✨ Meet a Pearl Peep: Raju Krishnamurthy

Raju is a consistent presence here at The Pearl Works. He is always down for a sweet genuine conversation and adds a unique blend of humor and insight to our coworking community. He is a dog lover who appreciates good food. Raju enriches our space with his deep sighs and restaurant recommendations. 

‍How has being a member of our coworking community benefitted you and your work?

In the tech industry, particularly in the Bay Area, it is easy to live in a small echo chamber. .  Being at  The Pearl Works has given me exposure to a variety of people in different industries with different viewpoints and has helped me hone my “soft skills”.
What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned recently?

I’m learning to not take work criticism personally. I’ve been instituting changes at work that have people a bit, shall we say, “agitated”.  More than a few coworkers have lashed out and it’s been hard not to take it personally.  I’ve been able to sit down with a few, and it’s helpful to get their perspective (they are overworked and any change is seen as additional work).  

What is one habit you would love to practice more?

Walking … it’s not much of a habit, but taking long walks by myself is one of the most important things I do for my mental health. I used to commit around an hour a day, but that has tapered off in the last few years.

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them!

Guinness is a 11-month-old mini bernedoodle.  She is pretty much fearless (no survival skills) and believes that all humans and other dogs want to play 24/7! 

What is a podcast worth sharing, why?
The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe - Has really helped me get better at critical thinking, plus they cover a lot of scientific breakthroughs.

Another one that I have gone back and listened to multiple times is 13 minutes to the Moon.  It took Armstrong and Aldrin 13 minutes to land the Apollo 11 lunar module on the moon.  Each of the 25+ episodes digs into every aspect of the entire mission, from the technical (how to navigate in space) to the very human side (Nixon’s backup speech in the frighteningly possible event that things went south), to the very unexpected (how textile workers made the computer memory).

Raju is a Pod Desk Member here at The Pearl Works. You can find him at his desk most days or popping around to the variety of cozy nooks we have in the space. If you would like to find your own cozy nooks to work, come by for a tour and see if TPW is the right place for you.