Tara Hernandez is the Vice President of Developer Productivity at MongoDB and has been a leading figure in the tech industry for over 30 years.
After working for Google, she found her true passion at MongoDB, and has thrived in the unique opportunity to lead and innovate in a role rarely held by women. Known for her strategic vision and commitment to fostering an inclusive culture, Tara has significantly expanded her team and scope, driving advancements in developer productivity and AI integration.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
My journey to becoming Vice President of Developer Productivity at MongoDB wasn’t exactly a clear-cut or part of a step-by-step plan, but instead by leadership believing in my potential and giving me a chance.
I was approached by MongoDB’s CTO at the time with the opportunity to pursue my passion and to take on a position that is sadly a rarity for women to have. Given that I had never met the man before, getting an email from him for what seemed like a dream opportunity at first felt suspicious! Thankfully, I was able to confirm it was a legitimate engagement and after getting to know more about the role and what MongoDB was like as a company I quickly realized this was an opportunity I should not pass up.
MongoDB believed in me; they knew with my previous experience, I could lead and help develop an inclusive culture at MongoDB. As a result, I have been fortunate to drive key advancements in developer productivity and more recently our adoption of AI technologies.
What are the key roles in your field of work, and why did you choose your current expertise?
The key roles revolve around ensuring that developers have the tools and support they need to create, verify, and test code efficiently. This includes domains such as continuous integration and delivery, build systems, test frameworks, performance analysis, security infrastructure, and AI integration. These roles are crucial because they bridge the gap between development and operations, ensuring that software is delivered reliably and efficiently.
What excites me most about my work at MongoDB is the potential to drive the creation and development of innovative applications. We are at an inflection point with AI, similar to the transformative impacts of the internet and cloud. While there are always implications and considerations with any technology, the possibilities are immense.
The careful consideration around harnessing AI’s potential responsibly and effectively helps us push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
I have several role models who have inspired me throughout my career. One of the earliest was Debbie Meredith, who was a VP of Engineering I worked under during the 90s. She was one of the few women in such a high-ranking position at the time, and her leadership and expertise were incredibly motivating.
Another significant influence has been Claire Hough, whom I’ve known for over 30 years. Claire has consistently been an example of excellence and innovation in the tech industry.
I also greatly admire Christine Yen and Charity Majors, the CEO and CTO of Honeycomb respectively. Their commitment to radical inclusion and their innovative approaches to technology have been truly inspiring. Their work in fostering inclusive environments and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tech has had a profound impact on me and how I approach leadership.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
I face insecurities and anxieties every day in my career. Imposter syndrome is something I deal with regularly; I often second-guess myself. However, I’ve learned to recognize these feelings and not let them get in the way. When I feel overwhelmed, I take a deep breath, walk my dog, or play video games to clear my mind. Regardless, I know it’s my responsibility to keep going as best I can despite my doubts. It’s also true that even after 30 years in the industry, I still receive feedback that can be hurtful or dismissive. Even if that wasn’t the intention it can still cause a significantly negative impact on me. The key is to recognize that we’re all trying to do our best and to give each other grace through that process. When we can acknowledge these feelings and support one another in our respective growth paths, we all benefit.One way I’ve addressed biases and fostered inclusivity is through a “bias bust” metric in discussions during our review process. It starts with intention and bringing inclusivity into your culture and by working with your team. During our P&G (Performance and Growth) cycles, we use a digital whiteboard with a box labeled “bias bust.” This allows the team to effectively acknowledge, address and actively look to remove biases in the moment. Everyone, including the men in my team, love it. This approach has led to more powerful and inclusive teams. By bringing intention and inclusivity to your culture, you can create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Entering the world of work can certainly feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it’s a journey, not a sprint. My advice is to embrace continuous learning. Look to be open to new experiences, seek feedback, and always aim to improve. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t forget that curiosity is a strength, not a weakness.
Finding mentors for guidance and sharing experiences is invaluable. Building a supportive network of colleagues helps eliminate fear and provides you with allies. Remember, uncertainty is normal. It can be challenging to consistently feel like you’re advancing, but success stems from resilience and the ability to learn from both triumphs and setbacks. Even if it doesn’t feel like growth, it likely is.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
My advice is to be fearless in pursuing opportunities, even when they seem daunting, take that leap and give yourself the space to learn. The best jobs are the ones where it’s a mixture of things you’re good at and things you need to learn. While the tech industry can sometimes feel like a male-dominated space, don’t let that deter you. Your unique perspective and skills are invaluable. Also know that many men can be fabulous allies and advocates. My career is definitely evidence of this. Always try to avoid the trap of “us” vs. “them” thinking. It’s just “we” and other types of “we”.Finally, trust your instincts. I know it can be difficult, and as I mentioned I still have days where I doubt myself but I work to trust in my ability to figure things out, and that’s a good practice for everyone to have. Remember there is no one else like you, and you are bringing something that is an asset to your team.
