EDB Family: More Than Just Colleagues—Beena Emerson’s Decade-Long Journey
"EDB family is more than just colleagues. It is a community of support and shared passion that has shaped my life for a decade." — Beena Emerson
Beena Emerson’s story at EDB isn’t just about code, conferences, or projects—it’s about finding a home where passion meets purpose. As a Staff Software Development Engineer (SDE) in Product Development, Beena has been shaping not just cutting-edge software but also the culture that defines EDB.
From Fresh Graduate to PostgreSQL Pro
Beena’s PostgreSQL journey began in 2012, fresh out of college and stepping into her first role at NTT Data, being a Postgres developer in NTT, She dove deep into the PostgreSQL community—tinkering with pg_hackers, enhancing pg_repack, and tackling complex bug fixes.
Her dedication didn’t go unnoticed. By October 2015, after a rigorous interview process, Beena joined EDB.
"And the rest, as they say, is history,"
Every Line of Code, A New Challenge
At EDB, Beena’s work is anything but routine. She’s at the forefront of developing, reviewing, and testing features for PostgreSQL and EPAS. She also steps in during critical customer escalations, lending her deep technical expertise to solve tough challenges.
Beena is a familiar face at PostgreSQL conferences, where she shares her insights with the broader tech community, inspiring both seasoned developers and fresh talent alike.
One project that stands out for Beena is integrating the DBMS_ASSERT feature—an Oracle compatibility tool—into EnterpriseDB Advanced Server. What started as a simple code review morphed into hands-on development, unearthing tricky edge cases and unexpected bugs.
"It wasn’t just about fixing problems," she recalls. "It was the thrill of solving them and learning something new every day."
Her passion for continuous learning and tackling new challenges ensures that every project is an opportunity for growth. With her expertise and boundless enthusiasm, Beena’s contributions continue to leave a lasting impact.
Why EDB Feels Like Home
For Beena, EDB is far more than just a workplace—it’s a community. "The culture here is incredible. I’ve never felt like just another employee," she shares.
Supportive Work Environment: Beena speaks fondly of her colleagues, who are always ready to lend a hand. Whether it’s a technical hiccup or a personal challenge, she’s found unwavering support.
"When I wanted to attend a conference in Hyderabad, EDB didn’t just approve it—they encouraged it,. And the best part? After earning my coaching certificate, they’ve included me in panels and events to showcase my skills. It’s incredible to be part of such a supportive environment! " she says.
Work-Life Balance: Wellness Fridays and flexible leave policies aren’t just perks—they’re essential. "Whenever I needed time off, the response was always understanding and supportive," Beena notes.
Inclusive Culture: At EDB, diversity isn’t a checkbox—it’s a core value. Beena has always felt respected and valued, even when her perspectives differed. "I’ve never felt out of place for having a different view," she shares.
Personal Growth Beyond Work: Beena’s passions extend beyond coding. As a mindful productivity coach and published author, she’s led mindset training sessions and participated in panel discussions. She credits EDB for fostering an environment that encourages holistic growth.
Challenging & Engaging Work: The projects at EDB keep Beena on her toes. "Every day brings something new—a new challenge, a new solution, a new opportunity to learn," she says.
Inspired by Family, Leading by Example
Beena’s inspiration comes from her father, a respected General Manager known fondly as "Jolly Sir." Watching him lead with kindness and integrity left a lasting impression.
"He always stood up for his team, and that’s the kind of environment I wanted to create in my workplace," Beena reflects.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed—she recently received EDB’s Best Team Player Award, a recognition of the supportive culture she helps foster.
Words of Wisdom
Over the years, Beena has gathered valuable lessons that she loves sharing with others:
- Be Intentional About Your Work Environment: "Technical skills are important, but the environment you work in matters just as much. Find a place that helps you grow."
- Speak Up Early: "If you see a roadblock, don’t wait. Raising red flags early isn’t a weakness—it’s smart."
- Master Time Management: "Balancing multiple projects? Prioritize and document the next steps when you switch tasks. It’s the key to staying productive without burning out."
- Document Everything: "Even the things that didn’t work. It’ll save you time and headaches down the line."
Looking Ahead
As Beena nears her 10-year anniversary at EDB, her journey is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about what you do—it’s about where you do it and who you do it with.
"I’m grateful for a workplace that not only values my contributions but also supports my growth as a person," she says.
Beena Emerson’s story is more than just a career highlight—it’s proof that when you find the right environment, you don’t just work—you thrive.