
Hey there! I'm an SRE, not your average suit-and-tie techie.  Based in Seattle, I've spent 17+ years navigating the intricate world of BFSI tech. Think of me as a problem-solving ninja, wielding my expertise in production support, AWS, and cloud computing to tame even the most complex technical beasts. ⚔️

I'm not just all code and algorithms, though. I believe in leading by doing, collaborating seamlessly, and building strong relationships across the board.  Whether it's crafting innovative solutions or strategizing for efficiency, I'm passionate about making things tick and helping others do the same.

**So, why am I here?** Well, I love sharing my knowledge and experiences, and I hope this blog becomes a space for open discussions, valuable insights, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.  Stay tuned for tech talk, industry insights, and a peek into the life of an SRE who doesn't take himself too seriously.


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SRE Manager

Uma Shankar Shanmugam


As I navigated the landscape of my formative years in the early '90s, a fear of making mistakes was instilled in me. Each misstep in exams jeopardized my grades, and every error in life seemed to chip away at my character. The wisdom imparted by parents, teachers, the principal, and elders echoed a simple mantra – "Do the right thing, the first time."

Carrying this ethos into my professional life, I diligently adhered to the principle. The workplace exuded a sense of bliss as mistakes became a rarity. I infused my team with the same zeal, fostering a culture where "redo," "undo," "update," "error," and "mistakes" were treated with utmost seriousness.

However, as the sands of time trickled through the hourglass of my career, I observed a subtle shift. Mistakes were no longer anathema; they were acknowledged and accommodated, thanks to the advent of the "undo" button and a change in mindset.

Acknowledging that there are elements beyond our control, we began to reluctantly accept mistakes that shouldn't have occurred in the first place. An alarming realization dawned – processes were evolving to support and even anticipate errors, with quality assurance standing as a safety net. The onus of accountability shifted from individuals to the process itself, gradually culminating in the acceptance that "Mistakes will happen."

In the bygone era, thoughtful consideration preceded the release of notes. However, with the march of time and the digital revolution, the mantra shifted. Online tools introduced a paradigm shift – mistakes became acceptable, for now, they could be rectified with a simple update. Platforms like Twitter enforced a certain level of accountability, reminding users that their words held weight. Yet, the winds of change suggest that even this may evolve.

In the midst of this evolving landscape, it becomes imperative to pause and remind ourselves – while mistakes may happen, the true essence lies in making every possible effort to prevent them at the source. The echo of "Do the right thing, the first time" reverberates as a timeless guide.

Embracing mistakes is not about complacency; it's about recognizing the fluidity of life and work. It's a shift from fearing mistakes to understanding that they are part of the journey. The mantra remains – "Mistakes may happen, but every effort must be made to ensure they don't. Practice doing the right thing, the first time."

Welcome to the wonderful feeling of growth and resilience, where mistakes are not roadblocks but stepping stones to improvement. In the grand tapestry of life, each misstep adds a unique thread, weaving a story of continuous learning and progress.


Exploring a shift in mindset: accepting "mistakes happen," but emphasizing prevention and accountability. It calls for mindful action, seeking to "do the right thing, the first time," for a more fulfilling journey.

Leadership

Embracing Mistakes: A Journey from Perfection to Growth