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Creating Leaders for a New Era of Influence and Innovation

GURPREET MANN

Founder & CEO,

GKM Coaching

Gurpreet Mann, Founder and CEO of GKM Coaching, turned personal adversity into a mission to empower others. Surviving domestic abuse, she launched her business during the pandemic, helping professionals unlock their potential, multiply earnings, and align careers with personal values. Known as the “Social Selling Boss,” Gurpreet leverages LinkedIn to bypass traditional job markets, guiding clients toward six-figure careers with purpose. Her strategies, drawn from personal reinvention, have made her a bestselling author, top LinkedIn expert, and soughtafter speaker. Recognized by CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, and featured in TradeFlock’s 2024 “Most Empowering Women Leaders from the USA,” she was also honored among the “Most Admired Global Indians 2021.” In an interview with TradeFlock, she shared, “True success isn’t just financial—it’s living in alignment with your values and creating opportunities for others to rise.” Gurpreet’s journey is not just about survival—it’s about building a path others can follow toward lasting success.

“When life's challenges force you to your knees, you either break or build – Gurpreet Mann chose to build.”

What drives your diverse pursuits, and how do you balance them while prioritizing GKM Coaching?

Business has always been in my blood, thanks to my father, a serial entrepreneur. In 2013, I jumped into one of his ventures—a travel franchise—and found my passion for building things from the ground up. From there, I helped with other startups, like a printing business and a salon, and realized I loved the variety and challenge of juggling multiple ventures. What keeps me balanced is my genuine passion for growth and learning. Every business I touch teaches me something new, which I bring back to GKM Coaching—where my heart truly lies, helping others on their entrepreneurial journeys. Time management, prioritizing, and aligning everything I do with my purpose ensures GKM Coaching stays at the forefront.

How has overcoming domestic abuse shaped your leadership and coaching approach?

Walking away from my marriage as a newlywed was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, especially with $75K invested in the wedding and the cultural expectations placed on South Asian women. But I knew I had to create the life I wanted on my own. Every day, I told myself  That mindset became my driving force, shaping not only how I live but also how I lead and coach. I help my clients recognize that fear and doubt aren’t barriers—they’re opportunities for growth. Success isn’t just about achievements; it’s about believing in your greatness and becoming unstoppable in the process.

‘I will face my fears until they become my strength.

As the “Queen of the Hidden Job Market,” could you share key strategies that make your approach so effective?

I wasn’t always good at sales— coming from an HR background, it was a steep learning curve when I became a full-time entrepreneur in 2013. But once I found the right mentors, I cracked the code and started closing $10K+ clients. That’s when I realized: “If you position yourself as the solution, opportunities find you.” The same strategy applies to the hidden job market. It’s not about job boards—it’s about research, relationships, and solving real problems. I teach professionals to engage decision-makers by identifying company pain points, offering immediate value, and positioning themselves as indispensable. It’s all about building trust before the opportunity even exists. That’s how you unlock the hidden job market.

What motivated you to launch GKM Coaching and how has entrepreneurship evolved for you since?

“When the world shut down, I opened up.” In March 2020, as my HR consulting company, HR Superhero, faced challenges, I jumped on LinkedIn daily to offer free advice and support to people struggling with layoffs and career pivots. What began as a way to give back turned into something bigger—soon, people were hiring me as their coach, and GKM Coaching was born. Since then, entrepreneurship has shifted towards remote work and digital models, and I’ve embraced the change by scaling GKM Coaching. Today, I empower professionals to land top roles and help coaches build six-figure businesses in this new, evolving world.

As a 'Social Selling Boss,' how is social selling transforming leadership and influence today?

When my father passed away in 2018, I didn’t have the emotional energy for cold calling, so I turned to LinkedIn to share my journey. What started as open reflections on corporate life quickly gained traction, and clients began reaching out. “Leadership isn’t a title; it’s about empowering others to step into their power.” Social selling has redefined influence—being real, offering value, and building trust through vulnerability. It’s not just about selling; it’s about creating connections that inspire others to grow into their best selves. That’s how true leadership happens today.

Who or what has been your greatest inspiration, personally and professionally?

My greatest inspiration comes from my parents. “From my father, I learned that there is always a way— no matter the obstacles.” He showed me resilience by never giving up, even during the 90s recession when we almost lost everything. From my mother, I learned to have unwavering faith in Waheguru and trust that everything unfolds for my highest good. Their balance of perseverance and faith has shaped how I approach life and business, guiding me as a leader, entrepreneur, and coach.