers continuous learning opportunities on creating a healthy and productive work environment, ensuring employees have the tools and knowledge to support and contribute to a more inclusive environment.

Through these efforts, Confluent works to ensure that diversity and inclusion are integrated into every aspect of its culture and business practices.

Rapid fire questions: 

1. What job did you want to have when you were a child?

   1. As a child, I wanted to be an astronaut, exploring the stars and discovering new worlds. The idea of uncovering the mysteries of the universe felt like the ultimate adventure.

2. What’s the best decision you made in your career?

   1. The best decision I made in my career was taking on a leadership role. I realized I could have a bigger impact by mentoring and supporting others, helping them grow, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

3. What’s your work-from-home must have?

   1. A well-organized desk is my work-from-home MVP. I like having everything in place so it’s like a clear mind.

4. If you could have your team off-site anywhere in the world, where would it be?

   1. If I could have my team off-site anywhere, I’d pick somewhere with a mix of relaxation and adventure. We could have a productive strategy session by day and unwind on the beach by night. Plus, it would be an awesome way to bond outside of the usual work environment! 

5. What’s your favorite way to unwind after work/on the weekends?

   1. My favorite way to unwind after work is spending quality time with my family and kids. Whether it’s helping with homework, playing games, or just having dinner together, it’s the best way to recharge and feel connected.