I Left a Stable Job for an Unfamiliar Environment

Joining Confluent during the peak of Covid was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my career. I left a stable job and the comfort of in-person collaboration for a fully remote role in a fast-paced, unfamiliar environment. I wasn’t sure if I could thrive without the structure I was used to. But that risk paid off. I adapted quickly, pushed past self-doubt, and eventually transitioned into management. 

In a remote-first world, I learned how to lead without formal authority – building trust, influencing cross-functional teams, and driving alignment through strong communication and presence. That leap not only shaped my career, it helped me grow into a confident, vocal leader who could create impact, even in uncertainty.

Adaptability & resilience: Working on projects of varying complexities across diverse domains gave me unique challenges and infinite opportunities to grow. I have been fortunate to transition from business and development roles to technical program management, and assuming leadership roles. My key takeaway from these experiences is that adaptability and resilience are essential, and that challenges must be viewed as opportunities.

Champion others: Being a woman in tech has never been just about writing code or leading projects – it’s been about creating space, visibility, and momentum for others who are often overlooked. I remember one particular instance early in my leadership journey: we were hiring for a senior TPM role, and during the resume screening, a brilliant female candidate was almost dismissed for not having “traditional experience”. I paused the conversation and asked the team to look beyond keywords and dig into what she had built. That candidate was hired, and today, she’s not only thriving technically but also mentoring others. That moment reminded me how easy it is for bias to slip in unless someone calls it out.

Own your expertise: Many women encounter a ₹career cliff’ at critical moments. What matters most is owning your expertise and consistently staying ahead of the curve. Mentorship and sponsorship programmes become crucial for supporting career progression as they provide guidance, networking opportunities, and advocacy for high-potential employees.

Networking opens doors: I also can’t emphasise enough the need to build and leverage your network, which is crucial for advancing into leadership roles. Networking opens doors to opportunities, builds visibility, and connects you with key decision-makers. However, as a woman, you may need to navigate networking dynamics differently. It’s not just about who you know, it’s about who knows you and your value.

Debasree Mitra is principal technical program manager at Confluent