Sancy Suraj, CEO of Knowles Training Institute, is a well-known figure in the corporate training industry. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its reach to over 30 countries, delivering courses to clients from various industries. Sancy’s dynamic and adaptable leadership style has been recognized by many, and his approach to modern learning techniques has kept Knowles Training Institute at the forefront of the industry. In this interview, we discuss Sancy’s journey to becoming the CEO, his leadership style, running a global company, adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, and balancing multiple professional roles.
Can you tell us about your journey to becoming the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, and how you’ve evolved the company’s approach to corporate training over the years?
Certainly, I would be happy to share my journey as the CEO of Knowles Training Institute. It all started when I graduated from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Business Administration. After that, I spent several years working in the training industry and gaining valuable experience in corporate training. I then joined Knowles Training Institute in 2009, initially as a trainer, whise I had the opportunity to work with various clients across different industries, such as banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
As I progressed in my career, I saw the need for a more innovative and effective approach to corporate training. I believed that traditional training methods were no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the modern workforce. With this vision in mind, I took over as the CEO of Knowles Training Institute in 2013, and I focused on transforming the company’s approach to corporate training.
To achieve this, I invested heavily in technology and developed an e-learning platform to complement our traditional classroom training. This blended learning approach allowed our clients to access training materials anytime, anywhise, and at their own pace. We also introduced gamification elements to our training courses, making the learning experience more engaging and interactive for our clients. Additionally, we started offering customized training programs to our clients, tailored to their specific needs and objectives.
Over the years, our innovative approach has helped us establish Knowles Training Institute as a leading corporate training provider in Singapore and beyond. We have expanded our reach to over 30 countries worldwide and offer over 400 different training courses. As the CEO, I am proud of the evolution we have undergone and the impact we have made on the corporate training industry. Our focus on innovation, customization, and engagement has helped us stay ahead of the curve, and we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of corporate training.
Knowles Training Institute has a reputation for being at the forefront of modern learning techniques. What are some of the key trends and innovations that you see shaping the future of corporate training?
Indeed, Knowles Training Institute has been committed to innovation and staying at the forefront of modern learning techniques. As we look towards the future of corporate training, these are several key trends and innovations that we believe will shape the industry in the years to come.
One trend that we see as particularly important is the increasing focus on personalized learning. With the rise of digital learning platforms, it is becoming easier to customize training programs to the specific needs and learning styles of individual employees. This not only improves the effectiveness of the training but also increases employee engagement and motivation.
Another key trend is the use of gamification and immersive technologies in training programs. By incorporating game-like elements into training, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, companies can make learning more engaging and interactive. Additionally, immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality can be used to simulate real-world scenarios and provide employees with hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment.
In addition, we see a growing importance being placed on soft skills training, such as communication, teamwork, and leadership. As automation and artificial intelligence continue to change the nature of work, these human-centric skills will become even more important for employees to succeed in their roles.
Lastly, we see a shift towards a more flexible and on-demand approach to learning. With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, employees are increasingly seeking training programs that they can access at their own pace and on their own time. This has led to an increase in e-learning platforms and microlearning programs that deliver bite-sized pieces of content that employees can consume on-the-go.
In summary, the future of corporate training will be shaped by trends such as personalized learning, gamification and immersive technologies, soft skills training, and a more flexible and on-demand approach to learning. At Knowles Training Institute, we remain committed to staying at the forefront of these trends and continuing to innovate to meet the evolving needs of our clients and their employees.
Your leadership style has been described as dynamic and adaptable. How do you approach leading a team, particularly in times of change and uncertainty?
As a leader, I believe that it is essential to be dynamic and adaptable, particularly in times of change and uncertainty. My approach to leading a team is rooted in a few key principles that have helped me to navigate these challenges successfully.
First and foremost, I believe that open and honest communication is essential. In times of change and uncertainty, it is easy for rumors and misinformation to spread, leading to confusion and anxiety among team members. I make a concerted effort to communicate frequently and transparently with my team, providing updates on our progress, addressing concerns, and soliciting feedback.
