Sunitha Vegerla shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sunitha, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity. Intelligence and energy are great qualities, but without integrity they don’t mean much. I think the way someone shows up when nobody’s watching says more about their character than anything else. I’d rather be around people who choose to do the right thing even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient — it creates trust, stability, and real connection. Everything else builds from there
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Sunitha Vegerla, and I serve as the General Manager of RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas, based in Fort Worth, Texas. I’ve been with RECARO for over two decades, and during that time I’ve seen our organization grow from a small manufacturing site into one of the most advanced aircraft seating facilities in the world.
RECARO is a company with more than a century of history rooted in precision engineering, ergonomic design, and the belief that comfort and performance can coexist beautifully. What makes us unique is that we don’t just build seats—we design experiences for passengers and create value for our airline partners through innovation, quality, and sustainability.
Our Americas facility plays a key role in this vision. We are responsible for production, engineering, certification, and customer support for airline clients across North and South America. I’m proud to lead a diverse and talented team whose dedication and craftsmanship drive everything we do.
Personally, what inspires me most is the combination of people, purpose, and progress. We’re working on several exciting projects focused on lightweight design, smart materials, and sustainable manufacturing to help airlines meet their efficiency and carbon-neutral goals.
As a leader, my passion lies in empowering our people, many of whom have built their careers here, to innovate and grow. Together, we’re shaping the future of aircraft seating, right here in Fort Worth, while staying true to our values of quality, trust, and teamwork.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That person would be my friend, husband, and the father of our children — Praveen. We met in college and even took a few classes together. From the start, he has been my biggest encourager. He’s always believed in my abilities, often seeing potential in me long before I saw it in myself.
Whenever I’ve faced moments of doubt, Praveen has been the one reminding me that I’m capable of more — that I can reach higher and go further. His encouragement, along with the unwavering support he’s given me over the years, has been both my driving force and my safety net.
Having someone who not only believes in your dreams but also walks beside you as you pursue them makes all the difference. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without that foundation of belief and partnership.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there were moments early in my career when I wondered if I could handle the challenges ahead. Moving to a new country for college, stepping into a technical field like aerospace, and navigating a career in a male-dominated industry often felt overwhelming. There were projects that tested my confidence and resilience, and I sometimes questioned whether I was in over my head.
What kept me going were the people around me — colleagues and mentors always ready to jump in and help when asked, always willing to teach if I took the first step. Their belief in me and their guidance became my anchor, reminding me that perseverance and support go hand in hand. Those moments of doubt ultimately became turning points, shaping both my career and the leader I’ve become.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth I rarely voice is how deeply I believe in the power of people. Looking back on my career, I realize that nothing I’ve accomplished was done alone. From the mentors who saw potential in me, to the colleagues and teammates who were always willing to jump in and support, the people around us shape outcomes far more than we often acknowledge. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in my abilities became the foundation on which I built confidence and resilience.
Another foundational truth is that growth often comes from discomfort and uncertainty. Moving to the U.S. for college, entering the aerospace industry as a woman in a technical field, and leading teams in high-stakes projects were all daunting at first. Yet, those moments of challenge became some of the richest learning experiences of my life. I’ve learned that when we lean into difficult moments rather than shy away from them, we grow in ways we never imagined.
Lastly, I carry a quiet, constant sense of gratitude. I don’t always articulate it, but I reflect on the opportunities I’ve been given, the mentors and friends who’ve guided me, and the family who has been my anchor through it all. These truths—trusting in people, embracing growth through discomfort, and practicing gratitude—guide not just how I lead at RECARO, but also how I live my life, nurture my family, and approach every new challenge with curiosity and determination.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I have. I think it’s a common experience, especially when you work in a field where milestones and achievements are tangible and highly celebrated. I remember the pride and exhilaration of delivering my first project where our RECARO seats were installed on an airplane—it felt like all the effort, late nights, and problem-solving had finally paid off. Then there was the first customer award we received after several rounds of tough and sometimes painful back and forth exchanges; the satisfaction of seeing our hard work recognized felt incredible in the moment.
The pandemic brought another kind of challenge. We had to navigate uncharted territory, making critical decisions around health, safety, and people management. Leading through uncertainty and protecting the well-being of our teams was emotionally and professionally intense. I remember the collaboration with colleagues who went above and beyond, the creative problem-solving under pressure, and the resilience we discovered as a team. Those are the moments I carry with me—the lessons learned, the bonds strengthened, and the growth achieved. In the end, it’s the journey, not the destination, that shapes who I am as a leader and as a person. That perspective has taught me to embrace challenges, celebrate progress, and value the people who make the work meaningful, rather than focusing solely on the accolades or outcomes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.recaro-as.com/en/index.html
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunithavegerla/
Image Credits
Sunitha Vegerla/ Recaro
Lacy Willhite/ Recaro
