Meet Manjit Mandeir
Founder of Focus28 and Creator of 1% Authentic Shift
A Word from our Founder
Let me share a little story about the foundations of Focus28. Back in the late 80s, long before it was widely accepted my secondary school PE teacher aimed to boost my long-distance running performance. She insisted that regular yoga stretching was the key, emphasising its role in enhancing flexibility and muscle strength.
Her instruction was clear; commit to stretching my legs daily before and after a run for 28 consecutive days making sure I visualise the locations and exercises. Initially daunting, she cleverly suggested integrating the stretches into my running routine, both at the beginning and end of each trail run.
I gradually adopted this approach, unknowingly practicing what is now termed "habit stacking" and embracing the concept of "incremental gains." After just a few weeks the habit of stretching before and after runs became second nature, seamlessly woven into my running regime.
This experience laid the foundation for Focus28, inspired by the theory of marginal gains popularised by Sir Dave Brailsford, the former performance director of British Cycling.
The essence of this theory lies in breaking down complex processes or challenges into smaller more manageable components and improving each aspect by just 1 percent. Over time, these incremental improvements accumulate, leading to significant and sustainable progress.
Manjit Mandeir | Founder of Focus28 & Creator of the 1% Authentic Shift
Manjit is known for doing leadership differently bold with risk, grounded in real-world results and unafraid to challenge convention.
With over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, tech, legal, FMCG and healthcare, she’s led multimillion-pound teams, built businesses from scratch and navigated boardrooms just as confidently as she once ran a bustling pub. From managing high-stakes negotiations and meetings to founding an executive recruitment agency, her journey has been anything but conventional.
Early in her career, Manjit surrounded herself with mentors who taught her how to stand up for herself, fully and unapologetically. Now, decades later, she’s that mentor for hundreds of leaders and business owners today ready to be seen, heard and recognised.
Her approach blends coaching through real-life leadership challenges with practical tools in self-confidence, executive presence and assertive communication. Built on lived experience not just theory her clients gain tools that work not just in the classroom, but in the boardroom and beyond.
If you’re here, chances are you’re where she once was, wondering how to find your voice, own your seat at the table and lead with the kind of confidence that doesn’t burn you out. Manjit’s here to show you how, one bold shift at a time.
She’s also navigated a slightly chaotic divorce, solo parented two brilliant children and risen from the depths of burnout and self-doubt. Every chapter has shaped her. Every setback sharpened her.
Today, Manjit shows women how to stop shrinking, start leading and shift 1% at a time with determination, clarity and grounded presence.
Leaders trust Manjit for her sharp insight, no-fluff honesty and deeply human approach to growth. Her award-winning work in sales strategy and leadership development is rooted in one thing; helping people lead with clarity, presence and grit without losing themselves.
Through 1% Authentic Shift, Manjit is building a movement for women who are done with people-pleasing, second-guessing or leading from burnout. It’s not just a programme; it’s a leadership reset. One grounded, embodied shift at a time.
Because let’s face it; rewriting the rules of leadership takes more than grit. It takes grounded presence, a sharp mind and the kind of quiet strength that doesn’t shout but shows up, stands firm and leads with heart.