Vivekanand PGDM Alumni Review: From PGDM to Deputy General Manager – Ms. Pooja Kedia @ Honasa

At Vivekanand, success has always meant more than just a job title. It’s really about how alumni think on their feet, adapt to change, and work with people in real business situations. One such journey is that of Ms. Pooja Kedia, who currently works as Deputy General Manager – E-Commerce at Honasa.

Over the years, her career has taken shape through practical decision-making, strong personal values, and a very people-first way of working. In an industry that keeps evolving almost every day, these qualities have helped her stay grounded and confident. Her journey shows that when the academic foundation is right and backed by real exposure it becomes much easier to handle complex roles with clarity.

Ms. Pooja shares how her PGDM journey helped set the direction for her early career.

Q. How would you describe your role as Deputy General Manager – E-Commerce @ Honasa?

In my current role, I look after multiple key accounts for the parent company and manage things end to end. This means handling P&L, working closely with different internal teams, and being involved in overall business planning. A big part of my day-to-day work is finding the right balance between growth and profitability, while keeping long-term brand goals in mind and ensuring smooth coordination with all stakeholders.

Q. E-commerce today is more than selling — it’s storytelling with data. How do you blend creativity with analytics in your role?

I see data as something that helps point us in the right direction, rather than just numbers on a dashboard. Analytics helps us understand customer behaviour better and spot opportunities early. Based on those insights, we plan our approach to assortment, pricing, and platform visibility. While data guides the decisions, creativity helps ensure that the brand story feels relevant and connects naturally with consumers.

Q. What experience at Vivekanand influenced your approach to strategy in your career today?

My time at Vivekanand played a big role in shaping how I think about strategy even today. One learning that really stayed with me was the idea of WE over ME. It made me realize that long-term success is built through teamwork, trust, and strong relationships. This way of thinking continues to influence how I work with teams and stakeholders.

Q. What are your top three reasons to recommend Vivekanand to future students?

If I had to put it simply, these would be my top three reasons:

1. Learning that goes beyond academics
The experience isn’t limited to textbooks. It helps students build discipline, values, and a sense of purpose that stays relevant well beyond campus life.

2. A strong focus on people and collaboration
The environment encourages teamwork, empathy, and open communication, which honestly makes a big difference once you step into leadership roles.

3. Practical preparation for real careers
Students gain clarity, confidence, and hands-on exposure that makes the transition from campus to corporate life much smoother.

These learnings don’t stop when the program ends. They continue to shape how you think, make decisions, and grow professionally.

Looking back, my journey has been shaped not just by the roles I’ve taken up, but by the people I’ve worked with and the values I’ve carried forward. The lessons from those early years still guide how I collaborate and work toward outcomes that truly last.