Page 175 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

PREMI SUBRAMANY

remi Subramany, founder and managing numerous challenges. “It makes me proud to say This approach fosters a dynamic and supportive
director of Chemsol (SA) Adhesives (Pty) with all the challenges we’ve had in KwaZulu-Natal, work environment where employees feel valued
Ltd, has dedicated her career to building I’m still standing strong, and the company is still and motivated to improve continuously.
Pa successful manufacturing business in standing strong,” she asserts.
KwaZulu-Natal. Chemsol SA Adhesives specialises She credits much of this success to her dedicated SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
in the production of adhesives for the paper and Premi draws inspiration from the people around
packaging industries. staff, who have been trained and developed over the
years to contribute significantly to the company’s her and the outcomes of their collective efforts.
Premi’s journey from humble beginnings in Shaka’s achievements. “I owe a lot to my staff and the way “Results are important, seeing the outcome every
Kraal, a small town on the North Coast of Durban, they’ve been developed over the past few years. day in what we do, whether it’s in our staff, our
to leading a company that has thrived for 20 years, That’s what makes me proud,” she says. “We can customers, or whoever’s around us, makes me more
is a testament to her resilience, determination, and achieve much by training and developing.” confident every day and just achieving what we’re
forward-thinking approach. there for,” she explains. This inspiration fuels her
One piece of advice has remained central to Premi’s drive to continue pushing the business forward,
Premi’s early education took place at Shaka’s Kraal life and career: “Never give up.” This mantra, passed despite any obstacles that may arise.
Primary School, and she later matriculated at Stanger down by her late mother, has been a guiding force
Secondary School. Her professional journey began in in her journey. “My late mom always said, ‘Never give Looking ahead, Premi is excited about the future of
1990 with her first job as a typist, a position she held up. There’s always room for improvement, and you the group Chemsol (SA) Adhesives, particularly in
while pursuing further education at UNISA (University can make a difference’. This advice has influenced the area of sustainability. The company is currently
of South Africa). Reflecting on these early years, she her to continuously learn and grow, never stopping engaged in several projects, with sustainability
says, “I started as a typist in 1990, and a month later, I in her pursuit of knowledge and excellence. “I never being a key focus. “Our new development is
registered for my education. That was my first job, and stop learning and I never stop reading. That’s what under the brand of BioP Technology, a sustainable
it laid the foundation for everything that followed.” makes me the great person who I am today, and I’m product in the plastic industry. That’s where we
proud of that,” she reflects. see our project being seen in the market over the
Her qualifications as a professional accountant and next five years,” she says with enthusiasm. Premi
analytical chemist assist her to make good business OVERCOMING CHALLENGES is committed to ensuring that the company not
decisions on a daily basis. Premi, together with the only thrives but also contributes positively to the
companies under her leadership flag, have obtained Like many in business, Premi has faced her environment and the broader community.
many accolades and awards over the years. share of challenges. She believes that the key
to overcoming these obstacles lies in how one
Twenty years ago, in November 2004, Premi left the embraces them. “There are so many challenges, MOTTO TO LIVE BY
corporate world to venture into manufacturing, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and our economy Premi’s life motto is simple yet profound: “Live
launching Chemsol (SA) Adhesives. Despite the at the moment. But it’s about going every day simply and enjoy it. Enjoy every moment.” This
challenges of entrepreneurship, she found excite- and saying we can be better at what we do,” philosophy reflects her approach to both life and
ment and a sense of purpose in her new role. “I she explains. Premi’s approach to challenges is business – embracing simplicity, finding joy in the
left corporate thinking that being an entrepreneur present, and maintaining a positive outlook no
is easy. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I’m proud of straightforward: “Just be straight with it, be true matter the circumstances.
to yourself, and take what is there head-on. Every
where I stand today,” she notes.
day is about unpacking what we have to do and
Over the years, Premi has focused on growing the achieving a result.” In summary, Premi Subramany’s journey from
a typist to managing director of Chemsol (SA)
company and preparing the younger generation for Adhesives is one of perseverance, adaptability,
the future, currently she is particularly interested in Keeping herself and her team motivated is one of
understanding the integration of artificial intelligence Premi’s daily missions. She believes in encouraging and continuous growth. Her story is a powerful
and other emerging technologies into business. her team with positivity and recognition, even reminder of the impact of resilience and the
when things don’t go perfectly. “Every day is importance of fostering a supportive and
PROFESSIONAL PRIDE different, so every day I just go out there, smile motivated team. With a clear vision for the future
at them, and say, ‘Yes, you are right, and you are and a strong commitment to sustainability, Premi
For Premi, personal pride comes from her resilience wrong, but there is a way forward, so you choose is leading her company towards a bright and
as an entrepreneur, having successfully navigated how we are going to work it forward’,” she shares. promising future.
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