Sourav is an IITB Aerospace Engineering graduate (‘21) and currently working as the Growth Lead at Prodigal. He has been at Prodigal since 2021 and played a crucial role in building out the company’s sales, growth and marketing teams.
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Where did you grow up, and where are you based now?

My roots are in Cooch Behar, a charming small town in West Bengal, about 3 hours from Siliguri. I grew up surrounded by rich history - the Koch dynasty's legacy, our Maharani who graced the pages of Vogue magazine. Those early years shaped who I am today.

The turning point came in 10th grade when I moved to Patna for JEE coaching. The energy there was electric - seeing everyone around me hustling and pushing their limits lit a fire in me that still burns today. Those days of intense preparation taught me what I was truly capable of.

Now I call Mumbai, specifically Thane, my home. After a stint in Pune, it feels wonderful to be back in the city where I spent four of the most transformative years of my life.

Tell us about your educational background and work experience before Prodigal.

I started at IIT Bombay studying Aerospace Engineering. By the second year, my heart pulled me in a different direction. Getting involved with E-Cell at IIT-B introduced me to the vibrant startup world. Meeting founders and experiencing the startup scenes in Mumbai and Bangalore sparked something in me - I had found my calling.

My first role after college was at Testbook, an edtech startup founded by IIT-B alumni. Working in marketing there felt so natural, building on the B2C marketing experience I'd gained during college. Looking back, each step was preparing me for what was to come.

How has your journey at Prodigal been?

Joining Prodigal in October 2021 as a Growth Manager was like coming home. The culture here brings back memories of IIT - a vibrant blend of intellectual curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit. From my very first day, I felt this incredible sense of ownership and trust. It's amazing how much confidence people here place in your judgment and ideas.

What really excites me is how we've grown together. I started by experimenting and learning everything I could about the industry. When I saw an opportunity to bridge marketing and sales, the team didn't just listen - they empowered me to build something new. We started small with one BDR, and seeing that vision expand into a full-fledged team has been incredibly fulfilling.

What's a significant achievement you're proud of at Prodigal?

The success of our demand capture team is something that still brings a smile to my face. Starting with just three BDRs in-house last January, we managed to create more than $2 million worth of pipeline in just three months. Seeing interest from companies like Lending Club and Radius Global validated our team's hard work and innovative approach. We were truly making waves in the industry.

What keeps you busy outside of work?

These past four years of living independently have been a journey of self-discovery. I've fallen in love with cooking, especially on weekends. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a perfect mutton or fish dish. One of my proudest moments was when my Mutton Champaran won second prize at our office potluck - seeing everyone enjoy something I created was priceless.

Last year brought a new adventure into my life - my first bike. Riding through Ladakh and Konkan, I found pure freedom and a deep connection with nature and myself.

Do you have any personal projects or passions you're pursuing?

I've become deeply passionate about waste management. Living in India, I feel a deep responsibility toward our environment's future. Our growing population makes waste management both a challenge and an opportunity for positive change.

A close friend and I often discuss ideas about solving this crucial issue, and we hope to work on it someday. I dream about building something meaningful in this space once I'm ready for my next chapter after Prodigal. Right now, it's exciting to think about the positive impact we could create.

Which Prodigal value resonates with you the most and why?

'Bias for action' flows through everything we do at Prodigal. The trust to take initiative and learn from experience empowers us all. We move quickly here - testing ideas, gathering feedback, and watching our initiatives grow. This balance of freedom and responsibility makes every day exciting.

Is there an interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?

Oh, this might sound a bit different, but... I actually love wearing pink clothes. smiles

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