Sancy Suraj Unplugged: Getting Personal with the CEO of Knowles Training Institute
Sancy Suraj is the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, a Singapore-based corporate training company that delivers over 400 courses to 30 countries worldwide. As a successful entrepreneur, Sancy Suraj has inspired many with his leadership style, personal values, and commitment to excellence. In this article, we get a glimpse into the man behind the success and uncover some interesting facts about his personal and professional journey.
How did your upbringing and early experiences shape your path toward entrepreneurship and the corporate training industry?
My upbringing and early experiences played a significant role in shaping my path towards entrepreneurship and the corporate training industry. Growing up in a family of educators, I was exposed to the value of education at an early age. My parents instilled in me the importance of continuous learning, and encouraged me to explore my interests and passions. This mindset of lifelong learning and personal development became a foundational element of my approach to business.
My early experiences in the corporate world also had a profound impact on my career path. After completing my MBA, I worked for several multinational companies in a variety of roles, including marketing, sales, and operations. During this time, I saw firsthand the challenges that organizations faced in keeping up with the rapidly changing business landscape. I realized that there was a significant need for practical and effective training programs that could help organizations adapt and thrive.
As an entrepreneur, I was motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world through my work. I saw the corporate training industry as a way to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential, and I was passionate about creating a company that could deliver high-quality training programs to organizations around the world. My upbringing and early experiences gave me the foundation and mindset to pursue this vision with passion and determination.
Overall, I believe that my upbringing and early experiences shaped my path towards entrepreneurship and the corporate training industry by instilling in me a deep appreciation for education, a commitment to lifelong learning and personal development, and a passion for making a positive impact on the world.
What motivates and drives you personally in your pursuit of success and excellence?
As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, I am highly motivated to pursue success and excellence both personally and professionally. At a personal level, I am driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world and to help others achieve their full potential. I am passionate about education and believe that it has the power to transform lives and communities. This drives me to continually improve and innovate in the field of corporate training, to ensure that we are providing the best possible learning experiences for our clients.
In addition to my personal values, I am also driven by a strong sense of responsibility towards our employees, clients, and stakeholders. I believe that as a leader, it is my duty to create a positive and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation, growth, and development. I am motivated to provide our employees with opportunities for career advancement and personal growth, and to create a workplace that values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Furthermore, I am motivated by the impact that Knowles Training Institute has on our clients and their organizations. We work with companies across a wide range of industries and locations, and I am inspired by the positive feedback and results that we receive from our clients. Seeing our training programs make a difference in the lives and careers of our clients is incredibly rewarding, and motivates me to continually improve and innovate in the field of corporate training.
Overall, my personal motivation comes from a combination of my passion for education, my sense of responsibility towards our employees and stakeholders, and the positive impact that we are making through our work at Knowles Training Institute. I am committed to pursuing excellence and success both personally and professionally, in order to continue making a positive impact on the world.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance while running a successful and rapidly growing company?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a challenge for any entrepreneur, especially when running a successful and rapidly growing company like Knowles Training Institute. However, I have learned over the years that achieving balance is essential to my personal well-being and to the success of the company.
One of the strategies I use to maintain a healthy work-life balance is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. This means establishing a routine and sticking to it as much as possible, for example, scheduling specific times for work, exercise, family time, and relaxation. I also make sure to prioritize self-care activities, such as meditation, reading, and spending time outdoors, which help me recharge and stay focused.
Another important aspect of maintaining balance is delegating responsibilities and trusting my team. As the company has grown, I have learned to rely on my team members and empower them to take on more responsibility. This allows me to step back and focus on higher-level strategic initiatives, while also freeing up time for personal pursuits.
In addition, I make sure to take advantage of technology and tools that allow me to work remotely and stay connected with the team, even when I am traveling or taking time off. This allows me to stay productive and engaged while also maintaining flexibility and autonomy in my schedule.
Finally, I believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not just about individual effort, but also about creating a positive and supportive work culture. At Knowles Training Institute, we prioritize work-life balance and encourage our employees to take time off, set boundaries, and prioritize their well-being. By creating a culture that values balance and well-being, we are able to support each other in achieving success both professionally and personally.
“Maintaining a healthy work-life balance isn’t just about finding the right strategy, it’s about valuing your well-being and creating a culture that supports balance and success both professionally and personally.”
Who are your role models or mentors, and how have they influenced your personal and professional journey?
I have been fortunate to have had several role models and mentors throughout my personal and professional journey, who have provided guidance, inspiration, and support. These individuals have played a significant role in shaping my values, beliefs, and leadership style.
One of my biggest role models has been my father, who was an entrepreneur himself. He taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and inspired me to pursue my own entrepreneurial journey. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence have been a guiding force in my career.
