The Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur: My South Asian upbringing and the path to entrepreneurship

Our commitment to inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in celebrating diversity, fostering a culture of belonging, and amplifying voices across all backgrounds.

This event marked a time to honour and reflect on the rich cultural heritage, histories and journeys of South Asian communities in the UK.

Hosted by Asad Karim, Head of Operations at E.ON Next, Harpreet shared her personal story of growing up in a British Punjabi household, her journey to becoming a successful businesswoman, and how she embraced her cultural roots throughout her career.

We’ve pulled together some highlights of the talk below:

What was it like growing up in a South Asian household?

 I grew up in a very strict Punjabi household in Birmingham, in a joint family with 14 people under one roof. My dad was incredibly strict – I wasn’t allowed a mobile phone until I was 18, I couldn’t go out with friends, and my options were limited. Looking back, I can understand he just wanted the best for me, but at the time, it felt extremely restrictive.

I was a quiet, introverted child who found comfort in education because it felt like my only escape route. Success in my family was measured by obedience and grades, not by happiness or self-expression. That experience shaped a lot of who I am today.

How did your cultural upbringing impact your early career choices?
Being an Indian girl, especially back then, starting a business wasn’t really seen as an option. No one in my extended family had been to university, let alone run a company – apart from my dad who owned an off-license. I was considered the “golden child” because I got good grades, so naturally, I was pushed towards safe, traditional careers. Law, medicine, or finance were the only respectable paths. I ended up becoming a bank manager at HSBC by my early twenties, which in my dad’s eyes ticked every box. But I always felt like there was something more for me – something that didn’t quite fit within the framework I’d been raised in.

Did your culture ever create barriers to pursuing your business dreams?
Absolutely. One of the clearest examples was when I tried to start a mobile nail business. I printed business cards and planned to go to women’s houses to earn some extra income. But when the cards arrived, my dad opened the mail – as many South Asian parents do, with no real boundaries – and just said, “No.” That was it. No conversation, no encouragement. He didn’t want me going into strangers' homes, and that dream ended before it started.
That moment really highlighted the cultural tension between what I wanted for myself and what my family saw as acceptable or ‘safe’. Still, I didn’t give up. I kept pushing for something of my own, and that eventually led me to launch my dessert business.

What kept you driven to reach your full potential?
Honestly, staying motivated all the time isn’t realistic. Life happens – things change, and sometimes you just don’t feel up to it. What’s helped me is discipline. I always say: motivation fades, but discipline keeps you moving.
If you want something, like a promotion or a new skill, you can’t wait to feel inspired every day –
you have to keep showing up. And when things get tough, I ask myself, “What’s the alternative?” Do I give up, feel miserable, and regret not trying? That thought alone pushes me forward.

What was the biggest lesson Lord Sugar taught you?
He taught me to be shameless and a little bit ruthless about what I want. That might sound bold, but it’s true. If you want something – whether it’s a role, a promotion, or a new challenge – you have to ask for it. Don’t let embarrassment or self-doubt hold you back. The worst thing that can happen is someone says no. But more often than not, people respect the courage it takes to speak up.

Has your cultural identity given you an advantage in your career or business?
Massively. I’m so proud to be South Asian. My culture, my upbringing, and even my faith have grounded me through tough times. Lately, I’ve reconnected with that part of myself even more. I used to think some of those traditional teachings were outdated, but now I see how much sense they make – things like respect, resilience, and staying humble. They’ve shaped the way I lead and work.

How did you quiet the inner critic, especially growing up in a South Asian household?
That’s such a big one. I’ve always had this built-in chip of ambition – I just knew I wanted more. As a kid, I’d watch Bollywood movies and dream of feeling free, of doing something on my own terms. And the only thing that ever quieted that inner voice of doubt was action. Even when I was scared, I kept moving forward. That’s the only way to stop fear from holding you back.

Did you have any South Asian female role models growing up?
Honestly, no. I didn’t see women like me in business or on screen in leadership roles. I grew up watching Bollywood, not listening to podcasts or inspirational talks. But now, one woman I really admire is Priyanka Chopra. She’s done so much more than acting – she’s reinvented herself, broken barriers, and stayed true to who she is. Her mindset is incredible. If you don’t know her story beyond the films, go check her out.

What advice would you offer to someone who doesn’t know what career path to take?
I’d say that not knowing is completely fine! In fact, I think it’s a great place to be because everything’s still open to you. I didn’t always know what I wanted to do. At one point, I wanted to be a bank manager. Then I opened a dessert business because I love food. Now I’m thinking about running an animal sanctuary one day. Your goals will evolve. My advice? Try things. Shadow people. Ask questions. Don’t wait to figure it all out – just start somewhere and see where it takes you.

The art of embracing our talents

Our webinar with Harpreet was hosted by our embRace network and was open to all our colleagues. It exemplifies our dedication to raising awareness, starting conversations and creating spaces where people from different cultural heritages can share their stories and inspire others.

By embracing inclusivity, we not only honour the unique experiences and perspectives of each person but also cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. We strive to provide platforms for meaningful conversations as they showcase the richness of diverse narratives and highlight the strength that comes from unity in diversity.