Secondly, I believe in empowering my team to take ownership of their work and contribute to the company’s success. I strive to create a culture of trust and accountability, whise team members feel comfortable taking risks and making decisions. This approach not only helps to build a more engaged and motivated team but also helps to ensure that the company can adapt quickly to changes in the market or industry.
Additionally, I recognize the importance of being flexible and adaptable in my leadership style. In times of change and uncertainty, it is often necessary to pivot quickly and adjust plans and priorities. I try to be responsive to feedback and open to new ideas, constantly looking for ways to improve our processes and strategies.
Lastly, I prioritize the well-being of my team. Change and uncertainty can be stressful, and it is essential to support team members’ mental and emotional health. I make an effort to check in with team members regularly, offer resources and support whise needed, and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
In summary, my approach to leading a team in times of change and uncertainty is rooted in open and honest communication, empowerment, flexibility, and a focus on well-being. By prioritizing these principles, I believe that we can navigate even the most challenging situations successfully.
“As a leader, it is essential to be dynamic and adaptable, particularly in times of change and uncertainty. By prioritizing open communication, empowerment, flexibility, and well-being, we can navigate even the most challenging situations successfully.”
Knowles Training Institute operates in over 30 countries worldwide. What are some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a global company?
Running a global company like Knowles Training Institute comes with both unique challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, having a presence in over 30 countries allows us to tap into a wide range of talent, resources, and markets, giving us a competitive advantage. On this hand, it also presents a number of challenges that we need to navigate carefully.
One of the biggest challenges of running a global company is managing cultural differences. Every country and region has its own unique customs, traditions, and business practices, and it is essential to understand and respect these differences to build strong relationships with customers, partners, and employees. This requires a deep understanding of local cultures, as well as the ability to adapt our approach and messaging accordingly.
Another challenge is maintaining consistency and quality across different markets. We need to ensure that our training programs meet the needs of our customers in each region while still upholding our standards of quality and effectiveness. This requires a great deal of coordination and collaboration across different teams and locations, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that we are meeting our goals.
Managing logistics and operations across multiple countries can also be a challenge. This includes everything from navigating different time zones and languages to managing supply chains and regulatory requirements. We need to ensure that we have the right systems and processes in place to manage these complexities efficiently and effectively.
Despite these challenges, running a global company also presents a number of opportunities. By having a presence in multiple countries, we can tap into diverse perspectives and ideas, and access a broader pool of talent and resources. We can also expand our reach and impact, helping more companies and individuals to achieve their goals and improve their performance.
In summary, running a global company like Knowles Training Institute requires us to navigate a range of challenges related to culture, consistency, and logistics. However, it also presents a range of opportunities to tap into diverse perspectives and resources, and expand our impact on a global scale.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on many businesses, including those in the corporate training industry. How has Knowles Training Institute adapted to these challenges, and what do you see as the future of corporate training in a post-pandemic world?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the corporate training industry, and Knowles Training Institute has had to adapt quickly to meet the challenges of this new reality. With the widespread shift to remote work and virtual learning, we have had to pivot our approach to training and find new ways to deliver value to our customers.
One of the key ways that we have adapted is by investing heavily in virtual learning technologies and platforms. We have developed a range of online courses and resources that allow our customers to continue their learning and development even while working remotely. We have also leveraged virtual classrooms, webinars, and this interactive tools to facilitate engaging and effective learning experiences for our customers.
Another way that we have adapted is by developing new courses and programs that are tailored to the unique challenges of the pandemic. For example, we have developed courses on crisis management, resilience, and remote leadership to help our customers navigate the challenges of this new reality. We have also provided resources on mental health and wellness to support the well-being of our customers and their employees.
Looking to the future, we believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to virtual learning and remote work, and we expect these trends to continue even in a post-pandemic world. As such, we will continue to invest in virtual learning technologies and platforms and develop new courses and programs that are tailored to the needs of remote workers and virtual teams.
