Early Career at Sun Microsystems:
I joined Sun Microsystems in 2003 as a product manager after a successful internship. Rapidly ascending the corporate ladder, I was promoted three times in four years. Despite my achievements, I realized my early success had made me overconfident.
Challenges and Lessons Learned:
At Sun, I managed a team with more experience than me. Initially, I faced challenges gaining their trust due to my perceived lack of experience. However, through open communication and collaboration, I eventually earned their respect.
Move to VMware and Cultural Shift:
In 2007, I transitioned to VMware. The company's culture, marked by a focus on pedigree and a more methodical approach, was a significant departure from Sun. I struggled to adapt to this new environment, which humbled me and highlighted the importance of continuous learning.
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
While at VMware, I co-founded Raw Engineering with my husband. This experience solidified my entrepreneurial aspirations, leading me to eventually leave VMware and become the CEO of Contentstack.
Lessons for Future Leaders:
My experiences at Sun and VMware taught me valuable lessons about career growth and leadership. I now believe in a more intentional approach to promotions, emphasizing the importance of allowing employees to develop their skills and knowledge before advancing to new roles.
Key takeaways:
- Rapid promotions can lead to overconfidence.
- Building trust and respect with a team requires open communication and collaboration.
- Adapting to different corporate cultures is essential for career success.
- A deliberate approach to promotions fosters employee development and long-term success.