Prema Suresh: The Iron Lady

 

 

If Prema Suresh is to be described in two words, it has to be grit and determination. This 'iron lady' faced extremely challenging times but triumphed not only to succeed but excel personally as well as professionally. Being the only daughter, Prema was brought up with much pampering. However, life had some really tough plans for her. Her paradise was suddenly jolted during the 9th year of her marriage when her husband went bed ridden. "I had to learn to face the worldly challenges withouta man's support, " says Prema with a glint of sorrow writ large on her face. She continues, "After my husband's sad demise, I confronted with the second challenge of taking over the complete ownership of our group of companies. Overnight, the welfare and responsibility of 150 families came on to my shoulders." The sorrow immediately gives way to her strong determination and her 'never say die' spirit.

Her Incredible Jounrney....

Init Systems was established in July 1993. Located in Coimbatore, with branch offices at RS Puram, Coimbatore and Salem, Init Systems, a multi-brand company with more than 150 employees, provides information system solutions of high standards. Holding the responsibility as the managing director and heading Init group of companies. Prema has decentralized the powers among experienced professionals. Her dynamic approach is clearly evident when she says, "I acquired the strategic position in the group. I gaze into every aspect of the business. Psychology being my academic interest, I enjoy handling HR and employee welfare departments directly. Taking care of the office administration and accounts are my key holdings."

Educational Background & Work Experience

A masters in Psychology, she started her career as a receptionist. Sounds strange but true! After her wedding to Suresh, she took her first job at their own office. She recalls with fond memory, " My husband being a prudent administrator, believed that to master in management, one should understand every element in the business. Hence, I started as a receptionist and worked in all 12 departments in the organization before being designated as the accounts' head. This basic orientation, 12 years of transactional experience combined with my team's support, enabled me to head the organization even in the absence of Suresh." No wonder, Prema considers Suresh as her role model.

 

Her Family...Her Support System

Born to a humble couple, Ramachandran and Jayamani, of Coimbatore, and educated there, she got married to aspirant engineer and first generation businessman, Suresh in the year 1996. Blessed with a baby girl Nethra, who is now studying in 8th grade in city's best international School. Prema can't thank enough her family for supporting her thoughtout. She says with a twinkle in her eyes, " They have clearly understood my responsibilities as a daughter, mother, entrepreneur, being a single woman. I truly thank almighty for giving me such nice, supportive and understanding family."

Working in Male-dominated field of IT

Prema believes that every field in India is male-dominated. "Any women entrepreneur has to be ready to take up the challenges. Life is nothing but a bundle of challenges. This adage has turned true in my life. Back to business, there are certain areas of challenges have to be confronted by any woman entrepreneur viz building professional relationships. But for this, I do not see any discomforts in the business. As long as your vision, policy and system are intact, I have seen things will take you to the planned destination."

Advice to Working Women

With her priorities well chalked out, Prema advises the same to professional women. "Draw a clear Lakshman rekha between your business and family time to maintain well-balanced personal and professional life." says Prema.

Hobbies:

Nethra, her daughter is the driving factor of her life. Hence all her hobbies, passions and lifestyle revolve around her. Traveling with her daughter especially to international destinations is her biggest fascination. Playing and spending quality time with her, shopping for her, exploring new food outlets with her and her friends are few favorites. Prema likes to participate in spiritual satsungs, listen to bhajans and read books. When she is alone, she is hooked onto her audio system to listen to her favorite music.

Future Plans

Prema has ambitious plans to make Init a Rs 100 crore business house in FY13. Besides having 3 outlets, she is planning to spread out to ROTN, targeting ‘multiple sale point' strategy, to make Init the largest multi-brand super store offering total solutions in the ROTN region. Prema has plans of forming a trust in the name of Suresh Kumar for the welfare of the society ans is still working out on the ideology. "Bringing up my daughter up to expectations of my husband, is my next biggest challenge. But, I love this challenge to the core of it and I am dedicated to rear her to bring my husband's dreams into reality." says Prema with moist eyes. Her steely resolve is unbeatable!

 

Ekta Saxena

(ektasa@cybermedia.co.in)