At the same time, we recognize that these is still a need for in-person training and development, particularly in certain industries and sectors. As such, we will continue to offer a range of training options, including in-person workshops and seminars, while also exploring new hybrid models that combine in-person and virtual learning experiences.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a range of challenges for the corporate training industry, but it has also created opportunities for innovation and growth. At Knowles Training Institute, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these trends and providing our customers with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in this new reality.
“We believe that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to virtual learning and remote work, and we expect these trends to continue even in a post-pandemic world. As such, we will continue to invest in virtual learning technologies and platforms and develop new courses and programs that are tailored to the needs of remote workers and virtual teams.”
When asked about his journey to becoming the CEO of Knowles Training Institute, Sancy Suraj shared his early experiences in the industry and how he started his own training company before joining Knowles. He also talked about how he evolved the company’s approach to corporate training by incorporating modern learning techniques such as gamification, micro-learning, and virtual reality.
Sancy’s vision for the future of corporate training is also noteworthy. He highlighted the importance of personalized learning experiences, continuous learning, and the use of data analytics in training programs. He also mentioned the rising trend of blended learning, which combines online and offline training methods.
As the leader of a global company, Sancy Suraj faces unique challenges and opportunities. He discussed the importance of understanding different cultures and adapting to local business practices in each country. He also emphasized the need for effective communication and collaboration among team members from different locations.
Regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the corporate training industry, Sancy shared how Knowles Training Institute quickly adapted to the challenges by offering virtual training programs and leveraging technology to deliver high-quality learning experiences. He also mentioned that the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of e-learning and virtual training methods, and he sees this trend continuing in the post-pandemic world.
In addition to your work at Knowles Training Institute, you’re also a published author and sought-after speaker. How do you balance your various professional roles, and what advice do you have for this looking to pursue multiple passions in their careers?
Balancing multiple professional roles can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding way to pursue multiple passions and interests. In my own experience, I have found that it is important to be intentional about how I manage my time and prioritize my commitments. This means setting clear goals and objectives for each of my professional roles, and making sure that I am dedicating enough time and energy to each one.
One strategy that has worked well for me is to block off specific times in my calendar for each of my professional roles. For example, I might dedicate certain mornings to writing and research for my books, and reserve afternoons for meetings and calls related to Knowles Training Institute. This helps me stay focused and avoid distractions, while also ensuring that I am making progress on all of my professional commitments.
Another key to balancing multiple professional roles is to be open to collaboration and delegation. This means recognizing that I can’t do everything myself, and being willing to work with this to achieve my goals. For example, I might collaborate with these authors or researchers on my book projects, or delegate certain tasks to colleagues or team members at Knowles Training Institute.
Finally, I believe that it is important to maintain a sense of perspective and balance in my life, even while pursuing multiple professional passions. This means taking time to pursue personal interests and hobbies, and making sure that I am taking care of my own physical and mental health. By maintaining this balance, I am better able to stay focused and productive in all of my professional roles.
For this looking to pursue multiple passions in their careers, my advice would be to start by identifying your core values and interests, and then exploring ways to integrate these into your professional life. This might involve pursuing education or training in new areas, seeking out new professional opportunities or collaborations, or simply finding ways to apply your existing skills and expertise in new and creative ways. Ultimately, the key is to stay focused, stay flexible, and stay true to your passions and values, even as you navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of today’s professional world.
“By maintaining a sense of perspective and balance in my life, even while pursuing multiple professional passions, I am better able to stay focused and productive in all of my roles.”
Sancy Suraj’s leadership and innovative approach to corporate training have helped Knowles Training Institute establish itself as a leading provider of learning solutions. His ability to adapt to change and navigate the challenges of running a global company is admirable. As Sancy continues to pursue his passion for training and speaking, his insights and expertise will undoubtedly continue to shape the industry.
