Lisa Sukdev, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur, will launch her first book, Unlocked: Building Emotional Intelligence for a Fulfilling Life, on Friday in Johannesburg. The Durban launch will follow next month.
Sukdev, 47, of Fourways in Johannesburg, said the book drew from her own experiences of overcoming profound personal and professional challenges, and offered readers a transformative journey into the power of emotional intelligence.
"With chapters dedicated to perseverance, gratitude, and the art of reinvention, the book provides practical tools and relatable anecdotes that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
“This book is not just about surviving life’s challenges but thriving through them. I wanted to create something that would inspire readers to live authentically, embrace their unique gifts, and build emotional resilience to lead a more fulfilling life.”
She said grief had been her greatest teacher.
"In 2021, I lost my mum and my life partner just five months apart. They were two of my four pillars, and losing them left me shattered. But through that pain, I discovered a strength I never knew I had.
"I write about this deeply in chapters 5 and 6, Grief – The Beginning and Grief 2.0, where I share not only the heartbreak but how I found hope and healing through reflection, faith and choice. I could have chosen to continue being an alcoholic, depressed, and negative, but I made a choice to be better for my son and dad, so we could all have a better life."
She said when her body shut down, she took the steps required to heal not just physically but emotionally, and that she thrived through the challenges and was living authentically.
Sukdev said to get to this point, she had to tap into her emotional intelligence.
"To me, emotional intelligence is about knowing better, doing better, and ultimately feeling better. It’s the ability to understand your emotions, regulate them, and use that strength to navigate life’s challenges. When you feel strong within, you’re equipped to handle anything life throws your way.
"This idea is central to chapter 1, Better Self Than Sorry – The Power of Authenticity, which explores how understanding ourselves allows us to embrace life with resilience and confidence.
"Self-awareness is also the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Life is a relentless teacher, and every experience comes with a principle or lesson. When we understand those principles, we can respond in ways that move us forward instead of keeping us stuck. Chapter 10, Embracing Your Full Potential, is dedicated to helping readers identify their inner strengths and develop the self-awareness needed to lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives."
In addition, Sukdev said affirmations were vital.
"This book is an easy read. It has real life experiences that people can relate to and connect with. It is meant for anyone who feels that life is hard, and let’s face it, that’s all of us. It’s for people who want to build resilience, find hope, and learn from the experiences of others.
"Chapter 9, In All Things Give Thanks – The Power of Gratitude, offers a transformative perspective on how even the hardest moments can be a source of strength. Life doesn’t come with a manual, but we don’t have to figure it all out on our own. Unlocked is my way of sharing lessons that can inspire others to rise and thrive.
"The first step is simply reading the book and allowing the stories and lessons to resonate with you. The second step is applying what you learn. For instance, in Chapter 8, The Art of Reinvention and Embracing a New Future, I offer actionable steps for turning life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving, and this book provides a roadmap for doing just that."
The launch in Johannesburg will be on Friday at The Gallery at Steyn City and on February 13 IBV in Umhlanga.
The book, self-published by Sukdev's company iCommunicate, is available on Amazon.com or the book can be ordered by emailing [email protected]