Pooja Kadaba Ranganath, PhD

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

True leadership is about listening, being present, and developing others to help figure out a way to create their own leadership style. It’s not about having control, but about giving people the confidence and freedom to succeed.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Completing my PhD was extremely fun and rewarding! Shifting from research into the commercial side of biotech was a bold move that taught me the value of taking risks, trusting myself, and finding new ways to connect science with people.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I aspire to grow into a leader who inspires confidence and resilience in others, especially women navigating demanding careers. I want to keep pushing boundaries, pivoting when needed. My biggest obstacles are fear and uncertainties, and I’m determined to keep moving through them.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Working directly with scientists as a partner in their research. Seeing how my role could accelerate discoveries and make their work easier was eye-opening and reminded me of the bigger purpose behind what we do.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Since graduate school, I’ve tuned in to AWIS webinars and panels that spoke directly to the challenges and dreams I carried. AWIS has given me a space to connect with people who’ve walked similar roads.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Believe

How do you define it?

Believe in yourself. You are what you believe in.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

It has helped me stay grateful even when things felt uncertain. It’s a word I live by and its always worked out!

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS gives me community and purpose. It motivates me to keep building a career where I can be bold, authentic, and supportive of others

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently reading the Harvard Business Review. I enjoy the practical leadership insights and stories that I can apply to both my career growth and everyday interactions.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?:

“Take the risk; you’ll figure it out along the way.”

Pooja K Ranganath holds a PhD in Biology. She started her career as a research scientist in pharma and biotech, and recently made a bold pivot into the commercial side of science. She’s passionate about connecting research to real world impact, and empowering others through leadership. She describes herself as someone who is bold and grateful. Pooja is originally from Bangalore, India and has now built a successful career in the US. She is deeply committed to supporting women in STEM.