Women leaders are increasingly making their mark in the eLearning industry, transforming the landscape with their innovative approaches and dedication to education. They are not only shaping the future of learning but also setting powerful examples for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Among these influential figures is Pooja Sidharth Rao, the Co-Founder & Managing Director of Medline Academics.

Pooja's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Born into a middle-class family, she was instilled with strong values from a young age. However, her life took a dramatic turn at the age of 8 when she underwent major open-heart surgery, with survival odds as slim as one in a hundred thousand. This life-altering experience fueled her ambition to pursue meaningful achievements and give back to society.

After earning her master’s degree, Pooja began her career at two multinational corporations. Her professional path has been defined by pivotal moments, particularly in event planning. Initially focused on small-scale events, Pooja developed exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. A significant turning point came when she successfully managed a high-profile corporate event, earning her recognition and trust within the industry. As her career progressed, she tackled larger, more complex events, managing international teams and high-stakes budgets. Leading multi-day conferences further tested her leadership abilities, allowing her to forge strong relationships with clients and vendors.

Through her journey, Pooja has consistently focused on creating seamless, memorable experiences, demonstrating how women leaders in eLearning can redefine the industry and inspire future generations. Let’s hear more from her in this one on one interaction.

Throw some light on the key areas of expertise you possess as a seasoned event planner and entrepreneur.

As an experienced event planner and entrepreneur, my expertise covers several critical areas. Firstly, I specialize in strategic planning, ensuring each event is meticulously aligned with the client’s vision while staying within budget and deadlines. My strong negotiation skills enable me to secure the best deals with vendors and partners, ensuring high-quality outcomes without compromising costs. I also have a sharp attention to detail, which is essential for overseeing logistics, especially for large-scale events. Team management is another key strength, as I lead and motivate diverse teams to deliver seamless, well-coordinated experiences. With an entrepreneurial mindset, I continuously innovate and adapt to industry trends, ensuring every event is fresh, impactful, and memorable. Lastly, my ability to handle crises effectively allows me to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement.

What inspired you to co-found Medline Academics, and what are your main roles and responsibilities as a co-founder?

The motivation to co-found Medline Academics stemmed from my desire to bridge the gap between medical education and practical application. After spending several years in the healthcare sector, I recognized the need for a platform that not only imparts academic knowledge but also emphasizes hands-on training and skills development in the medical field. This vision inspired the creation of Medline Academics.

As the co-founder, I take on a range of responsibili­ties. I play a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, overseeing curriculum development to ensure our programs address the evolving needs of the health­care industry. Additionally, I focus on building strong partnerships with top medical professionals and insti­tutions, creating a network of expertise and resources. I also manage essential aspects of operations, marketing, and team development, ensuring that Medline Academ­ics remains at the forefront of delivering innovative and impactful education.

What are the most significant professional milestones you've achieved, and what has been your success mantra over the years?

Throughout my career, I’ve reached several key mile­stones that have shaped my professional journey. One of the earliest was successfully transitioning from a corporate role to entrepreneurship, which allowed me to channel my passion for healthcare and education into co-founding Medline Academics. This venture has since grown into a respected name in medical education, providing cutting-edge training and support to health­care professionals. Another significant milestone was spearheading collaborations with industry leaders and institutions, expanding our reach and impact within the healthcare sector.

A recent and particularly meaningful achievement is the opening of Dr Kamini Rao Hospitals, which focuses on providing comprehensive care for women's health from 'Menarche to Menopause and Beyond'. This milestone reflects our dedication to addressing the full spectrum of women's health needs.

My success mantra has been guided by three principles, namely resilience, innovation, and integrity. Resilience has allowed me to overcome challenges without losing focus on my goals. I’ve always prioritized innovation, both in personal development and business strategy, to stay ahead in an evolving industry. Above all, integrity has been the foundation of my decisions, ensuring that my work is grounded in honesty, ethics, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

How do you see women’s participation in the Indian workforce evolving, and how can more women be encouraged to join?

I believe women’s participation in the Indian workforce will continue to grow significantly as more industries recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. With greater access to education and career opportunities, women are steadily breaking barriers across sectors. However, there is still much progress to be made to ensure equal opportunities, particularly in leadership positions.

To encourage more women to join the workforce, it is essential to create a supportive ecosystem. This includes offering flexible work environments, implementing policies that promote work-life balance, and establishing mentorship programs to foster professional development. It’s equally important to challenge societal norms and biases that discourage women from pursuing their careers by spotlighting successful female role models and celebrating their achievements. Additionally, providing affordable childcare options and ensuring access to quality healthcare will help women manage both personal and professional responsibilities more effectively.

When women are equipped with the right resources and opportunities, their participation in the workforce will not only increase but also contribute to innovation and drive economic growth in India.

Pooja Sidharth Rao, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Medline Academics

Pooja Sidharth Rao is the Co-Founder & Managing Director of Medline Academics, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between medical education and practical training. With a passion for healthcare and education, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, curriculum development, and partnerships with industry leaders.