In addition to my father, I have had several mentors who have provided me with valuable guidance and support throughout my career. One of my most influential mentors was a former boss, who helped me develop my leadership skills and encouraged me to take on new challenges. He challenged me to think creatively and innovatively, and helped me develop a more strategic mindset.
Another mentor who has had a significant impact on my personal and professional journey is a renowned business leader who I have had the privilege of meeting several times. He has provided me with invaluable advice and guidance on a range of topics, including leadership, innovation, and business strategy. His insights and experience have been invaluable to me, and have helped me navigate the challenges of running a successful company.
Overall, I believe that having role models and mentors is critical to personal and professional growth. They provide guidance, support, and inspiration, and help us develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed. I am grateful to have had such strong role models and mentors throughout my journey, and I hope to pay it forward by serving as a mentor to others in the future.
How do you stay focused and manage stress in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship?
Staying focused and managing stress are essential skills for any entrepreneur, especially in the fast-paced world of business. Over the years, I have developed several strategies for staying focused and managing stress, which have helped me navigate the challenges of running a successful company.
One of the strategies I use to stay focused is to prioritize my time and energy. This means focusing on the most important tasks and projects first, and delegating or delaying less critical tasks as needed. I also make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout the day, which allows me to recharge and refocus my attention.
Another important aspect of staying focused is setting clear goals and objectives, both for myself and for the company. This helps me stay motivated and aligned with the bigger picture, and ensures that I am always working towards something meaningful and purposeful.
In terms of managing stress, I have found that regular exercise and mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, can be incredibly helpful. These practices help me manage my energy and reduce stress levels, and also improve my overall health and well-being.
Another important aspect of managing stress is maintaining a positive and supportive work culture. At Knowles Training Institute, we prioritize employee well-being and encourage open communication and collaboration. By creating a positive and supportive work environment, we are able to better manage stress and stay focused on our goals.
Overall, staying focused and managing stress are essential skills for any entrepreneur. By prioritizing time and energy, setting clear goals, practicing mindfulness, and creating a positive work culture, we can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with greater ease and success.
“Staying focused and managing stress are not just skills, they are essential ingredients for achieving success and well-being in the fast-paced world of business.”
Throughout the interview, Sancy Suraj shares valuable insights into his approach to business, leadership, and personal growth. He speaks candidly about his motivations, how he maintains work-life balance, and the role models who have influenced his journey. Sancy also offers advice for staying focused and managing stress in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your work at Knowles Training Institute?
As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, my work demands a significant amount of time and energy. However, I strongly believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and I have several hobbies and interests that I enjoy outside of work.
One of my biggest passions outside of work is music. I have been playing the guitar for over 20 years, and I find it to be a great way to unwind and relax after a long day. Playing music allows me to tap into my creative side and express myself in a way that is different from my day-to-day work.
Another hobby of mine is travel. I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Traveling allows me to step out of my comfort zone and gain new perspectives, which is essential for personal growth and development.
In addition to music and travel, I also enjoy reading and writing. I am an avid reader and I try to make time for reading every day. I find that reading helps me stay informed and engaged with the world around me, and it also helps me develop new ideas and insights.
Finally, I am passionate about social and environmental issues, and I try to stay involved in various community initiatives and organizations. Giving back to the community is important to me, and it helps me stay connected to the bigger picture beyond my work at Knowles Training Institute.
Overall, I believe that having hobbies and interests outside of work is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout. Pursuing these activities allows me to recharge and refresh my energy, and it also helps me stay inspired and motivated in my work.
How do your personal values and beliefs align with the mission and culture of your company?
As the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, it’s important to me that the company’s mission and culture align with my personal values and beliefs. At the heart of Knowles Training Institute’s mission is the goal of helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential through corporate training programs. This resonates deeply with me as I believe in the power of education and training to transform lives and businesses.
One of my core personal values is a commitment to excellence. This value is reflected in Knowles Training Institute’s culture, where we strive to provide high-quality training programs that exceed our clients’ expectations. We are constantly seeking ways to improve and innovate our training programs to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in the fast-changing business landscape.
Another personal value that aligns with Knowles Training Institute’s mission is a belief in the importance of diversity and inclusion. At Knowles Training Institute, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. We recognize that diverse perspectives and experiences are essential for driving innovation and growth, and we strive to incorporate this value into all aspects of our business operations.
Finally, a core belief of mine is that businesses have a responsibility to give back to the community and society. This belief is reflected in Knowles Training Institute’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, where we regularly engage in charitable and community initiatives to make a positive impact beyond our business operations.
