Who is Manjit Minhas? When it comes to bold leadership, fearless entrepreneurship, and straight-up business brilliance, few embody these qualities better than Manjit Minhas.
She’s not just a business mogul—she’s a trailblazer, an investor, and a fierce advocate for taking action over chasing perfection. If you’re looking for a speaker who can ignite a room, inspire confident decision-making, and prove that no dream is too ambitious, you’re in the right place.
Who Is Manjit Minhas?
You may recognize Manjit Minhas from Dragon’s Den, where she grills hopeful entrepreneurs and invests in the boldest, smartest, and scrappiest. But before becoming one of Canada’s most well-known investors, Manjit built a multi-million-dollar beer and spirits empire from the ground up—without a single penny of inheritance, industry backing, or even a brewing facility.
At just 19 years old, she and her brother launched Minhas Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries, now one of North America’s largest independent brewing companies. Today, her company produces over 90 brands of beer, spirits, and wine sold across Canada, the United States, and beyond.
But here’s the thing—breaking into the beer industry wasn’t easy. It was a boys’ club, steeped in tradition, and resistant to outsiders. Manjit had to be tough, strategic, and unapologetically bold to carve out her place.
“Breaking into the beer and spirits industry meant challenging long-established norms and proving that we belonged.”
Lessons in Leadership
Breaking Barriers & Taking Action
When asked about the boldest actions she took to establish herself, Manjit shared this story:
“I often share with groups a story from early in my journey about searching for suppliers and travelling to an industry event to get face time with Kentucky whiskey producers. I was one of very few women there, certainly the only Punjabi Sikh and probably younger than some of those guys’ suits. I wasn’t even old enough to legally consume alcohol in the United States!
So, yes — being a woman in a male-dominated industry, I had to develop thick skin, trust my instincts, and demand a seat at the table, even when others weren’t ready to give me one.”
This isn’t just a story—it’s a lesson in resilience, confidence, and owning your space, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
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Taking Action vs. Waiting for Perfection
Here’s what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who stay stuck in “what if” mode: they take action. Manjit has seen it time and time again—entrepreneurs with brilliant ideas who hesitate, analyze, and second-guess themselves into oblivion.
“The biggest mistake I see entrepreneurs make is waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment. They overanalyze, hesitate, and second-guess themselves instead of taking action and adjusting along the way.
Growth comes from execution — not just great ideas. You have to test, fail fast, learn, and keep moving forward.”
And if you’re in business, she’ll tell you one more thing—know your numbers. Passion and vision are great, but if you don’t understand your margins, cash flow, and unit economics, you won’t be able to scale.
How to Stay Ahead in a Fast-Changing Business World
In today’s business landscape, leaders can’t afford to be rigid. Things are evolving fast, and the ones who thrive are the ones who can learn, pivot, and build brands that truly connect. Here’s what Manjit believes every leader should be focusing on right now:
Prioritize continuous learning. “I have scheduled in my calendar one hour every single day, even on the weekends, to just read, listen to podcasts, think, talk to people—anything to become more knowledgeable. My mission is to always be 1% smarter before I go to bed at night.”
Stay agile and adaptable. “Leaders need to be willing to pivot quickly when market conditions shift, rather than sticking to rigid long-term plans.”
Build authentic brands. “Consumers are smarter than ever, and they’re drawn to brands that have a strong mission, values, and transparency. Businesses that genuinely connect with their customers will build loyalty that lasts.”
Why Book Manjit Minhas to Speak at Your Next Event?
If your audience needs a dose of real-world, no-BS business wisdom, Manjit Minhas is the speaker you’re looking for. Here’s what event planners can expect:
Unfiltered Business Advice – Manjit shares the hard-earned lessons from building a multi-million-dollar empire in an industry that wasn’t built for her.
Actionable Strategies – Her talks aren’t just inspiring—they’re packed with real-world tactics that entrepreneurs and business leaders can apply immediately.
A Trailblazer’s Perspective – Manjit speaks honestly about being a woman in a male-dominated space, what it takes to succeed, and why taking action beats waiting for perfection every time.
Final Thoughts: Who is Manjit Minhas on the Keynote Stage
If there’s one thing Manjit Minhas embodies, it’s this: success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who take risks, adapt fast, and keep pushing forward. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone who simply wants to play a bigger game in life, Manjit’s story is a masterclass in courage, action, and resilience.
Take a page from Manjit’s playbook: Trust yourself. Know your numbers. Stop waiting for the “perfect” moment. And most importantly…make moves.
Ready to book Manjit Minhas for your next event? Contact us today!
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Learn more about Manjit Minhas, Dragons’ Den judge, on Instagram (@manjit.minhas)
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