Harveen Chugh

Dr Harveen Chugh did her PhD in Entrepreneurship in 2007 at Imperial College Business School, and returned to the College in 2017 as a faculty member. In her role as Principal Teaching Fellow at the Business School until December 2020, Harveen worked closely with the Enterprise Lab. Before teaching at Imperial, she set up her own entrepreneurship consulting company, VIS-3.

In 2019, Harveen was globally recognised as one of the Best 40 Under 40 Business School Professors by Poets & Quants, the US-based business magazine – see this Imperial news story on Harveen’s achievement. 

In 2020, Harveen was also awarded two National Enterprise Educator Awards for Enterprise Catalyst and People's Choice – check out this Imperial news story discussing Harveen’s win.

Take a look at Harveen’s Business School alumni profile.

We spoke to Harveen about her time studying at Imperial and her reflections on entrepreneurship as a start-up expert.

What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out?

When I was at Imperial for my PhD, I was very focused on my research. I learned a lot about the world of entrepreneurship and how powerful a university could be in driving start-up activity - this is something we have only seen to be true in the last few years.

Who did you find inspiring at Imperial and why?

Most inspiring for me was the opportunity to meet with science academics for my research. Many of them were so passionate about their research or inventions, and driven by wanting to have a positive impact in the world rather than profit. This really changed my perception of what entrepreneurship is about and the role that an entrepreneur can play in society.

What is your fondest memory of your time here?

My fondest memories would include visiting Hyde Park with friends, seeing events at the Royal Albert Hall and, of course, being at the Royal Albert Hall for graduation.

What is your favourite place at Imperial and why?

I love walking into Imperial through the main glass building and into the Business School. I joined as a faculty member in 2017 and still vividly remember my first day and feeling very proud to get a job there.

Can you tell us a bit about your start-up?

I started my company, VIS-3 Consulting Ltd, in 2015. At the time, I had just finished a contract with PA Consulting and had been observing an opportunity for some time in providing entrepreneurship expertise to universities. With my background, I couldn’t not give it a go! It was a great learning experience that gave me the opportunity to develop skills like sales and negotiation. I continued the company full-time for two years and then reduced activity when I joined Imperial full-time in 2017.

What were your start-up highlights and lowlights?

The highlights of a start-up were things like winning projects, gaining clients and being asked to deliver additional projects.

The lowlights were gaps between projects or sales and wondering when the next one would be – so you have to manage uncertainty and keep the faith in your product or service.

What are your plans for the future?

I left Imperial as a faculty member in December 2020 and joined Warwick Business School as an Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship in January 2021. I am very excited for my new journey ahead which includes developing and leading in entrepreneurship education.

What would your advice be for fellow entrepreneurs? 

Watch this YouTube video from the Business School, where Harveen discusses the personality traits that help entrepreneurs succeed and raise funds for their ideas.

You can find Harveen on Twitter at @HarveenC.