Leaders

From a young girl in Bengaluru with dreams scribbled in slam books to the Managing Partner of a thriving Fenestration firm, Priyanka Bhushan’s professional journey is a testament to self-belief and persistence. As the driving force behind Gubbins Inc., a 13-year-old company specializing in architectural doors and windows, Priyanka has carved her path with purpose and passion.

Born to a Gujarati family and raised in Karnataka, she fondly calls herself a Kannadathi, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit of her roots and the warmth of her homeland. With over two decades of professional experience, Priyanka’s evolution from ambition to achievement reflects not just her business acumen but also her belief in growth through learning and resilience.

She always envisioned herself as a businesswoman, long before the term “entrepreneur” gained popularity. Today, she leads with the same conviction that guided her since childhood: “I can do it, and I want to do it.”

Take us through your professional journey highlighting the major turning points during the early years of your professionaljourney.?

My professional journey began inadvertently. Right after college, I was campus-recruited by an automobile dealer, not realizing I was stepping into car sales, an unusual space for women back then. That first job, shaped me deeply and taught me the fundamentals of, communication, confidence and competition.

After a short break, I re-entered the workforce in banking sales, though I soon realized it wasn’t my calling. My real passion emerged when I transitioned into the architectural industry, first with a renowned German kitchen brand and later with a leading New Zealand-based door and window company. That’s where I found my niche and eventually started my own venture.

Introduce us to Gubbins. What responsibilities do you oversee as the Managing Partner?

Gubbins is a 13-year-old trading company specializing in customized architectural doors and windows, a niche segment that blends precision, design, and durability. What makes our work unique is that every door and window is a personalized solution, not an off-the-shelf product. Each project demands technical expertise, teamwork, and deep client empathy.

As the Managing Partner, I oversee sales, marketing, and finance, ensuring each client receives a solution tailored to their home or project, whether it’s a villa, boutique apartment, or institution.

At Gubbins, we believe success lies in client contentment. My journey doesn’t end at the sale; it continues through years of client partnership, powered by a dedicated team that truly defines our strength and leadership.

What challenges do you encounter while leading Gubbins? How do you navigate through them?

In our line of work, no two projects or clients are ever the same. Each requirement is fully customized, with no fixed grid or formula. The real challenge lies in aligning my team with the client’s expectations, the designer’s vision, and the on-site realities.

In this industry, where many offer similar products, the real difference lies in workmanship and service. The quality of installation and after-sales care defines success. Over the years, we have weathered major challenges from demonetization to the pandemic and come out stronger because of two constants: belief in ourselves and trust in our team.

Additionally, working in a largely male-dominated fabrication industry, I have often been the exception, but that only fuels my drive to redefine boundaries and lead by example.

What strategies, business practices, or leadership frameworks do you prioritize at

Gubbins?

For me, leadership begins with a clear vision and collective direction, ensuring that everyone works together toward a shared goal. I believe that empathy is not an emotional weakness but a strategic strength. As women, we naturally bring empathy and multitasking to the table, and that’s often been our advantage, whether in dealing with clients, vendors, or our core team.

Authenticity is another cornerstone of my leadership. I prefer to lead by example, not by instruction. True leadership is not about giving commands; it’s about inspiring and caring for those whom you lead.

At Gubbins, our success stems from this collective mindset: clear systems, strong principles, and a team that believes in the vision.

Like Sir Ratan Tata said "Leadership is not about taking charge, it’s about taking care of those in your charge".

Looking back, which factors have driven your professional success?

I started from zero, but I always had a clear vision of where I wanted to go. My journey has been built on self-belief, consistent learning, and the unwavering support of my family and team. I truly believe that nothing is possible unless you first believe in yourself. That confidence, along with God’s grace and a strong team beside me, has brought me where I am today.

My success mantra is simple: believe in yourself, because you are chosen for a reason. Every person is gifted differently, and that uniqueness is a strength. Thirteen years of Gubbins, with zero attrition and high retention, stands as proof that belief, trust, and learning together truly build lasting success.

What advice would you share for aspiring women leaders?

For any leader, three things matter most. First, never stop learning, stay curious, and keep evolving because growth has no finish line. Second, have a clear vision and believe in yourself; confidence is the foundation of leadership. And third, love what you do. As my first manager said, if you are not passionate about your work, it will show. But when you truly enjoy what you do, that passion reflects in your results. So, keep learning, believe in yourself, and love your work.

Priyanka Bhushan, Managing Partner, Gubbins

Priyanka Bhushan, Managing Partner at Gub­bins, is a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, self-belief, and a deep pas­sion for creating value through purpose-driv­en leadership. Born and raised in Bengaluru, with Gujarati entrepreneurial roots and a Kan­nadathi spirit, Priyanka embodies the perfect blend of business acumen and empathy. With over two decades of professional experience across sales, banking, and the architectural industry, she found her true calling in building Gubbins, a 13-year-old firm specializing in Fen­estration industry.