I have experience validating Kubernetes add-ons and creating safe upgrade workflows with pre-checks, rendered manifest review, rollback planning, and post-upgrade health/e2e validation.

My process:

1. Review current chart/app version and Helm values

2. Check target version changes and possible breaking changes

3. Render and compare manifests before applying

4. Upgrade in a controlled way

5. Validate pods, services, ingress, metrics, logs, and functionality

6. Document rollback steps and final changes

This approach reduces the chance of production surprises during upgrade.