Niru Ragupathy

Today we're joined by Niru Ragupathy. Niru is a Security Engineer at Google. She works as the Offensive Security Lead and manages part of the Offensive Security Team. She is currently the Tech Lead Manager. Niru sees managing as a challenging, interesting ride yet undervalued skill. She also considers it rewarding although it demands the investment of both time and effort.

She believes that it is important to start leading and take things slowly but not take the decision lightly. Having planned on taking Biotech in College but being persuaded by her parents, she was thrust to take on Computer Sciences since it has greater demands in society. In the face of her struggles, Niru has found her sense of belongingness in security management. This episode will surely encourage and benefit Engineers who struggle in transitioning on management.

Show Notes
Guest Profile

She believes that it is important to start leading and take things slowly but not take the decision lightly. Having planned on taking Biotech in College but being persuaded by her parents, she was thrust to take on Computer Sciences since it has greater demands in society. In the face of her struggles, Niru has found her sense of belongingness in security management. This episode will surely encourage and benefit Engineers who struggle in transitioning on management.

NOTES

What to do when transitioning into becoming a manager from an engineering role
Importance of weighing down the pros and cons of managing
How Niru started in Tech and how she transitioned into security
Formal education for cybersecurity and other alternative education paths available instead of getting a master’s course
Niru’s advice on people about cybersecurity education
Niru’s current path, approaches, and insights on mentoring
How Google Mentors helped Niru grow through mentoring
Psychological drain in security companies and how one can address it
The importance of quantifying risks and what are the things you can do to integrate it
The value of engaging with others and considering an “us versus them” team
Niru’s influences and first exposure to computers
Ways to become more creative
Niru’s group involvements and how people can get involved in those

QUOTES

“If you feel like this isn’t the right role for you, you can’t give it your best, and if you’re not enjoying it, you’re not going to be able to help people to their best effort possible.”
“Take things slow and do things deliberately, by that I mean don’t take the decision lightly.”
“Having some background in mentoring or finding your cornerstone on what you enjoy the most in management is very important.”
“Different people learn differently.”
“Address the problem, not the people.”
“Don’t burn out, instead speak up and ask for help.”
“Do your best, sometimes you just have to be picky of your battles.”
“Learn from others, and engage in a dialogue and figure out solutions.”
“Oftentimes you look at the end result of hard work or effort or time spent on growing the skill and you might dismiss what has been done behind the scenes.”
“Don’t be afraid to fail.”
“Don’t be discouraged by failures, that just means it’s an opportunity for you to learn and overcome things.”