Dreamers, Doers, and Disruptors: Astha Purohit
By Shelby Crosier
The Dreamers, Doers, and Disruptors series celebrates the stories of alumni who are driving change and making an impact with their bold ideas and action.
Astha Purohit graduated with an MPH from the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Rollins School of Public Health in 2011 and has since established herself as a global leader in A.I. From her early days in public health to pivotal roles at McKinsey, CVS, and DoorDash, Purohit has consistently applied her multidisciplinary viewpoint to innovate across industries. She now serves as director of product operations for Walmart, where she guides product development and customer trust-building with a focus on A.I.-driven initiatives. Through all of her work, Purohit strives to foster ethical leadership practices that support staff well-being.
In this interview, Purohit discusses the path that brought her from medicine to A.I. and the impacts she hopes to make in the field.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
During an internship at Yale in pain medicine, I discovered that my true passion lay beyond individual patient care. I became increasingly fascinated by how strategic management and systemic change could drive broader, more impactful transformations within organizations.
This realization ignited a shift in my career path, leading me to pursue an MPH in Health Care Management at Rollins and later a Master of Business Administration at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It was this defining moment at Yale that sparked my transition from medicine to management, setting me on the path to where I am today—leading A.I.-driven initiatives in retail to redefine customer trust.
How do you stay motivated during challenging times?
I stay motivated by keeping the bigger picture in mind and focusing on the impact of my work. Knowing that my efforts can drive meaningful change helps me stay grounded, even when faced with challenges.
I also draw strength from my support network of mentors and colleagues, who offer valuable guidance and perspective during tough times. Finally, I remind myself that setbacks are part of the growth process, and perseverance is often the catalyst for breakthroughs.
How do you approach decision-making, especially in ambiguity?
I balance data, intuition, and diverse perspectives. This approach, guided by my core values and consideration of long-term implications, helps ensure decisions are inclusive and effective.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I aspire to be remembered as a leader who drove meaningful change in A.I. and actively supported future generations, especially women in tech. My vision is for a more inclusive, ethical, and transformative future in A.I., with empowered female leaders at the helm.
