Page 61 - KZN Leaders Portfolio E-BOOK 2107

Founder of the Edison Power Group
V ivian Reddy, founder of the Edison Power their performance. “You can’t buy staff and they
need to know that they are not just numbers in an
organisation,” said Reddy.
Group, is an astute businessman with the
Over the years, the Edison Power Group has continually
drive to achieve perfection in all that he does.
Reddy said, “I strive to be the best in provided service excellence and put in the extra effort
to achieve results. Reddy commented that building
every aspect of my professional life, whether that is in relationships in business is essential. He said, “We still
property, the power industry or in construction. I make have the same clients as we had 35 years ago, too many
sure that I am number one and always go the extra mile.” people fail because they don’t value clients. I started off
Reddy added, “My core strength is my focus in my business, Reddy Electrical, in the apartheid regime
everything that I do.” He said that he has always dreamt and answered the telephone as ‘Mr Edison’. As I was a
big, has had a vision for what he aims to achieve and is perfectionist, I soon got lots of work and was recognised
passionate about the projects he embarks on. by the quality of my work; not by the colour of my skin.”
From these small beginnings, the Edison Power Group
One example is Oceans Umhlanga, a mixed use grew into the largest and the most diversified electrical
development, which has been described as the most contractor in Africa – turning adversity into significant
outstanding project in South Africa. The development
sold 93% of its units within four hours of being put advantage. Reddy added that one needs to diversify in
on the market - a South African record. Reddy said, order to ensure constant growth.
“Oceans Umhlanga has the wow factor. It has been For South African businesses to grow, he believes
developed as something that people will aspire to that they should be bolder. He said, “South African
own. We have created an appetite for something business has billions in cash resources. Companies
exceptional.” Testimony to this is his personal and need to invest more and create more employment
direct involvement in the design development of the opportunities to succeed. When people are
Oceans project incorporating the feel of Dubai into marginalised and are hungry, it is to the detriment of
this awe-inspiring edifice. The just rewards for this the business environment.”
personal involvement panned out in the shape of the
International Award for the Best Architecture for a Reddy is the youngest of nine children. He said that
Mixed-Use Development in Africa. the values of integrity and trustworthiness that he
learnt from his school teacher father have got him to
Another example is the Newcastle Mall, which where he is today. From an early age, he would spend
won the South African Council of Shopping Centre’s weekends pushing bricks in a wheel barrow to assist in
(SACSC) Retail Development and Design Awards building classrooms.
(RDDA), Spectrum Award for the best overall
development in 2013. The Edison Power Group has now adopted schools
with a zero pass rate and assists with tutoring,
Reddy says that as a leader you must decide what monitoring progress and provides incentives for learners
you want and do everything that it takes to achieve to achieve better results. He further commented that
this.” He added, “You need to think about the small social investment projects are an important aspect of
things in your business and put in the extra effort.”
business. Companies need to question how they can
However, he said that you are only as good as the use their assets more productivity.
people you employ and he expected his employees Reddy has a big family with five children. He
to perform at their best. Edison Power Group has a emphasized that the life that you have at home is the
philosophy of CANEI - Constant and Never Ending most important thing that you have in providing peace
Improvement. “You can always do things better than and serenity. He added that you are in control of your
yesterday,” said Reddy.
time and you need to make time for family and do the
But, he added that you need to look after your things that matter. He concluded, “You have to make
employees as valuable gold assets and reward family count and communicate and talk with each other.”

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