Namrata Kothari

About Namrata Kothari

As an engineer by training, I thrive on learning how things work, making them work better, and delivering experiences that bring out the best in individuals and teams. I build products+processes that people enthusiastically adopt and actually use.I have 16+ years of experience helping organizations get things “un-stuck” while they are in the “messy middle” of the transition from startup mode to scaling+sustaining mode. This includes accelerating cross-functional initiatives, translating strategy to front-line execution, improving how technical and business teams work together, scaling critical business processes, and championing both the process+human sides of operational excellence. I partner well with executives, subject matter experts, technical teams, front-line associates, and external stakeholders.My industry experience includes professional services, engineering, startups, tech, manufacturing, consulting, fintech, edtech, nonprofit organizations, e-commerce, retail, digital media, cosmetics, food & beverage, education, and human capital. In these varied contexts, I’ve seen exactly what leaders and teams need to be able to scale successfully, as well as what most often gets in the way as organizations grow larger and more complex.I also have 14+ years of experience leading and managing virtual-first teams, including online facilitation and online teaching. I know what it takes to establish and maintain not just a virtual/remote work environment, but also the relationships, teams, and organizational cultures that thrive virtually as well.I hold a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, and a Kellogg MBA. I am also an active contributor to the Chief of Staff Network.FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE- Strategic Program Management: Strategy & OKR Implementation, End-to-End Program Ownership, Program Launch & Scaling- Business Operations Leadership: Cross-Functional Project Management, Problem-Solving & Root Cause Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making- Operational Excellence: Process Efficiency & Optimization, Change Management & Adoption, Data Analytics & Reporting

Experience

1. Senior Program Manager

   Sound Transit

   Jan 2023 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Enthusiastically transforming the map of the Central Puget Sound region, and connecting people to opportunity through clean, frequent, and reliable public transit. Championing and delivering process improvements throughout the agency, as we build, operate, and maintain a rapidly growing multi-modal regional public transit system. 2025 Alum of the industry-leading Eno/MAX Program.

Education

• Cornell University

  B.S., Chemical Engineering

• Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

  Master of Business Administration (MBA), Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Management & Organizations, Operations Management

Skills

• Strategy
• Operations Management
• Business Development
• Program Management
• Product Development
• Nonprofits
• Product Management
• Consulting
• Business Process Improvement
• Leadership
• Training
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Start-Ups
• Staff Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Microsoft Office
• Market Research
• Business Process
• Strategic Planning
• Change Management
• Management
• Team Leadership
• Program Evaluation
• Management Consulting
• Public Speaking
• Coaching
• Process Improvement
• Data Analysis
• Organizational Development
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Project Management
• Analytics
• Business Strategy