Spotlight on Kruthi Venkatesh: Reflecting on travel’s transformative impact

As a Frontend Staff Software Engineer at Spotnana, Kruthi Venkatesh is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of transformative traveler experiences. While she is tackling the daily responsibilities of her first role in travel, she is also volunteering her leadership skills to Spotnana’s Parent/Caregiver ERG.

We spoke with Kruthi about how working in travel supports her desire to drive impact, how her team dynamics foster collaboration and innovation, and why travel at its core is a deeply human experience.

What brought you to the travel industry? 

“Working in the travel industry is the perfect intersection of passion and learning for me. Every day, I get to help make travel smoother and more accessible while exploring the complexities of a field I’ve always admired.

“I’ve loved traveling for as long as I can remember—it has been a part of my life since I was a kid. The way travel connects people and cultures has always fascinated me. So when I got the opportunity to work in the travel industry, it felt like destiny to combine my passion with the chance to create a meaningful impact. In my mind, working in this space is like traveling every day, through the products we build.

“What really hooked me was how much there is to learn. I’ve always been drawn to diving deep into things that excite me, and the travel industry turned out to be far more complex than I’d ever imagined. For example, I used to wonder why canceling a flight felt like such a hassle. As a developer, I’d think, ‘How hard can it be? Just click a button, change the status, and voila!’ Now that I understand how interconnected and intricate the systems are, I have a whole new appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes.”

What are the dynamics and goals of your team? 

“My team is all about collaboration, transparency, and building high-quality solutions. We focus on delivering scalable, user-friendly products that align with the broader company vision. My goal, as part of this team, is to create an environment where everyone can contribute their strengths—whether through innovating, problem-solving, or supporting one another’s growth.

“I prioritize maintaining a high level of communication, whether through regular retrospectives to reflect on our wins and challenges or through daily touchpoints to ensure everyone is aligned. I actively encourage improvements in our processes and productivity, aiming for high efficiency without compromising quality.

“Ultimately, the team’s dynamic is shaped by trust and open communication. I bring these values into our work every day, which allows us to be agile, meet deadlines, and build solutions that have a real impact. We work together to ensure that we not only meet our goals but continue to evolve and grow as a team.”

What is it like to work on Spotnana’s Engineering team? 

“Working on the Engineering team is AMAZING. Everyone is respectful, helpful, and genuinely kind. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone’s ideas are valued. There’s a strong sense of trust and openness, which makes it easy to communicate and work towards our goals together. It’s a place where everyone can learn, grow, and feel like part of a team that truly cares about each other’s success.”

Why is travel important to you? 

“Travel is my way of learning and growing, but it’s also about enjoying life in the simplest, most meaningful ways. I love exploring new cultures and trying out different cuisines—being a foodie, it’s one of my favorite parts. 

“It’s also about spending time with the people I care most about. Traveling with family and friends creates unforgettable moments.”

What does “travel is a human emotion” mean to you? 

Frontend Staff Software Engineer Kruthi Venkatesh (left) traveling with her family

“‘Travel is a human emotion’ really resonates with me because traveling stirs up such a mix of emotions, each unique, but all deeply human. There’s that rush of excitement and the butterflies in your stomach when you’re about to reunite with your family after a long time apart. There’s the joy and comfort of seeing familiar faces or revisiting places that hold a piece of your heart. It’s an emotional high that makes you feel alive like nothing else does.

“Then, there’s the curiosity that comes with exploring new places—walking down unfamiliar streets, trying new foods, hearing different languages, and learning about other cultures. It’s that sense of awe and wonder, like a child discovering the world for the first time. Traveling brings out an eagerness to learn and experience more.

“However, it also has a quieter, reflective side. Sometimes, there are moments of solitude—sitting on a beach, taking in a sunset, or quietly walking through a new city—where you find peace or clarity. These moments help you reconnect with yourself, slow down, and gain new perspectives.

“Then, there’s the bittersweet nostalgia. Visiting a place from your past can trigger everything from joyful memories to a touch of sadness when you realize how much has changed. In these moments, you’re reminded of how much you’ve grown, how far you’ve come, and how time keeps moving forward.

“To me, travel is the embodiment of all these feelings. It’s about connection, growth, discovery, and reflection. It brings out the full spectrum of human emotion, from excitement to nostalgia to peace, all wrapped up in the journey.”

What is your favorite thing about working at Spotnana?

“My favorite thing about working at Spotnana? PEOPLE. I think that one word says it all.”

Kruthi Venkatesh (front row, third from left) with colleagues in our Palo Alto office

Fun Facts!

• What’s the best trip you ever took and why? This is a tough one—every trip holds a special place in my heart. India (my home), Dubai (my first international trip), Mexico (my honeymoon), Singapore (business trip), a cruise to Ensenada (my first cruise)…the list goes on. Honestly, if I got into details, I’d be writing a whole travel series! And it’s not just the international trips—our adventures across different states in the USA, India, and various cities have all been equally memorable. Let’s just say my travel memories could fill an entire library!

• What’s your favorite airplane snack? Nuts.

• Aisle, middle, or window seat? Always window seat.

• What’s the top destination on your bucket list? Solo trip to Bali.