Satmeet Chahal’s Journey from HR Coordinator to Asian Women of Achievement Awards Nominee
Armed with a degree in Business Management, Satmeet Chahal embarked on a career in Human Resources (HR) at Enterprise that would lead her to become a nominee for the prestigious Asian Women of Achievement Awards. In this DRIVE article, we take an in-depth look at her remarkable journey, including her inspiring work to champion diversity, equity and inclusion both inside and outside the organisation.
“Stepping outside your comfort zone can foster personal growth and professional development”
Satmeet started her career as an HR Coordinator in the Southeast region and within just three years, she was promoted to the role of HR Supervisor.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Satmeet decided to broaden her horizons. She transitioned to the European Head Office based in Egham. “I believe in challenging myself and seeking new opportunities for growth,” she says. This bold move provided her with invaluable insights into various aspects of the business, leading to her current position as HR Generalist Manager.
In her role, Satmeet’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum. “I oversee a team of HR professionals, and together, we craft and implement comprehensive HR strategies,” she notes. These strategies cover scalability, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), recruitment, immigration, legal compliance, benefits management and day-to-day HR operations.
“I believe in challenging myself and seeking new opportunities for growth”
Satmeet’s dedication to her profession extends to her pursuit of continuous learning. “I pursued a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification through the Apprenticeship Levy programme at Enterprise,” she mentions. This qualification expanded her knowledge and helped her to build a strong network within the wider HR industry.
Beyond her primary responsibilities, Satmeet is determined to make a meaningful impact for employee wellbeing and development. As a trained Mental Health First Aider, she offers vital support to employees in need. Additionally, she has spearheaded the Formal Mentor Programme for the past six years, designing training modules and implementing a tracking system to measure its effectiveness.
Satmeet is also passionate about diversity and inclusion. “I’m a proud member of our Enterprising Women Committee, where I assist in organising our annual International Women's Day event,” she says. She also provides guidance and raises awareness on issues such as female representation in management, talent development, and equitable pay.
Satmeet’s impact extends beyond the walls of Enterprise. She works closely with Business in the Community (BITC), where she participates in panel discussions and oversees the BAME mentoring scheme, pairing ten employees from across the UK with external mentors.
Recognising her contributions both within and outside the company, Satmeet’s manager, Robert Taylor, nominated her for the Business Category of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. “These awards celebrate the multicultural fabric of Britain and recognise the contributions made by exceptional Asian women across all industries, it was an honour just to be nominated,” she says.
“These awards celebrate the multicultural fabric of Britain”
The nomination process was rigorous, involving an interview with the judging panel in London to determine the finalists. Satmeet described it as a “fantastic networking opportunity”, allowing her to connect with fellow nominees from diverse categories, many of whom she is still in contact with.
The awards evening, hosted at the Hilton Bank Side in London, was a memorable occasion. Satmeet received the distinction of being ‘Highly Commended’ in her category, earning her an invitation to 10 Downing Street.
She says, “The nomination experience was immensely rewarding, humbling, and a testament to the value of my contributions. It expanded my network in the industry and bolstered my confidence.”
Satmeet is happy to offer advice to anyone looking to grow their careers at Enterprise and make a meaningful impact. “Seize every opportunity that comes your way,” she advises. “Whether it be training programmes, joining a committee, or volunteering for additional responsibilities. Stepping outside your comfort zone can foster personal growth and professional development.”
If you are interested in a career with Enterprise, please visit our recruitment website at careers.enterprise.co.uk
