From Tech Enthusiast to Product Leader: Pooja Ajugia’s Journey With IIMK CPO Programme
India is fast emerging as a global leader in the product management space. With a growing tech industry and an increasing focus on innovation, the demand for skilled product managers is at an all-time high. According to recent industry reports, the demand for product management roles has grown by over 32% in the past five years, making it one of the most sought-after career paths in the technology and business sectors. For professionals seeking to advance in this dynamic landscape, programmes like the IIMK CPO programme provide a transformative opportunity.
One such inspiring example is Pooja Ajugia, a product professional equipped with the knowledge and confidence to excel. This is her journey of upskilling, networking, and preparing for strategic leadership.
From Technical Expertise to Strategic Leadership
With nearly a decade of experience in the technology sector, Pooja Ajugia’s career began in a technical role as a web developer. Over the years, her passion for products and her knack for understanding business functions led her peers and managers to recognize her potential for a more strategic role. “People often complimented me, saying that I was better suited for functional roles,” Pooja recalls. Encouraged by their feedback, she made a bold transition to a product management role and eventually assumed the responsibilities of a senior technical product manager.
Pooja excelled in leading cross-functional teams while working on customer-centric products. She realized that to truly align her vision with organizational objectives, she needed formal education in product leadership to drive innovation and lead product strategy in a dynamic business environment. That’s when she discovered the Chief Product Officer programme by IIM Kozhikode.
Choosing the IIMK CPO Programme: A Leap of Faith
The decision to enroll in the CPO programme was not made lightly. Intrigued by the programme’s curriculum and the reputation of IIM Kozhikode, she sought advice from peers and mentors. Their encouragement, coupled with her eligibility based on years of experience, convinced her to take the leap.
Initially, Pooja felt out of place among her highly experienced cohort members, many of whom had over two decades of industry experience. However, as the course progressed, she realized that everyone was there to learn, regardless of their background. This collective journey fostered an enriching environment where diverse experiences were shared and celebrated.
The Power of Networking: Building a Community of Leaders
One of the standout aspects of the IIMK CPO programme for Pooja was the strong sense of community within her cohort. Despite their varying levels of experience, the group quickly bonded over shared goals and challenges.
“We formed a group on WhatsApp, where we shared learning materials, opportunities, and even lighthearted moments,” Pooja says. Known for her efficiency in creating presentations, she earned the playful title of “Chief Presentation Officer” within the group. These interactions extended beyond the classroom, creating a support network that continues to inspire and motivate her.
Lessons Beyond the Classroom: Simulations and Campus Immersion
The CPO programme was far from a conventional learning experience. Pooja was particularly impressed by the hands-on simulations, which tested her ability to make quick, strategic decisions under pressure. “These exercises were a game-changer. They not only helped us understand the complexities of product management but also provided immediate feedback on our decision-making skills,” she explains.
Another highlight was the three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode. Meeting her cohort members in person and engaging in collaborative activities added a new dimension to her learning experience. “The energy on campus was exceptional. We exchanged ideas, shared stories, and worked on a large-scale business simulation that brought our learning to life,” Pooja recalls.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Product Leaders
Pooja’s journey through the IIMK CPO programme has been transformative. Here are her top three takeaways for aspiring product leaders:
1. Strategic Alignment: Understanding how to align product features and customer journeys with overarching business objectives is crucial. This ensures that products not only satisfy customer needs but also contribute to organizational goals.
2. Advanced Frameworks: Mastering advanced frameworks for product lifecycle management, financial planning, and marketing strategies equips leaders to deliver value to customers while ensuring loyalty and profitability.
3. The Power of Networking: Building a strong professional network fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing, essential for tackling complex challenges in product management.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Ethical Product Leadership
Pooja also extends her gratitude to the individuals who made her journey even more meaningful. She gives a special shoutout to Professors Dr. Kamal Kishore Sharma, Debashis (Deb Ashis) Chatterjee, and Rajeev Kumra for their exceptional guidance and insights. Additionally, she deeply appreciates her Capstone Project Team members Arnab Chakraverty, Himesh Mehta, and Paras Nagpal, for their collaboration and shared learning experiences.
Armed with the skills and confidence gained from the CPO programme, Pooja is now poised to take on greater responsibilities. Her vision as a product leader extends beyond profitability; she is committed to ethical and impactful product development. “Technology should always be used for the greater good. Whenever I think of a new idea, I first evaluate its intent and potential societal impact,” she emphasizes.
Her journey also underscores the importance of continuous learning. When asked if she would consider upskilling again, Pooja’s response is an enthusiastic yes. She believes that adapting to evolving industry needs is key to staying relevant and effective as a leader.
An Inspiration for Lifelong Learning
Pooja’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, curiosity, and the right guidance. From navigating a challenging career transition to excelling in a prestigious programme, her journey exemplifies what it takes to rise as a leader in the competitive world of product management.
For professionals aspiring to follow in her footsteps, her advice is clear: focus on building analytical skills and empathy towards users, hone soft skills like communication and documentation, build a strong network, and never stop learning. The IIMK CPO programme gave Pooja the tools to dream bigger and achieve more—and it could do the same for you.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting in the field, the road to becoming a product leader begins with a single step. For Pooja, that step was choosing to upskill with IIM Kozhikode, and she’s never looked back.
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