Suky Sodhi
President, Professional Selection Inc

1. Do you remember a time when you were happiest as a child? Where were you, who were you with and what were you doing?
Saturday mornings at our house were always big English breakfasts actually more like a brunch. Later we’d watch either football, wrestling, or rugby, depending on the season. I’d watch that with my dad and I’d be betting on who’s going to win or what would happen next, not knowing anything about the rules. All I knew was when Big Daddy was wrestling, he was the one I was going to cheer for! There was a weekly competition that came out called “spot the ball”. You basically had to mark the exact spot you thought the actual ball was in play. I’d give it so much thought because I thought I knew everything about football. Then, at the last second, I’d close my eyes and “mark the spot” ( and ask the fairies to grant me a wish!) Of course, I always got it wrong. My dad was a big guy, and I remember he’d get back pain, so often we’d watch these sports with me sitting on his back! It’s one of the earliest memories I have of my dad. Even though my dad has since passed away, he still is my hero!
2. When did you first stand up to your parents... what was the issue and...were
you right?
My dad – without realizing it – raised me like a boy. I was always watching football or wrestling, or even helping him around the house – yes, he taught me to tile a wall! As a kid it wasn’t an issue but as I grew older it became a clash of wills. It was no longer acceptable to be seen “rolling in the mud” because apparently that wasn’t ladylike. Of course, the more my parents tried to tell me this, the more I rebelled and argued. So much so, that I overheard my dad ask my mum, “where did we go wrong?” Her response was “don’t blame me – she’s your fault”.
It was after my dad suffered a severe stroke that he realised making me so independent wasn’t such a bad thing after all. So to answer your question, yes, I was right, and more importantly, my dad was willing to open his mind. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long enough to see what I’ve achieved. But my husband says it best, “you are your dad”. Damn right I am, and proud of it!
3. What habit or behaviour or belief have you recently acquired? Why is it now in your life?
Kickboxing! I’ve been lifting weights for a while, but I took up kickboxing just as we went into lockdown. We’ve had a kickboxing bag at home for years, but finally one day I took out the gloves my husband had bought me years ago, dusted them off, and started. Hearing the sound of my hands punching the bag, or legs kicking the side was the anxiety release I needed. It’s done wonders for my stress levels. I’ve actually joined a local kickboxing gym. It’s in my life right now because COVID-19 forced me to find other ways – besides drinking – to release energy. I figured I should do that rather than give LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) more of my money!

4. What are the three books that you would unhesitatingly recommend to others? Why?

Failing Forward by John L. Maxwell
A special friend recommended that to me when I was trying to handle a personal tragedy whilst growing the business during the 2008 meltdown. It’s one I continuously read because as children, we’re taught it’s either “pass or fail”, which is simply not true.

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
It’s such an easy read, and he’s not somebody that comes from money, but he’s overcome so many challenges and adversities in his life, and he’s shown that the only person who can break you – is you. You have the power to write a different ending. No one but you can take that away.

Many Lies, Many Masters by Brian Weiss
Yeah, bet you didn’t see that one coming. You know what, I believe in karma. It’s not good, it’s not bad, but people have a debt to pay to society. Some of us pay it in this lifetime, some of us pay it in the next. It’s a great read to open your mind.
5. If you wrote a ‘user manual’ for how people should interact with you, what
would be the most important point in the manual?
Tough question, but let’s try and answer it! Be sincere and don’t attempt to invalidate me. It doesn’t matter what you’re saying to me – good or bad – but be sincere and respectful about it. I may not agree with your opinion, but I will respect it, so show the same courtesy. Else at some point it won’t matter if you are a client or personal friend I will walk away, head held high and not look back. As the saying goes “fool me once shame on you, fool to me twice shame on me”.
6. Imagine: if we were to go to people who don't think very highly of you, what
do you think they would say about you?
Oh gosh, most women reading this will be able to relate.
“Oh my God Suky, even though I’ve known about you for years, I’m so glad I took the time to get to know the real you! You’re nothing like what I thought!”
I had someone say this to me a few weeks ago, and I didn’t know whether to take it as a compliment or not… but I chose to take it as a compliment!
I think what those people who don’t think highly of me would say is “she’s too direct, she’s loud, opinionated, she doesn’t follow rules and she doesn’t bow down to people”. Although they might say that, they also recognise that I will always be an advocate for our industry, my team, my candidates, and those clients that I choose to work with. In other words, they recognize my expertise and the value I bring to the process.
They say I’m bossy, but the truth of the matter is… if I was a man they’d be saying I’m a great leader.
7. On what topic would you never make a joke?
Mental health, in particular suicide. None of us know what another person is going through, and I have personal experience of losing somebody. With men in particular, it’s seen as “taboo” to admit you are struggling. It’s something I’d never joke about, and I know, from personal experience, the devastation suicide leaves in its aftermath. In fact, I won’t listen to anyone else make a joke, especially given today’s current climate. If you’ve got nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
8. What do you think is acceptable today but will become taboo tomorrow?
Not recycling. Right now it’s acceptable, it’s seen as a sign of wealth having multiple cars, the big houses etc. But I think until we become more aware of the environmental impact our choices are having nothing will change. When we actually start feeling and seeing the consequences of our decisions, such as wildlife disappearing or the wildfires in places such as Australia, then it’ll become a taboo. Right now, recycling is seen as a nice to-do. Global warming is seen as “not our problem.” But reality is, we have no choice but to protect our planet for future generations. Mother Nature creates enough natural disasters without us giving her a helping hand.
9. What’s your desktop/mobile screensaver? Take a screenshot and attach it to your answer!
