In our latest ‘Five mins with…’ series we meet Gulshan Khan, Paragon’s new Business Development Manager for the Broker team. Gulshan gave us an insight to who she is and where she gets her drive for success from.  To connect with Gulshan on LinkedIn, visit her profile.                   

As you’re working with ambitious entrepreneurs, who are your 3 top business icons?

Bill Gates, he changed the world with Microsoft and appears very charitable, he aims to make a difference to poverty and eradicating infectious diseases which can only be a good thing.

Steven Bartlett, university dropout, Forbes 30 under 30, the youngest Dragon on Dragons’ Den. He seems to have a positive social media presence, has a lot to say on having a positive attitude and good old work ethic. A good role model for young aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mary Barra of GM, the first female CEO to lead a major car maker. Started as an Intern for the group at 18 years old and has worked her way up to CEO in a traditionally male dominated industry. She seems forward thinking and is heavily invested in an electric future.

If you had your own SME, what would it be? No idea is too bizarre or quirky!

If I had my own SME with unlimited capital investment from a reliable source it would be a prestige car showroom, selling sportscars. It would be open 7 days a week with a luxury coffee shop with coffee from all around the world on site and a big social media presence.

I’d have bilingual sales staff and a target audience of car fanatics from all over the world. My role would be sales as I love people, cars, and sales. Business plan pending…

Congratulations on your new role, for the aspiring youth have you got any advice for breaking into the industry?

Enjoy what you do and just work hard. The skills required can be learnt as with anything however the work ethic is something you will need within yourself.

Thank you for taking the time today to participate in this interview. Before we go, we’d love to know have you got any hidden talents or party tricks?

Hidden talents...none really…I am double jointed; I don’t consider it a talent though!

Visit Paragon SME Lending’s Asset Finance page to find out more about how we support clients in this market.