Moving mountains for a brighter future
DURBANITE Lisa Sukdev has added another feather to her cap after she was recently appointed public relations manager at Tsogo Sun’s Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.
The articulate mother of one, who relocated last week, has taken great strides in her personal career and through creative business ideas and personal motivation, has moved mountains for a brighter future.
From working as an administration assistant to securing a job with one of the most reputable hotel, gaming and entertainment groups, Sukdev is becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking of her move from her home town to the City of Gold, she said: “For me, home is where my family is, not just a structure. I have lots of family and friends in Joburg, hence the move hasn’t been overwhelming.”
She described her journey up the corporate ladder as being colourful.
“I didn’t come from an affluent background. I studied as I could afford it and grew in my positions,” said Sukdev of Phoenix.
“I worked at East Coast Radio as a marketing manager and at Gateway Theatre of Shopping as a PR manager. I ran my own marketing agency, Zoey Events and Marketing, for a while and have now taken on a phenomenal opportunity with Montecasino.”
Her job, she said, is to maintain and enhance mutual understanding between the casino and its public, through public-generated functions, events, promotions, corporate social investment projects, media liaison and guest and community liaison. Sukdev also has to manage relationships with publications and general information as well as internal PR.
In the next few years, Sukdev dreams of travelling to farflung and exotic destinations, exploring different cultures, histories and cuisine and eventually publishing a book.
“Knowledge is the most powerful thing we can share. Our experiences and advice can change lives forever. This is my motivation to pen my journey and thoughts.”
But the dynamic PR buff was not always this optimistic about life.
Twelve years ago, Sukdev became incapacitated from her neck down due to rheumatoid arthritis and degeneration of her joints.
The sickness left her helpless for months, where she was unable to even pull herself to a sitting position.
She spent months lying in bed not knowing what to do and found herself slowly becoming depressed.
After consults with specialists and undergoing four major operations to replace her hips and knees, Sukdev was finally able to walk again – first with a walker and eventually unassisted.
Fast forward a few years later and the once helpless Phoenix resident has now become a face of inspiration to everyone she meets, a dynamo that is driven and determined.
“In the darkest days of my life, my son, Yaqshaan, has remained my motivation to get up and get going. My commitment to providing him with the best opportunities has never wavered.
“My life partner, Theasen Pillay, also remains an integral part of my life, spurring me on, never allowing me to accept defeat and being my most ardent supporter and fan.”
Sukdev says she is at a point where there are no holds barred and that is frighteningly exciting.
“But more than that, I am a woman who has identified my purpose and am focused on living it. I know that my life purpose is to impact people and effect positive change.”
Sukdev plans on doing this through her new career as well as her involvement with Rotary and new corporate social investment projects.
“I love children and am deeply passionate about educating and empowering them. I believe it is the only way to eradicate poverty, stimulate our economy and effect positive change.
“I offer a cash incentive to the children that get all As each term. A particular young lady, Ayanda, when she received her first cash prize for all As, I asked her what she intended on getting for herself and she told me she was going to buy a dress for her mom. I found that incredibly selfless as she was only 12 at the time and most children would have wanted to spend that money on themselves.” Her advice to women? “Know who you are and like who you are. If you don’t like something about yourself change it, but don’t change for someone else. Don’t feel guilty to focus on you… Whatever you start finish, no matter what.”
She continued: “Life has certainly presented me with challenges over the years – personally, with my health and with business. I have enjoyed the highs and battled the lows of unstable economic climates but have always persevered.
“Success is not an overnight journey. It is a character-building, lifelong journey. The first step I think, is to define success and for me success is not just about finances. It is about balance and the state of my wellness in totality, mind, body and spirit.”