Overall, I believe that the alignment of personal values and beliefs with a company’s mission and culture is essential for building a strong and sustainable business. By staying true to our shared values and beliefs, we can create a meaningful and impactful business that benefits not only our clients but also the broader community.
What does success mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Success to me means achieving my goals and making a positive impact on the world. Both personally and professionally, success is about striving for excellence, learning and growing, and making a difference in the lives of others.
Personally, success is about finding balance and fulfillment in my life. This means prioritizing my health and well-being, building strong relationships with my loved ones, and pursuing my passions and hobbies outside of work. It also means being grateful for what I have and finding joy in the simple things in life.
Professionally, success is about creating a thriving business that delivers value to our clients, employees, and stakeholders. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and constantly innovating and improving our training programs to meet the evolving needs of the business world. It’s also about creating a positive workplace culture where our employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
However, success for me is not just about achieving my own goals, but also about making a positive impact on the world around me. I believe that businesses have a responsibility to give back to society and to use their resources to make a difference in the lives of others. Success means using our platform to support charitable causes and to make a positive impact on the community beyond our business operations.
In summary, success to me means achieving my personal and professional goals while also making a positive impact on the world. It’s about finding balance, striving for excellence, and creating a meaningful and fulfilling life that benefits both myself and those around me.
What personal habits or routines do you believe have contributed to your success as an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, I believe that developing and maintaining good habits and routines is crucial for success. Some of the personal habits and routines that I have found to be effective include:
Time management: One of the most important habits for success as an entrepreneur is effective time management. I prioritize my work based on importance and urgency, and I use tools like calendars and to-do lists to keep track of my tasks and deadlines. This helps me stay focused and productive, and allows me to manage my workload efficiently.
Continuous learning: Another important habit for success is continuous learning. I make it a priority to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments, and I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and training programs to enhance my skills and knowledge. This enables me to innovate and adapt to changes in the market, and to deliver high-quality training programs that meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Networking: Building strong relationships and networking with other professionals is also key to success as an entrepreneur. I make it a habit to attend industry events and conferences, and to connect with other professionals in my field. This has helped me build a strong network of contacts and has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Work-life balance: Finally, I believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for success as an entrepreneur. I make sure to take breaks throughout the day, and to prioritize time with my family and friends outside of work. This helps me recharge and stay energized, and allows me to bring my best self to both my personal and professional life.
In summary, developing good habits and routines is essential for success as an entrepreneur. Effective time management, continuous learning, networking, and work-life balance are some of the key habits that have contributed to my success as the CEO of Knowles Training Institute. By prioritizing these habits and making them a regular part of my routine, I am able to stay focused, productive, and achieve my goals while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Can you share an interesting or surprising fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
Certainly! One interesting fact about me that many people might not know is that I am an avid skydiver. I first became interested in the sport when I was in my early twenties and decided to give it a try. I quickly fell in love with the thrill and excitement of jumping out of a plane and freefalling through the sky. Since then, I have completed hundreds of jumps and have even completed a few BASE jumps (parachuting from fixed objects like bridges and cliffs).
Skydiving has taught me a lot about risk-taking, fear management, and discipline, which have all been valuable lessons in my personal and professional life. The sport requires a great deal of focus and preparation, as well as the ability to manage fear and stay calm under pressure. These skills have translated well into my work as an entrepreneur, where I often have to take calculated risks and make difficult decisions in the face of uncertainty.
Another surprising fact about me is that I am a classically trained pianist. I have been playing the piano since I was a child and have studied under several renowned musicians over the years. Although I don’t have as much time to play as I used to, I still find playing the piano to be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day at work. Music has always been an important part of my life, and I believe that the discipline and focus required to master an instrument has helped me in other areas of my life as well.
Finally, I am also an accomplished cook and enjoy experimenting with new recipes and cuisines in my free time. Cooking is a creative outlet for me, and I find it to be a great way to unwind and relax after a busy day at work. I also enjoy hosting dinner parties and events for family and friends, where I can showcase my culinary skills and share my love of food with others.
In summary, while many people may know me as the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, there are a few surprising facts about me that might not be immediately apparent. Skydiving, playing the piano, and cooking are just a few of the hobbies and interests that I enjoy outside of work, and that have helped me develop important skills and values that have contributed to my success as an entrepreneur.
“Behind every successful entrepreneur, there are often hidden passions and interests that shape their character and contribute to their success. Embracing these diverse experiences and hobbies can help fuel creativity, innovation, and personal growth in all areas of life.”
In conclusion, Sancy Suraj’s personal and professional journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. His commitment to excellence, strong work ethic, and dedication to personal growth have helped him to achieve great success in the corporate training industry. Sancy Suraj’s story reminds us that with hard work, determination, and a focus on personal values, we can all achieve our goals and make a positive impact in the world.
