How consistency, ownership, and the courage to step forward helped Prachi Haldankar grow from Goa’s first female Instamart POD picker to Store Manager and create space for many others along the way.
Every once in a while, a story comes along that quietly shifts what feels possible.
When Prachi Haldankar joined Instamart’s Mapusa POD in Goa in August 2022, she came with a quiet determination to grow. She was looking for financial stability and a better-paying opportunity than what was available to her at the time. Instamart was still growing, and so were the possibilities within it. What she stepped into was a fast-paced, operational role, one that didn’t yet have a precedent for women in Goa’s quick commerce space.
Three years later, she now stands as the first woman at Instamart to move from picker to Store Manager.
Her journey, however, is not just about reaching that milestone. It’s about how she got there – one shift, one decision, and one step forward at a time.
Beyond the Role Description
Prachi started out doing what the role required – picking orders, maintaining speed and accuracy, and keeping up with the pace of operations. But very early on, she began to look beyond just completing tasks.
Working on the floor gave her a close view of how everything functioned, from how products were placed to how demand fluctuated during peak hours. She paid attention to these details, slowly building an understanding of the system as a whole.
At the same time, she was navigating the realities of being the only woman on the POD floor. The role came with assumptions around physical work and long hours, but Prachi chose to address them through consistency rather than resistance. She took on the same responsibilities as her peers and let her work speak for itself.
“Women can thrive in roles like these, and I just wanted to be proof of that,” she says.
That mindset, combined with the encouragement of her manager, helped her move from simply doing the job to taking ownership of it.
The Start of a New Leadership Journey
By February 2024, Prachi’s efforts translated into her first promotion as Assistant Store Manager.
One of the most defining experiences during this phase was the launch of the Vagator POD in Goa. Unlike her earlier role, this required her to help build operations from scratch. From organising product categories to placing high-demand and temperature-sensitive items efficiently, every decision had a direct impact on how the store would run.
Her experience as a picker gave her an edge because she had lived the role firsthand. More often than not, she knew what needed to be done before the situation even demanded it. That grounding helped her move faster, make better calls, and keep the store running smoothly.
It marked a clear shift in her journey, from understanding the system to actively shaping it.
Mervin P George, Deputy City Head – Supply Chain & Operations, had worked closely with Prachi during this phase.
“Prachi consistently demonstrated exceptional ownership, composure, and adaptability during high-pressure operational phases”, Mervin says, “Beyond her assigned responsibilities, she proactively addressed process gaps, coordinated teams efficiently, and maintained service standards under challenging conditions. Her quick learning ability, accountability, and dedication, including support in resolving a major theft case, reflected strong leadership potential and long-term organisational value,” he adds.
Handling What the System Doesn’t Teach You
As Prachi grew into her role, she began encountering challenges that went beyond processes and metrics.
In one instance, a customer escalated an issue over cat food packaging, insisting that the change meant the quality had changed too. The situation quickly intensified, with the customer even threatening legal action.
Prachi stepped in and handled the situation with patience, focusing on understanding the concern rather than reacting to the pressure. By coordinating internally and ensuring a resolution, she was able to de-escalate the situation effectively.
Moments like these became part of her learning curve, teaching her that leadership isn’t just about running operations, but also about managing people, expectations, and uncertainty.
A Milestone That Multiplied
In August 2025, Prachi was promoted to Store Manager.
With this, she became the first woman in her ecosystem to grow from a POD picker to leading a store, a milestone that reflected both her individual journey and a broader shift in perception.
But her impact didn’t stop there.
Having navigated the journey herself, Prachi began actively supporting other women on her team. She trained and encouraged them to take on more responsibility, and created an environment where growth felt accessible.
Today, that effort is visible on the floor. Several women she has trained have moved into senior roles, and and entire shift at her store is now managed by women.
Her manager says,
“Prachi’s hands-on operational experience helps her lead with practical insight, accountability, and a deep understanding of team challenges. She inspires others through her growth story while consistently empowering team members and building a culture of ownership, learning, and performance”.
And what was once an exception is gradually becoming part of the system.
Learning. Leading. Evolving.
The transition to Store Manager brought its own challenges. Moving from individual execution to managing teams required Prachi to develop new skills, particularly around communication and people management.
By working closely with her team and staying involved in day-to-day operations, she continues to build her leadership style.
Over time, the role changed, the responsibilities grew, and so did Prachi.
But what stands out most is not just how far she has come, it’s how she has made that distance easier for others to travel. From being the only woman on the floor to building teams where women lead entire shifts, her journey has quietly redefined what feels possible.
Because sometimes, growth isn’t just about moving ahead. It’s about making sure that when someone else takes that first step, they don’t have to do it alone.
