Women in Leadership Spotlight: Guneet Sawhney

Guneet Sawhney (MBA '27), President of the HEC MBA Wine, Spirits & Beer Club, reflects on a transformative career pivot and how her experiences—from New York’s spirits industry to the diverse HEC Paris classroom—have shaped her evolving, inclusive approach to leadership.

What moment in your career - or during your MBA at HEC Paris - has most shaped the leader you are today?
The moment that most shaped the leader I am today was moving to the United States to begin a new job in a new industry. 

I began my career in cybersecurity at a global bank, after spending several years developing strong technical and analytical skills. While the work was structured and challenging, I was drawn towards a field that allowed for greater creativity and human connection. In 2024, I made the decision to pivot into the spirits industry and moved to New York to take on a marketing role at a family-run company, where I began building hands-on experience in brand strategy and global markets. 

 

This shift was more than a career change. It meant entering a new industry, adapting to a new business culture and building both a professional and social network from scratch in a new country. I had to learn how to operate in a creative environment where influence came through collaboration, storytelling and cultural awareness. Outside of work, learning to navigate a new city reinforced the same lessons of adaptability and independence.

The transition shaped my leadership style. I learnt the importance of listening carefully, asking better questions and adapting quickly. I became more intentional about balancing structure with creativity, and more aware of how cultural context shapes collaboration. The experience taught me that effective leadership is about creating trust, learning continuously and contributing meaningfully in unfamiliar environments.

How has your time at HEC Paris influenced or reshaped what leadership means to you? 
My time at HEC Paris has helped me build on my understanding of leadership through classes, professors, simulations and clubs. It has given me the space to reflect on how leadership works and why certain approaches are more effective than others. Collaborating in an extremely diverse classroom made me aware of the importance of facilitating alignment, ensuring that everyone's voice and perspective is heard.

The leadership class and the entrepreneurship elective have been particularly impactful. Through practical exercises and structured feedback, I became conscious of leadership behaviors that work well for me, as well as areas I need to improve. 

Seeing professors and guest speakers share their experiences also shaped my perspective. Their reflections on leading through uncertainty, leveraging limited resources and adapting to different contexts were very valuable. Overall, HEC has made me into a more deliberate leader able to understand that leadership requires constant evolvement.

Who is a woman who has inspired you during your career or MBA experience, and why? 
A woman who has inspired me during my career is my former manager, Katharine. Working with her in New York, I experienced a leadership style that balanced navigating complexity with listening, trust, and clear direction. In a fast-moving, creative environment, she set high expectations while giving her team the autonomy to take ownership. Her ability to listen, synthesize perspectives, and move teams forward thoughtfully had a noticeable impact on both team morale and results.

What do you wish more people understood about women’s experiences in business school today? 
I wish more people understood that while business schools have made huge progress on inclusion, experiences are still not entirely neutral. Gender can still shape how people are perceived, whose voices are heard and who is naturally seen as a leader. Although these behaviors are subtle, they have the power to influence participation and confidence over time.

If you were mentoring the next cohort of women arriving at HEC, what’s the one thing you’d want them to know? 
I would want them to know that every opportunity at HEC is open to them, and they should take full advantage of it. Challenge yourself, whether it’s speaking up in class, leading a project, running for a club role, or participating in mentorship, you are welcome in every space!

Business school moves quickly, and the people who gain the most are those who say yes to opportunities outside their comfort zone. Trust that you’ve earned your place. Make the most of what’s in front of you, because these experiences are what shape your confidence, network, and leadership during and after HEC.

What hobby, passion, or personal interest has helped keep you grounded during your MBA at HEC, and why is it important to you?
CrossFit has been a hobby that has helped keep me grounded during my MBA at HEC. The regular workouts give me structure and a reset from the academics and socials of the MBA. The discipline, physical challenge, and sense of community help me manage stress, stay focused, and maintain balance, which allows me to show up more present both academically and personally.