Layoffs don't prove the CEO made a mistake. Understaffing and overstaffing are both errors. A small layoff when the SHTF shows they at least didn't understaff. If you're a growing startup in ZIRP, understaffing is arguably a bigger error than overstaffing, up to a point.
I have no idea if Confluent overstaffed. I admit I'm surprised to hear they aren't profitable though.
CEO makes a mistake, I get laid off. CEO takes full responsibility.