From Brewmaster to Business Leaders: Soak in The Key Takeaways From the Women’s Conference
At PACK EXPO, the stage is set for discovering cutting-edge solutions, igniting innovation, and inspiring the next generation to enter the workforce. As I departed, my journey wasn't just marked by a heightened sense of inspiration; it also left me with a profound understanding of what it truly takes to thrive in industries like this one.
While the event showcased a vast spectrum of sustainability, packaging, labeling, coding, robotics, and automation solutions that inspired many attendees, others found their 'aha' moments during seminars and conferences. It’s safe to say that the 'Packaging and Processing Women's Leadership' networking event made a lasting impression because it offered an invaluable opportunity to hear from an industry leader who candidly shared her personal journey and dispensed priceless advice on how to excel in our dynamic field. It was an empowering testament to the diverse perspectives and leadership that fortify our industry.
Who is Manjit Minhas?
Who is Manjit Minhas? A petroleum engineering student turned brewmaster, Manjit Minhas is the co-founder and co-owner of the Minhas Brewery, Distillery, and Winery. What's truly impressive is that Manjit, along with her brother Ravinder, embarked on this journey at the tender age of 19 with a mere $10,000 investment. Despite the odds, the Minhas siblings not only made it possible but also challenged renowned brewing giants.
Over the years, Manjit has amassed a portfolio of over 90 brands spanning beers, spirits, liqueurs, and wines. Her products now find homes in 5 Canadian provinces, 47 U.S. states, and 16 other countries. But Manjit's focus extends beyond expansion; she's passionate about sharing her success and supporting others in their pursuit of dreams. This commitment led her to star on CBC's Dragon's Den in 2015, where she has invested in over 31 businesses, leveraging her knowledge and experience as a venture capitalist Dragon.
Beyond business growth, Manjit takes social responsibility seriously. She became the first brewer in Canada to voluntarily include a management warning on her cans, advocating against drinking and driving and promoting responsible consumption.
Manjit's dedication to sustainability is evident in her business practices. She designed a special 48-can pack for COSTCO, which uses minimal packaging materials, leading to substantial environmental savings. Drawing from her engineering background, she's developed innovative methods to produce beer with reduced chemical usage and resource consumption.
Manjit Minhas was the perfect speaker for PACK EXPO, where sustainability was a key theme. Her journey exemplifies persistence, hard work, and business growth, making her a valuable source of inspiration and expertise.
Advice to Industry Professionals
With over two decades of entrepreneurial and brewery experience, Manjit Minhas had a wealth of wisdom to share with everyone who attended the conference. One of the quotes that resonated with me the most was,
- "Success isn't determined by what you think you deserve; it's defined by what you negotiate for."
In essence, it emphasizes the importance of identifying what truly matters for you or your business and devising a plan to attain it. As Minhas put it,
- "With the right approach, everything can be negotiated, regardless of who you are."
Another invaluable piece of advice Manjit offered the audience was the significance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who inspire and guide you on your entrepreneurial journey and personal growth. She stressed the importance of seeking mentors, individuals who can provide valuable guidance on your path, and highlighted that there's no need to make a formal request for mentorship,
- "Mentors can come from various places, including family, colleagues, friends, or peer groups. They serve as a source of wisdom, a listening ear, and a gentle nudge in the right direction."
Negotiation skills and mentorship are crucial, but so is the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges and last-minute changes. Manjit referred to this as the ability to stay nimble, emphasizing the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of adversity.
Manjit's final piece of advice was to embrace continuous learning. This entails taking courses, reading books, attending seminars, and staying current with industry trends. In an ever-changing market, the key to ongoing success is to evolve in tandem with it.
A Young Professional’s Take on Pack Expo’s Women’s Conference
As a young professional who's recently ventured into the coding and marking industry, attending conferences like PACK EXPO is always a source of inspiration. It's a chance to hear from fellow business professionals, especially those who embarked on their journeys at a young age. Manjit Minhas serves as a remarkable example of breaking free from the constraints of circumstances and following one's aspirations. Moreover, seeing another woman excelling in her respective industry is both encouraging and empowering, especially in a field where male professionals dominate.
One of the most reassuring takeaways from the conference was the affirmation that seeking guidance and support is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it's a common thread among industry leaders. Many of these prominent figures we admire today had mentors or guides who played pivotal roles in shaping their paths to success. What resonated most was witnessing a professional openly share their journey, complete with its highs and lows, and extend a helping hand to other young professionals. It's a reminder that success is often built on shared experiences and mentorship.
