Employee Spotlight: meet Janhavi Lavande, our Junior Data Project Manager

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2 - Janhav

Work, growth & journey

You’ve been with GPI for around three years now – how would you describe your journey so far? 

My journey with GPI has been both rewarding and full of learning opportunities. I started as an Intern, where I was introduced to the fundamentals of market access and indication workflows. That experience gave me a strong foundation in data understanding and attention to detail. 

After that, I moved into the role of an Associate Business Analyst, where I took on more ownership of tasks within the Indication and COT domains. I worked on improving data accuracy, supporting refresh activities, and gradually got involved in automation and process optimisation projects, which helped me understand the technical side of our workflows better. 

Currently, as a Junior Data Project Manager, my focus has expanded to managing deliverables, coordinating across teams, and ensuring timely and quality outcomes. I’ve also been involved in cross-domain projects and enjoy contributing to initiatives that enhance efficiency and collaboration within the team. 

Overall, it’s been a great journey of continuous growth — from learning the process to now managing and improving it. 

What inspired you to join GPI, and what’s kept you motivated since then? 

What initially inspired me to join GPI was the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where data, strategy, and healthcare come together. As someone eager to grow in the market access domain, GPI offered a great platform to apply analytical thinking while continuously learning. 

What’s kept me motivated since then is the supportive work culture, the people, and the constant learning opportunities. Everyone here is approachable and open to sharing knowledge, which has really helped me enhance both my technical and analytical skills. 

GPI is also the first organisation where I’ve found true stability and growth — a place that not only values performance but also invests in individual development. The trust, ownership, and encouragement I’ve received from my seniors and peers have made this journey both rewarding and motivating. 

What does a typical day look like for you as a manager? 

A typical day for me as a Junior Data Project Manager involves overseeing project deliverables, ensuring that timelines and quality standards are met. I start by reviewing ongoing tasks and progress updates from the team, addressing any blockers, and aligning priorities for the day. 

I also coordinate with cross-functional teams — Business Analysts, Developers, and QA — to ensure smooth workflow, especially for activities like Indication updates, COT checks, and automation tasks. A part of my day also goes into QC reviews, status reporting, and client communication to keep everyone aligned on progress. 

Along with managing deliverables, I actively engage in coaching and mentoring team members, helping them enhance their understanding of processes, automation workflows, and best practices. 

Overall, my focus is on maintaining accuracy, accountability, and proactive communication to keep the project on track.

What’s one achievement or project you’re particularly proud of? 

One project I’m particularly proud of is leading the Indication Automation project, which was the first of its kind in our team. I was actively involved right from the initial planning phase — providing process inputs, identifying logic gaps, and validating outputs to ensure data accuracy and alignment with business rules. 

Throughout the project, I maintained 100% consistency in delivery, ensuring that timelines were met without compromising on quality. This project not only helped reduce manual effort and turnaround time, but also improved process efficiency and standardisation for future automation workflows.  

It was especially rewarding because it allowed me to bridge the gap between business and technical teams, ensuring smooth communication and understanding on both ends — something that has strengthened my overall project management and analytical skills. 

How has your role evolved since you first joined the company?

My role has evolved significantly since I first joined GPI. I started as an intern, mainly focusing on learning the fundamentals of market access data and indication workflowsOver time, as an Associate Business AnalystI began taking ownership of core activities like indication updates, COT validation, and data QC. 

With experience and exposure, my responsibilities expanded beyond execution to process improvement, automation involvement, and team coordinationNow, as a Junior Data Project ManagerI’m responsible for managing deliverables, ensuring quality checks, coordinating across teams, and supporting automation initiatives. 

This journey has helped me grow from understanding tasks at a granular level to strategically managing projects and guiding others, while continuously learning and contributing to process optimisation. 

As a young woman leader, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to others starting their careers?

As a young woman leader, one piece of advice I’d give is to believe in your capabilities and stay consistent, even when things get challenging. Early in your career, it’s normal to feel unsure at times, but what really makes the difference is taking ownership, being open to learning, and speaking up with confidence. 

