In the journey toward true gender equality, male allies play a crucial role in supporting and empowering women. Whether in personal relationships, business, or community, allyship from men can be pivotal in helping women take on leadership roles and fulfill their potential. One such inspiring example comes from Urminder Singh and Gagan Sidhu, partners in both life and business, who have built a successful wellness brand together through a unique and supportive partnership.
When speaking with Urminder, he shared that both he and Gagan initially ran their own practices as dietitians and fitness experts. However, balancing growth with the demands of managing separate practices eventually became challenging. Urminder noted, “We reached a point where we realized that to truly grow, we couldn’t keep moving in different directions. That was when I knew that supporting our vision for a consolidated brand was the way forward.”
In a decision that would ultimately change the trajectory of their shared business, Urminder chose to step back from his practice. He decided to focus his energy on operations and growth, allowing Gagan to lead as the face of their brand. “My role isn’t always the most visible,” he said with a smile, “but it’s deeply rewarding to see how Gagan has taken our shared vision forward and made it her own.”
Empowering by Focusing on Strengths
Gagan, in reflecting on their partnership, shared that having Urminder take charge of operations gave her the freedom to focus on her strengths in client care and brand representation. “In any partnership, understanding each other’s strengths and allowing space for growth is so important. Urminder’s decision to manage the ‘boring’ side of things allowed me to give my best where it mattered most,” she said, laughing.
This shift in roles underscored a powerful aspect of male allyship—stepping into roles that may be behind-the-scenes but are fundamental to growth. Urminder’s decision to prioritize Gagan’s skills as the brand’s face helped the company grow exponentially. Today, their brand has evolved from a modest setup into an internationally recognized wellness company, but, as they humbly shared, the journey was built on a foundation of mutual respect and complementary strengths.
Lessons in Allyship and Growth
For Urminder, being an ally isn’t about heroics but rather about supporting and empowering in ways that make a real difference. “True allyship is about seeing potential in each other and creating space for it to thrive,” he explained. His journey with Gagan is a testament to how partnerships can succeed when men uplift and empower women rather than competing or overshadowing them.
Their story offers valuable lessons for men and women alike. By celebrating male allies in women’s empowerment, like Urminder, we’re reminded of the profound impact that genuine support, respect, and collaboration can have on personal and professional growth. As Gagan reflected, “Allyship is more than just words; it’s about actions, trust, and shared success.”
