Meet Pooja
In both her personal and professional endeavors, Pooja Patankar exemplifies a commitment to growth, service, and excellence. Her holistic approach to coaching, grounded in values and driven by results, reflects her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Pooja inspires and guides aspiring leaders with wisdom, empathy, and grace.
Pooja’s personal journey
Pooja’s story is one of purpose, rooted in the rich tapestry of her multicultural upbringing. As a first-generation American born and raised in Houston, Texas, Pooja was deeply influenced by her parents' journey from Bangalore, India, in pursuit of service and leadership. Her upbringing instilled in her the timeless values of Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence, teachings she holds dear and applies as her guiding principles. Pooja's commitment to these values extends beyond her personal life; she actively engages with youth, fostering discussions on character, values, and leadership within her community.
Pooja's zest for life extends far beyond the boardroom. A lifelong enthusiast of music and arts, she has honed her skills as an Indian classical dancer since the age of six. Her artistic pursuits have flourished alongside her academic endeavors, culminating in her participation in renowned dance teams during her time at Northwestern University. Today, Pooja finds joy in sharing her passion for movement and expression with her children and community.
Academic and Professional Experience
Pooja's academic journey reflects her multifaceted interests, graduating from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology. Her fascination with human behavior led her to a career in Human Capital & Change Management Consulting, where she traversed the globe, working with diverse cultures and industries. Furthering her education, she pursued a Master's degree in Learning and Organizational Change, earning recognition for her thesis on the impact of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) on global leadership.
With over 15 years of experience in Talent Management, Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Change Management across various industries, including Tech, Energy, and Food & Beverage, Pooja has established herself as a dynamic leader in the field of Human Resources. Her track record of driving results through talent initiatives and programs, coupled with her adeptness in coaching and facilitation, has garnered her recognition as a sought-after Leadership Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Volunteer Work and Recognition
Pooja actively contributes as a Leadership Coach & Career Prep Partner for the non-profit organization Braven, offering guidance and support to college juniors and seniors navigating career challenges, especially during the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She remains dedicated to volunteering as a Leadership Coach for Braven whenever opportunities arise.
In 2018, Pooja was deeply honored to receive the Texas DiversityFIRST™ Leadership Award from the National Diversity Council. This recognition celebrated her exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion both within the workplace and the wider community.
Certifications
Pooja is certified in various assessments to facilitate leadership, life and team coaching and support development and action planning. Industry recognized certifications include the following:
Contact Pooja
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