This lightning talk explores the challenges and lessons learned in API management within the Kubernetes Custom Resource Definition (CRD) ecosystem, specifically from the Linkerd service mesh perspective. Phil Henderson, a Linkerd contributor, shares critical insights gained from creating and evolving Linkerd's API surface through CRDs. Learn about the common pitfalls CNCF projects face when defining their Kubernetes interfaces, with particular focus on how shared CRDs like Gateway API impact interoperability between cloud native projects. Discover practical wisdom gained through real-world experience about effective API design, versioning strategies, and collaboration approaches in the CRD world during this concise 10-minute presentation.