Navigating the Path of Innovation: My Journey as an Engineering Manager at Fortanix

As I reflect on my time as an Engineering Manager at Fortanix, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Working at the forefront of data security and privacy has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has offered me numerous opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership. I’d like to share some insights from my journey, hoping to inspire and guide others in similar roles.

Embracing the Vision

Fortanix’s mission to protect data in use using cutting-edge Confidential Computing technology resonated with my own passion for cybersecurity with my 2 decade of career which travels thru securing data at motion to securing data at rest. From the outset, it was clear that the company’s vision was not just ambitious but also crucial in today’s digital landscape. Embracing this vision has been a driving force in my efforts to lead the engineering team towards achieving our goals.

Leading by Example

One of the key aspects of my role was to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Leading by example, I always strived to maintain a high standard of work ethic and integrity and fostered the culture of extreme ownership. By being approachable and actively listening to my team members, I created an environment where everyone felt valued and empowered to contribute their best ideas. This open culture at Fortanix not only boosted team morale but also led to the development of more creative and effective solutions.

Driving Technical Excellence

At Fortanix, we dealt with complex problems that required advanced technical solutions. I prioritized continuous learning and encouraged my team to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in cybersecurity. We invested in training programs, meet ups, and conducted regular knowledge-sharing sessions. This emphasis on technical excellence enabled us to tackle challenges head-on and deliver high-quality products with continues guidance of Faisal Faruqui and Jethro Beekman .

Agile Methodologies for Efficient Execution

In the fast-paced world of technology, agility is crucial. Implementing Agile methodologies was instrumental in our ability to adapt to changing requirements and deliver results efficiently. By breaking down projects into manageable sprints and maintaining clear communication channels, we ensured that everyone was aligned with the project goals and timelines. We have adopted efficient process to build a high performance engineering org. Thanks to Vidhya RG for all the guidance and collaboration.

Building Strong Relationships

Successful project execution often depends on strong cross-functional collaboration. At Fortanix, I worked closely with product managers ( Priyanka Sharma , Asma Zubair ) and other stakeholders to ensure that our engineering efforts were aligned with business objectives. Building and nurturing these relationships was key to understanding the broader context of our work and making informed decisions that benefited the organization as a whole.

Mentoring and Growth

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role was mentoring engineers and watching them grow into confident and skilled professionals. By providing guidance, support, and constructive feedback, I helped them navigate their career paths and achieve their personal and professional goals. This not only contributed to their development but also strengthened the overall capability of our engineering team. These all would not have been possible with out my mentors Vishal Saxena and Stan Liu .

Achievements and Milestones

During my tenure, our team achieved several significant milestones. We successfully launched DSMA, which received positive feedback from customers and set a new standard in data security. We also improved our development processes, predictable release while maintaining high quality. These accomplishments were a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of the entire team.

Looking Ahead(Look. Know. Further.)

As I look to the future, I am excited about the continued advancements in Confidential Computing and the role Fortanix will play in shaping the landscape of data security. My experience as an Engineering Manager has equipped me with invaluable skills and insights that I will carry forward in my career. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented team and am proud of the impact we made together.

In conclusion, my journey at Fortanix has been a remarkable chapter in my professional life. It has reinforced the importance of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in driving success. I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, confident in the knowledge and experience I have gained.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out. Let’s continue to innovate and secure the future, together.