Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
My name is Pooja. I was born in Muscat, Oman, and spent my early childhood in the Middle East before immigrating to Canada. Milton, Ontario, is now home, and I’m grateful to have my fiancé, our dogs Sherlock and Joey, and my parents close by. Family means the world to me, and my pups keep life interesting (and occasionally chaotic).
I’ve always had a passion for learning and grew up loving both mathematics and the arts. That curiosity shaped my academic journey: I began at Western University studying music before joining the Ivey HBA program, where I further developed my business acumen. After graduating, I had the privilege of teaching in the Ivey Business Foundations department, which deepened my technical skills and ultimately led me to pursue and earn my CPA designation.
Now, as a Finance Director at Bell, I work on initiatives that drive growth and transformation. I focus on creating clarity from complexity – connecting numbers to narrative, strategy to execution, and people to purpose. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors with our pups, staying active, and keeping in touch with the musician in me.
What led you to your career, and how has it evolved over time?
My career has always been guided by a drive to explore and learn. During my time at Ivey, I intentionally chose a diverse set of courses rather than focusing solely on accounting electives – I wanted to broaden my perspective. I knew I could pursue my CPA later if it still interested me.
After graduating from the HBA program, I taught Business 2257, the second-year Business Foundations accounting course that serves as a prerequisite for Ivey. Teaching solidified my interest in accounting and inspired me to pursue my CPA.
I returned to Ivey to complete the Graduate Diploma in Accounting, which accelerated my CPA requirements, and then joined Bell’s Finance Graduate Leadership Program – a 30-month rotational program. It gave me exposure to multiple areas of finance. Working across different finance functions, I found myself fascinated by how big-picture decisions shape financial results, which led me to roles in competitive intelligence and strategic business case support.
Over time, I’ve grown from a graduate to a director, expanding my scope into consolidated reporting and planning, along with continuing to provide financial support for key strategic initiatives. What excites me most is that my role continues to offer opportunities to learn and grow – staying true to the passion that started it all.
Who inspired you?
My biggest inspiration has always been my parents. They started with very little and built an entire life for our family, in a new country, through resilience, sacrifice, and hard work. Watching them navigate challenges with determination made me believe that anything is possible if you stay committed and persevere.
My dad – a Chartered Accountant and a true whiz with numbers – demystified math at our kitchen table and instilled the importance of problem‑solving and disciplined thinking. My mom nurtured my love of music, reminding me that creativity, empathy, and joy belong alongside rigour.
Their example taught me to lead with both head and heart: to think critically, set a high bar, and elevate others. I carry their values into every role and strive to pay their lessons forward.
How did Ivey play a role?
I always knew I wanted to join the Ivey HBA program. When I didn’t get in straight from high school – despite strong academics and leadership experience – I was devastated. It forced me to forge a new path, and I enrolled in Western’s Music and Administrative Studies program, combining my love for the arts with business fundamentals.
On a whim, I reapplied to Ivey in my second year, unsure if it was still the right fit. When I was accepted, I realized how much I still wanted the HBA experience. Ivey not only gave me that, but also opportunities I never imagined so early in my career – like teaching in university classrooms immediately after graduation, which had always been a dream of mine.
The HBA program shaped my critical thinking and leadership skills, while the Graduate Diploma in Accounting laid the foundation for fast‑tracking my CPA. Ivey didn’t just open doors; it gave me the confidence and tools to walk through them.
Why did you choose the HBA program specifically?
The HBA program stood out because it aligned perfectly with how I love to learn – through application, discussion, and diverse perspectives. The case-based learning method pushed me to ask meaningful questions and make decisions under uncertainty, rather than simply memorizing textbook material.
