In the landscape of contemporary British leadership, few individuals embody the intersection of justice, innovation, and inclusive entrepreneurship as powerfully as Sharon Jandu OBE. Her remarkable journey spans the corridors of justice as a presiding magistrate, the boardrooms of multinational corporations like Microsoft and Santander, and the grassroots communities where she champions ethnic minority business empowerment across the Northern Powerhouse region.
What sets Sharon apart is not merely the breadth of her influence, but the depth of her commitment to systemic change. As someone who has navigated the complexities of judicial responsibility while simultaneously driving digital transformation and policy advocacy, she represents a new paradigm of leadership that refuses to be confined by traditional sector boundaries.
“I have had a remarkable leadership journey, spanning multiple sectors,” Sharon reflects, “but the defining moment that shaped my passion for inclusive and strategic leadership stems from my work in advocating for minority ethnic communities in business and policy-making.” This foundational commitment has become the golden thread connecting her diverse roles, from founding the Yorkshire Asian Business Association in 2015 to establishing the NPH Ethnic Minority Business & Policy Forum in 2023.
The Foundation of Purpose-Driven Leadership
Sharon’s path to transformative leadership began with a simple yet powerful recognition: underrepresented voices needed not just advocates, but platforms for authentic participation in economic decision-making. Her role as Managing Director of the NPH Ethnic Minority Business & Policy Forum exemplifies this philosophy, ensuring that ethnic minority businesses have genuine access to resources, networks, and policy influence.
“My commitment to ethnic minority business empowerment stems from my deep understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs,” she explains. “I believe ethnic minority businesses contribute significantly to the economy, yet often face barriers in accessing funding, trade opportunities, and policy representation.”
This understanding has translated into concrete action through her leadership of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, where she has created strategic partnerships that bridge these gaps, enabling businesses from diverse backgrounds to compete effectively on national and international stages. Her work with Unity Enterprise has further reinforced her belief in community-driven economic empowerment, particularly in supporting ethnic minority women in technology sectors.
Mastering Adaptive Leadership Across Sectors
One of Sharon’s most remarkable capabilities lies in her ability to adapt her leadership style across vastly different institutional contexts while maintaining authenticity and measurable impact. Her tenure across major organizations including Microsoft, Santander, and the Federation of Small Businesses demonstrates a rare versatility that few leaders possess.
At Microsoft, she played a pivotal role in education and technology partnerships, focusing on digital transformation and empowering businesses through innovation. Her leadership approach emphasized collaboration and forward-thinking strategies, ensuring technology accessibility across diverse enterprises.
During her transformative period at Santander, Sharon was instrumental in establishing the fast-growth SME accelerator programme, Breakthrough, which provided crucial support for small businesses scaling their operations. “My leadership approach here was entrepreneurial and results-driven,” she notes, “ensuring that SMEs had the financial backing and strategic guidance needed to thrive.”
At the Federation of Small Businesses, her focus shifted to policy advocacy, championing small business interests and ensuring entrepreneurs maintained a voice in governmental decision-making. This community-focused, policy-driven approach demonstrates her ability to align personal values with organizational missions while consistently elevating underrepresented voices.
“Across all these roles, my ability to stay authentic comes from my commitment to economic empowerment, diversity, and strategic partnerships,” Sharon emphasizes. “I consistently align my leadership with the mission of each organisation while ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard in decision-making.”
Innovation Through Inclusion
Sharon’s approach to fostering innovation centers on the belief that diversity of thought and experience drives breakthrough solutions. Her leadership philosophy revolves around collaboration, empowerment, and forward-thinking solutions that bridge diverse sectors and communities.
Through cross-sector partnerships at organizations like ISS Airview and the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, she has built strategic alliances connecting businesses, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. These partnerships create inclusive economic opportunities while driving innovation across industries.
Her championing of diversity in leadership through the NPH Ethnic Minority Business & Policy Forum actively promotes ethnic minority representation in business and policy-making. “I believe that diverse leadership leads to stronger, more innovative decision-making,” she states, reflecting a core conviction that shapes all her initiatives.
At ISS Airview, Sharon spearheads initiatives connecting UK businesses with Indian markets, fostering international trade and innovation. Her ability to leverage digital transformation ensures businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy, while her commitment to education and mentorship as Executive in Residence at Sheffield Business School nurtures future leaders through strategic guidance and entrepreneurship development.
Transforming Business Education Through Academic-Industry Partnerships
As Chair of the International Business Advisory Group at Leeds University Business School, Sharon views academic-industry partnerships as catalysts for innovation, inclusivity, and real-world impact in business education. Her vision extends far beyond traditional educational models, focusing on creating dynamic learning environments where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.
“I believe that collaborations between academia and industry create dynamic learning environments where students gain practical insights alongside theoretical knowledge,” she explains. “This ensures graduates are workforce-ready with skills that align with industry needs.”
Her leadership emphasizes international business networks that connect students with global trade opportunities, advocating for cross-border partnerships that expose learners to real-world economic challenges. She sees these partnerships as vehicles for increasing representation in leadership and entrepreneurship, ensuring ethnic minority entrepreneurs gain access to mentorship, funding, and policy influence.
Through collaborative research between universities and businesses, Sharon believes educational institutions can shape economic policies supporting small businesses, trade, and digital transformation. Her leadership ensures business education evolves to meet demands of a rapidly changing global economy, making it more inclusive, practical, and innovation-driven.
The Power of Continuous Learning
Sharon’s commitment to lifelong learning stands as a testament to adaptive leadership in an era of rapid technological change. Her pursuit of multiple MSc degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Strategic Leadership, and Business demonstrates an unwavering dedication to staying at the forefront of industry evolution.
