Welcome to our ‘Unlocking Leadership’ series, where we tap into the wisdom of some of the most inspiring founders, leaders and business minds of today. Explore insider stories, strategies and insights, as we unlock the secrets of successful leadership.

Indy Kaur is the Founder and CEO of Plant Futures, a leading, mission-driven organisation uniting the plant-based food sector to accelerate the shift towards a healthier, more sustainable food system.

Indy has brought together over 60 businesses, NGOs, retailers, brands and suppliers to workshop problem areas and develop opportunities for collective action — including one of the sector’s largest creative experiments in partnership with M&C Saatchi (launching early 2025).

With over 18 years’ experience across the food industry, Indy is a sought-after speaker, challenging the status quo and launching groundbreaking consumer and category insights, helping to propel the sector forward.

What’s the biggest challenge facing the plant-based category, and how is Plant Futures navigating this and driving things forward in this space?

The biggest challenge we face is ‘crossing the chasm’, going from early adopters into mass market. This means we need to overcome latent beliefs around food and nutrition, primarily that ‘lots of meat’ is nutritionally necessary.

Overcoming deep, entrenched beliefs around food is complex and goes beyond great products. It’s about making systemic changes, which can only come from collective action and a systems-approach to change. We need to all move together, at the same pace. Plant Futures is creating the space and platform for industry to come together to do this.

What new events, trends or innovations within the plant-based space is having the most impact on the industry?

Our workshops are injecting new energy and enthusiasm into the sector, bringing together food-tech pioneers and investors through to wholesome veg and wholefoods, and rooting us back into land and soil. We’ve had over 160 people attend, 60+ businesses, organisations and thought leaders…

We’re seeing a growing trend in mushrooms, from their adaptogenic properties and benefits on overall health and wellbeing, through to the ‘meaty’ textures and umami flavours they bring. Fable are doing a great job creating incredibly moreish mushroom ‘meat’ which you’ll start seeing pop up on restaurant menus.

There’s a growing trend in mushrooms as a key ingredient in plant-based foods, driven by their health benefits, versatility, and umami flavour.

Then we have new food-tech from companies like Swiss-based start-up Planted, creating a beef-like steak using natural fermentation techniques to infuse meaty flavours. What I love are the nut-based cheese and cultured butters, as well as Silicon Valley company Climax, who have developed the most incredible blue ‘cheese’ from plants.

What excites you most about the future of the plant-based category? 

What excites me the most is that we are on the right side of history, fast forward a generation or two, and what we are creating and developing today will play a part in helping the future generation (and us!) eat and live healthier, whilst supporting the environment.

We’ll continue to attract top talent as we see more people look for careers that fit their goals and purpose in life.

And any upcoming opportunities in 2025 for Plant Futures?

Next year, we’ll test-run our UK workshops in the US and Australia. We’re also partnering with M&C Saatchi on one of the most innovative and collaborative creative campaign ideas this sector has seen, launching in Q1 – exciting times ahead!

What three key leadership principles are most important to you?

  1. Resilience; not backing down when you know the world needs it.
  2. Sensing and judgement; an ability to listen and understand others around you.
  3. Integrity. Work hard and deliver your best, or don’t bother.

Which leaders inspire you and why?

Steve Jobs and his motto of ‘Think differently’, and ‘here’s to the crazy ones’ resonates with me.

Seeing Dave Lewis (then CEO of Tesco) present, and his ability to engage with an audience at all levels of seniority and walks of life. Taking a very human approach to big business. I guess the same can be said for Sir Alan Sugar.

What’s the best piece of career advice that you’ve received?

Find your blind spots and surround yourself with people smarter than you.

What has been a personal career highlight?

Setting up my own business from an idea, and have other people want to come join me.

What would you love to achieve in your career?

Setting up an international organisation which is actively playing a role in transforming the food system, creating jobs and more income across the food system, whilst helping more people eat healthier and more sustainably.

What are some of your favourite aspects of working as a leader and expert in this field?

There is a healthy balance between purpose and profits. Everyone is genuinely on the same mission, knowing businesses need to be profitable to stand the test of time, and for those profits to come from doing good.

Finally, what is a favourite motto that you often draw on?

‘Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.’ — Soren Kierkegaard.

EXPLORE OUR 2024 PROGRAMME: Food & Drink: Powers our Nation