I also valued the contribution-based classroom environment, where active participation and debate were central to the experience. Learning from professors with real‑world business experience and peers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds challenged me to see problems from multiple angles. The program’s breadth helped me master fundamentals while giving me the flexibility to explore different disciplines, building a wide base to support wherever my career would lead.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Personally, I’m proud to be Sherlock’s dog mom. He came into my life after my first year of teaching and has been by my side for every personal and professional milestone since. His curiosity keeps me on my toes, and he keeps me grounded through life’s ups and downs. He’s my daily reminder to approach life – and leadership – with presence, patience, and joy.
Professionally, one of the highlights of my career has been stepping into my Director role at Bell. But more than the title, what I’m most proud of is the people I have the privilege to work with and learn from. I’m deeply grateful to the mentors and leaders who have invested in me and to the incredible team that makes our impact possible. Together, we tackle complex challenges, turn them into actionable insights, and deliver outcomes that matter to the business. What I value most is the collaboration, trust, and shared growth that come from working alongside such talented individuals – these relationships and learning opportunities continue to shape me every day.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love staying active and creative – lifting weights, reading, and singing are my go-tos. Sherlock is always up for my latest hobby experiment, whether it’s crocheting, baking, or backyard agility.
My love for learning extends well beyond the classroom and office; I’m always eager to try new things and pick up new skills. Exploring new hobbies keeps me inspired, energized, and reminds me that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised that I can play more than 10 instruments – though I’ll admit, some of them better than others! In finance circles, it’s unexpected that my academic roots are in music; in music circles, it’s equally surprising that I work in finance. I like to think that blend of creativity and analysis is my secret superpower. And for reasons I still can’t quite figure out, I’ve also been told I “seem” left‑handed – even though I’m very much right‑handed. Apparently, I give off strong left‑handed energy… whatever that means!
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
I genuinely loved being in the classroom – yes, I know that makes me sound like the biggest nerd, and I’m OK with it! If I had to pick two highlights, the first would be our HBA1 case competitions. They were high‑intensity, fast‑paced sprints that required turning ambiguity into clarity (or at least something that looked like clarity) and pulling together a cohesive recommendation under pressure. It was stressful, but in the best possible way.
The second was my HBA2 Advanced Presentations course with Jana Seijts. It was a masterclass in public speaking – crafting a compelling story, reading the room, and communicating with confidence. Those reps were invaluable and continue to pay dividends in my career, from executive‑level discussions to leading teams through complex change, even if I still occasionally rehearse in front of Sherlock for feedback.
Together, these experiences encapsulate what sets the Ivey HBA apart: practical learning, real‑time feedback, and the space to practice high‑impact skills that matter in the real world.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
The biggest takeaway from my Ivey experience is that growth lives on the other side of discomfort. The more willing you are to step into situations that feel unfamiliar or even intimidating, the more you expand your capacity to adapt, learn, and grow.
Ivey created those moments every day – whether it was speaking up in a case discussion, tackling a problem with incomplete information, or presenting under pressure. At first, it’s uncomfortable. But over time, you realize it’s a skill. The more you practice leaning into discomfort, the less scary it becomes and the more confident you feel navigating change.
That lesson continues to shape how I approach challenges and opportunities – learning doesn’t stop in the classroom, and the ability to think critically, stay curious, and embrace ambiguity is invaluable, especially in a world where the only constant is change.
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
Absolutely – staying connected to Ivey is important to me. I’m grateful to Mitch Stein for inviting me to guest lecture in his Advanced Corporate Financial Reporting course over several semesters – a full-circle experience I’ve truly enjoyed (I keep the accounting puns below the materiality threshold). I’m always happy to give back: you can often find me on panels at speaker series, supporting recruiting activities, and occasionally judging case competitions.
A big focus for me is inspiring students to consider the CPA and showing how it creates value far beyond traditional accounting roles. The designation teaches you to understand and interpret numbers – to connect data to decisions, risk to judgment, and insight to action – which is invaluable in strategy, planning, operations, and leadership. In short, it’s not just about debits and credits; it’s a toolkit for building clarity, credibility, and impact across any business.