“My commitment to continuous learning has profoundly shaped my leadership style and decision-making approach,” she reflects. “My pursuit of advanced degrees has equipped me with the tools to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation across industries.”
Her expertise in AI and Data Analytics enables data-driven decision making, leveraging insights and predictive modeling to create informed strategic decisions. This analytical approach allows her to anticipate market trends and develop impactful business strategies that serve diverse communities.
The MSc in Strategic Leadership has strengthened her ability to lead cross-sector initiatives, ensuring businesses and policymakers collaborate to create inclusive economic opportunities. Meanwhile, her studies in Applied AI enable her to champion digital transformation, ensuring ethnic minority enterprises embrace cutting-edge technology to remain competitive.
“My lifelong learning mindset ensures that my leadership remains forward-thinking, adaptable, and deeply impactful,” she notes. “I continuously apply my knowledge to empower businesses, shape policies, and drive innovation.”
Balancing Justice and Business Leadership
Perhaps one of Sharon’s most remarkable achievements lies in successfully balancing her judicial responsibilities as a Justice of the Peace with her extensive business and educational commitments. Since 2009, she has presided over youth, family, and criminal courts, ensuring justice remains fair, accessible, and community-driven.
“I balance my judicial responsibilities with my commitments in business and education through strategic time management, adaptability, and a deep-rooted commitment to social impact,” she explains. Her experience in policy advocacy allows her to bring practical insights into judicial decision-making, creating a unique perspective that benefits all her roles.
This balance stems from her strategic vision, commitment to inclusivity, and passion for driving meaningful change. Rather than viewing these responsibilities as competing demands, Sharon sees them as complementary aspects of her broader mission to create more equitable systems and opportunities.
Recognition and Future Vision
The recognition Sharon has received through her OBE and Honorary Fellowship at Leeds Trinity University represents more than personal achievement; it acknowledges her contributions to business, diversity, and international trade while highlighting her commitment to education and mentorship.
“These honours represent my dedication to economic empowerment, inclusivity, and leadership,” she reflects. “The OBE is recognition of my impact on international trade, particularly in fostering UK-India business relations.”
Looking ahead, Sharon sees inclusive entrepreneurship evolving through technology, policy innovation, and equitable funding over the next decade. She believes AI-driven solutions will level the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs, enabling data-driven decision-making, automation, and market expansion.
“AI & Digital Transformation will revolutionize how we approach business,” she predicts. “AI-driven solutions will level the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs, enabling data-driven decision-making, automation, and market expansion.”
Her vision encompasses equitable access to funding through initiatives addressing minority-owned business financing gaps, policy-driven business support through evidence-based frameworks, and cross-border trade creating global networks for international market access.
Mentorship as a Cornerstone Mission
Central to Sharon’s leadership philosophy is an unwavering commitment to mentorship, particularly for women and ethnic minorities. She actively guides emerging leaders through strategic initiatives, networking opportunities, and policy advocacy across multiple platforms.
Through the West Yorkshire Ethnic Minority Women in Tech Initiative, she provides mentorship and industry connections for women in technology. Via the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, she offers business support and access to trade opportunities for Asian entrepreneurs. As Chair of Unity Enterprise, she creates platforms for emerging leaders to connect with industry experts, ensuring underrepresented voices participate in business and policy discussions.
“Mentorship is a cornerstone of my mission,” she emphasizes. “My mentorship philosophy is rooted in empowerment, accessibility, and strategic growth, ensuring that future leaders have the guidance and resources to thrive.”
Her mentorship programs, including EmpowHER & FutureProof Programs run in collaboration with UKYouth, focus on confidence-building, leadership, and employability for young women. The Power of Women program, funded by the European Social Fund, helps mothers gain confidence and employment skills for career opportunities.
A Message for Future Leaders
Sharon’s message to the next generation of women leaders centers on resilience, empowerment, and fearless ambition. She encourages women to embrace leadership, challenge systemic barriers, and create opportunities for others.
“Lead with Confidence & Purpose,” she advises. “I believe that women in leadership must own their space, advocate for equitable opportunities, and drive meaningful change.”
She emphasizes the power of collaboration and strategic alliances, ensuring women support each other in business, policy, and innovation. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion focuses on representation in leadership, ensuring women, especially from ethnic minority backgrounds, access funding, networks, and decision-making roles.
“Embrace Technology & Innovation,” she encourages. “I encourage women to leverage AI, digital platforms, and data-driven strategies to stay ahead in evolving industries.”
The Legacy of Transformative Leadership
Sharon Jandu OBE represents a new paradigm of leadership that transcends traditional boundaries between sectors, cultures, and communities. Her ability to navigate the complexities of judicial responsibility while driving digital transformation and policy advocacy demonstrates that authentic leadership creates bridges rather than barriers.
Her story illustrates how visionary leaders can simultaneously serve justice, drive innovation, and champion inclusion without compromising effectiveness in any domain. Through her continued leadership in economic empowerment, diversity advocacy, and international trade, Sharon ensures that business ecosystems evolve strategically, creating sustainable impact across industries.
As we look toward an increasingly interconnected global economy, leaders like Sharon provide the roadmap for navigating complexity while maintaining unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. Her leadership philosophy, rooted in empowerment, inclusivity, and strategic vision, ensures that women leaders continue breaking barriers and shaping the future.
“Technology is not neutral,” she reminds us, echoing the wisdom that drives her multi-faceted leadership. “The choices we make in developing and implementing solutions have profound implications for society. My goal is to ensure that these choices consistently serve the greater good while driving meaningful progress.”
In Sharon Jandu OBE, we see the embodiment of transformative leadership that understands the interconnected nature of justice, innovation, and inclusion. Her continued influence across sectors ensures that the future of business leadership will be more diverse, more inclusive, and more impactful for communities across the UK and beyond.
