From the Cricket Field to the Corporate Boardroom: The Evolving Journey of Pooja Sisodia

“A woman becomes unstoppable the moment she chooses herself without apology.”

Personal Insight: Where Discipline Meets Purpose

Pooja Sisodia’s story does not begin in a corporate office it begins on a cricket field. As a former U-19 women’s cricketer, sport shaped her earliest understanding of discipline, resilience, teamwork, and ambition. Cricket was not just a game; it was her identity. Training before sunrise, pushing through fatigue, and learning to lose and rise again instilled lessons that continue to guide her professional life. Today, as Head of Marketing at Sovos India with over 15 years of experience, Pooja carries forward the same sporting mindset: show up fully, stay consistent, and keep evolving. “Sport taught me that giving your best is non-negotiable—no matter the field you are on,” she reflects.

Early Influences and Role Models: Strength, Sacrifice, and Service

Pooja’s journey has been shaped by role models from different phases of her life. On the cricket ground, she looked up to women who played when the sport lacked recognition and resources. Their perseverance showed her what grit truly means. At home, her strongest inspiration has always been her mother—a woman whose quiet courage, sacrifices, and ability to rebuild after setbacks taught Pooja that resilience does not always need loud declarations. Professionally, empathetic leaders who valued dignity, clarity, and purpose influenced how she approaches leadership today. Alongside these influences stands her aspiration for national service as a defence aspirant, inspired by individuals who dedicate their lives to something larger than themselves. Each role model added a layer to her identity—athlete, storyteller, marketer, and citizen with a deep sense of duty.

Challenges: Letting Go, Reinventing, and Standing Firm

One of the most defining challenges in Pooja’s life was stepping away from professional cricket. Health issues and financial responsibilities forced her to leave behind a dream that had shaped her sense of self. “Cricket wasn’t just something I did—it was who I was,” she shares. Rebuilding from that loss required emotional strength and acceptance that dreams sometimes evolve rather than disappear.

Reinvention became a recurring theme. Transitioning from sports to journalism, then into digital strategy, education, gaming, maritime technology, and finally tax compliance meant starting from scratch multiple times. Each shift demanded adaptability, humility, and relentless learning. Navigating male-dominated spaces—sports, defence, and technology—added another layer of challenge, requiring her to assert her voice with consistency and confidence. Balancing ambition with personal responsibilities further tested her resilience, but each challenge strengthened her ability to thrive in uncertainty.

Achievements: Growth Beyond Titles

For Pooja, achievements are not defined by designations alone but by personal growth and reinvention. Playing professional cricket at the U-19 level remains one of her proudest milestones—a testament to years of discipline and sacrifice. Building SportsNow India and producing content for IPL teams marked her successful transition into storytelling and digital media. Working across diverse industries expanded her perspective and skill set, while her current role leading marketing at Sovos India represents a significant professional milestone. She carries particular pride in contributing to a global organisation during a complex integration phase, blending strategic clarity with cross-cultural collaboration. Above all, she considers resilience—her ability to rise after setbacks and continue dreaming—her greatest achievement.

Values That Anchor Her Leadership

Pooja’s leadership is guided by a strong set of principles shaped by sports and service. Discipline remains her foundation, while resilience fuels her ability to recover and rebuild. Integrity guides her decisions, ensuring she does the right thing even when it is difficult. Purpose gives meaning to her work, whether in corporate strategy or preparation for national service. Empathy and respect help her connect across cultures and teams, and courage to evolve allows her to redefine success when life changes direction. At the heart of it all lies service—the belief that leadership is ultimately about contributing beyond oneself.

Motivation: Competing With Yesterday’s Self

What keeps Pooja moving forward is a combination of inner drive and external impact. The athlete within her still competes daily—not against others, but against her previous self. The belief of family, mentors, colleagues, and young women who find courage in her story reinforces her responsibility to keep going. Above all, she is motivated by the desire to create meaning—leaving every space better than she found it. “I know I’m still a work in progress, and that excites me,” she says.

Balance and Well-being: Running as a Reset

Balance, for Pooja, is intentional rather than perfect. She prioritises what matters most in each phase, sets emotional boundaries, and stays present in both work and personal life. Running plays a central role in her routine—it is her detox, therapy, and moving meditation. Fitness helps her reconnect with herself and sustain clarity amidst demanding schedules. Regular self-check-ins allow her to recalibrate before overwhelm sets in, ensuring long-term sustainability rather than burnout.

Impact and Vision: Leading With Purpose

Currently, Pooja is leading marketing integration efforts post-acquisition at Sovos, aligning global teams across India, APAC, EMEA, and the US. She is also strengthening the company’s presence in the Middle East and APAC through strategic partnerships and data-driven campaigns. Beyond corporate responsibilities, her commitment to the Territorial Army reflects her deep-rooted sense of service. She actively mentors and motivates women navigating ambition and societal expectations, while promoting fitness and mental well-being through running initiatives.

Looking Ahead: Choosing Yourself Without Apology

Pooja envisions a future that blends global leadership, national service, women’s empowerment, and personal evolution. She aspires to build platforms that help women reclaim confidence and pursue unconventional paths, while continuing to grow as a purpose-driven leader. Her message to readers is clear and powerful: “A woman becomes unstoppable the moment she chooses herself without apology.” Through discipline, resilience, and courage, Pooja Sisodia continues to write a story that reminds women everywhere that evolving dreams are not failures—they are proof of growth.