Pushpinder Lehri
Pushpinder has built a remarkable career that spans continents and industries, combining education, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She began as a science teacher in India, where she spent 25 years inspiring students and coordinating school activities, earning the British Council International School Activity Coordinator Award in 2015. With degrees in Medical Sciences, Education, and English, as well as a Diploma in Computer Studies, she laid a strong foundation for lifelong learning and versatile professional growth. After moving to the U.S., Pushpinder transitioned into the restaurant industry, joining Dunkin’ and quickly establishing herself as a mentor and operational leader. Over the past decade, she has excelled as a Multi-Unit Leader, training and empowering teams while driving performance across multiple locations. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous accolades, including Dunkin’s Restaurant Manager of the Year (Mid-Atlantic region) and Multi-Unit Leader of the Year 2025. Her leadership style emphasizes mentorship, team development, and creating exceptional guest experiences and as a result she brought the First Restaurant of Excellence Award 2025 for her company. Beyond her corporate achievements, Pushpinder is a passionate entrepreneur and artist, founding SatMan Art Gallery, a nature-inspired brand that honors her parents and showcases her creative vision. She balances her professional and creative pursuits with a commitment to community and service, supporting organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, ASPCA, and St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Through her diverse experiences, Pushpinder demonstrates resilience, innovation, and a dedication to nurturing growth in others while pursuing her own passions.
• Pharmacy Technician
• Bachelor in Medical Sciences
• Bachelor in Education
• M.A. ENGLISH
• Diploma in Computer Studies
• Multi-Unit Leader of the Year 2025
• Dunkin'- Restaurant of Excellence 2025
• Restaurant Manager of the Year 2025 (Mid-Atlantic Region)
• British Council's International School Activity Coordinator Award 2015
• St. Jude's Research Hospital
• Nature Conservancy
• ASPCA
What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to discipline, hard work, and my constant desire to learn and grow. I think my patience and whatever I have learned during my teaching career about nurturing people has been really important. That's my personality, and this is what inspires other people who work with me. I was just doing my work, and I never knew that somebody was there literally watching me, watching my hard work and my dedication. I consider myself very lucky that I received this award and made my family , my team, my guests, and my company proud.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from my mom and dad. They told me to always be honest, be authentic, and be true to yourself. Never change who you are to fit someone else’s expectations. Your true self is your greatest strength and being YOU is your superpower which no one can take that away unless you give it up. Stay grounded in your values, believe in your voice and let your uniqueness lead the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say believe in yourself and your abilities. Never underestimate the power of authenticity, because being authentic is very difficult in today's time. Stay authentic, work hard, stay curious, and embrace every moment to learn and grow. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, but at the same time, trust your instincts and never compromise your values. Confidence, perseverance, and being true to yourself will take you further than anything else.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field, especially at Dunkin', is balancing the high operational standards and brand standards with creating a positive and empowering environment for my team. Operational standards include meeting sales targets, ensuring guest experiences are excellent, following processes, and maintaining consistent quality. The challenge comes because sometimes these two goals can feel be overwhelming—- focusing strictly on numbers and brand standards can feel strict or stressful for the team whereas focusing too much on comfort or flexibility could affect performance.
The key is to lead in a way that both achieves excellence and inspires people. So the team thrives while the business succeeds.
The greatest opportunity is mentoring and inspiring people to grow.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, which means always doing the right things even if nobody is watching you. Authenticity is crucial to me, being true to yourself. Compassion, being loving and caring, is also very important. I believe in being honest and true to myself. Dedication, discipline, and love for learning are the values that literally make my personality.