I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come overnight — it comes from showing up every day, being proactive, and staying curious. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, learn from every experience, and never hesitate to take initiative — that’s where real progress begins. 

Who or what has influenced your professional growth the most?

The biggest influence on my professional growth has been the people and work environment at GPI. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders and mentors who’ve guided me not just in technical skills but also in developing ownership, structured thinking, and confidence. 

Working on diverse projects like Indication automation and COT enhancements has also played a major role — they challenged me to think critically, collaborate across teams, and manage tasks end to end. 

Overall, it’s been a mix of supportive mentors, collaborative teammates, and hands-on learning experiences that have helped me evolve both personally and professionally.

What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your journey and how did you overcome it? 

One of the main challenges I faced early on was handling multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy and meeting tight deadlines, especially during refresh cycles and automation testing. 

It was tough at first, but I managed it by organising my work better, breaking tasks into smaller parts, and communicating clearly with my team and developers whenever issues came up. 

This helped me improve my planning, time management, and teamwork skills, which now make it easier to handle bigger responsibilities as a project manager.

How do you approach leading your team and keeping them motivated?

I focus on clear communication, trust, and teamwork. I make sure everyone understands their tasks, timelines, and how their work contributes to the bigger goal. 

I also keep the team motivated by appreciating their efforts, providing support when needed, and encouraging open discussions so everyone feels involved and valued. 

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while managing responsibilities?

I maintain work-life balance by planning my day well and setting clear priorities. I make sure to finish key tasks on time and avoid unnecessary delays. 

Outside work, I take time to relax, spend time with family, or do things I enjoy, which helps me stay focused and positive at work. I also believe in the “one step at a time” rule — focusing on what’s in front of me instead of trying to do everything at once, which helps me stay calm and productive. 

Personal and fun

What’s your favourite way to unwind after work?

I’m a fun-loving person, and after work, I like to travel — even if it’s just a short ride — to refresh my mind. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, taking time for self-care and grooming, and investing time in art, which helps me stay creative and balanced outside of work. 

You enjoy reading – what’s a book or author that’s stayed with you?

I enjoy reading, especially in my mother tongue Marathi, as it helps me connect more deeply with the story. I usually prefer fiction, thriller, and romance genres. 

Some of my favourite authors are Colleen Hoover for her emotional storytelling, and Narayan Dharap and Shivaji Sawant, whose works bring a strong mix of imagination, culture, and depth. Their writing styles have really stayed with me and inspire me to think creatively. 

Do you have a favourite genre, or does it depend on your mood?

I like fiction, thrillers, and romance the most. 

What’s the most recent series you binge-watched – and would you recommend it?

The most recent series I binge-watched was “Squid Game.” It’s definitely intense, but I really liked it — the story keeps you hooked until the end. I found it interesting how it shows different sides of human behaviour and choices. It’s a bit dark but very engaging, so I’d totally recommend it. 

Who’s your favourite on-screen character (from a movie or series)?

One of my favourite characters is Rani from Queen. I love how she finds her strength and independence through her journey. It’s inspiring how she turns challenges into opportunities to rediscover herself — something I really relate to. 

If you could step into the world of any book or show, which one would it be?

I’d love to step into the world of Harry Potter. The idea of a magical world existing alongside ours has always fascinated me — it’s creative, full of adventure, and shows the power of friendship, courage, and learning.

Coffee, tea, or something else — what’s your go-to drink during work hours?

Neither coffee nor tea for me! I usually go with lots of water or sometimes a refreshing drink like lemonade — something light that keeps me energised without caffeine. 

What’s your ideal weekend like?

My weekends are usually quite active — I love to travel or go on short rides, spend time with family, meet friends, or even go out on a casual date. I also enjoy watching movies and doing some home stuff. For me, weekends are all about relaxing, reconnecting, and enjoying life a little. 

What’s a fun or quirky fact about you that your colleagues might not know?

I have a great memory for movie dialogues — I can randomly quote lines from Bollywood movies in everyday conversations, and it often makes my teammates laugh. 

How would you describe yourself in three words – at work and outside of work?

At work: Dedicated, Structured, Supportive 
Outside work: Energetic, Friendly, Free-spirited 

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