Keerthana Rajendran

Earlier in my career, I used to take feedback very personally. Even small comments would affect me. At that time, my lead, Gurunathan, gave me a piece of advice that changed my perspective. He told me not to see feedback as criticism, but as an opportunity to improve. That mindset has stayed with me ever since. 

As I grew in my role, I began receiving appreciation for a different reason. My leads would often mention that they could rely on me to follow processes consistently and complete responsibilities without needing reminders. Whether it was keeping work up to date or ensuring things were done on time, that trust meant a lot to me. Those words of appreciation made me feel noticed and valued. 

I used to believe that only hard work mattered, and that working longer hours automatically meant I was doing better. Over time, through feedback, I learned that it’s not about how long you work, but about how smartly you approach your work. That lesson has stayed with me. 

I believe a good leader is someone who connects with the team beyond just work. It’s not only about checking progress or assigning tasks; it’s about showing genuine empathy and understanding. I try to stay humble and approachable so that people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, or doubts with me. No matter what level we are at, being easy to approach and truly listening makes a big difference. 

I also believe that feedback should never hurt or demotivate anyone. It should be given constructively and positively, with the intention of helping people learn, grow, and improve. Today’s engineers are tomorrow’s leaders, so I feel it is important to set an example of the kind of leadership we would like to see in the future.

For me, success isn’t only about big project releases or achievements. It’s about how much we’ve learned and how far we’ve grown from where we started, especially in how we handled challenges and came out stronger. Success also means maintaining a healthy work-life balance and supporting others in their growth. When I’m able to guide someone on my team and see them progress, that feels like real success to me. 

I wouldn’t call it a big achievement, but becoming financially independent is something I’m truly proud of. It feels good to know that I can stand on my own without depending on anyone. Last year, I fulfilled a childhood dream by buying my first car. Seeing my name in the RC book was more than just a milestone—it was a reminder of how far I had come and what I had been able to achieve through my own efforts. 

Over the past couple of years, I’ve also started visiting old-age homes on special occasions like festivals, birthdays, or anniversaries. I usually donate breakfast or lunch there, and it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction—knowing that, in a small way, I’m able to help someone and make a difference. 

At Syncfusion, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many wonderful people, but one relationship that truly stands out is with my colleagues, Saranya and Sangeetha. What began as casual conversations in the break area gradually turned into a strong friendship that I value deeply today. I never expected to find such a genuine bond at work, and the connection we’ve built means a lot to me.