A Message From Our MD Subashnee Moodley

I was appointed as a Director at LLI in 2003 and served on our Exco since 2004. But nothing prepares one for the hard work, consistency, commitment, and sheer dedication that is expected and required with the position of Managing Director and Chairperson. And a high threshold for pressure is an absolute necessity! I am that previously disadvantaged girl from humble Phoenix who got to realise her dreams when I proved my way up the ladder and shattered the glass ceiling of a firm whose history now goes back 135 years! It has been a journey of immense growth and development beyond my wildest dreams.

But good governance dictates that it is healthy for an organisation to have time frames for positions of leadership. I have now served more than two terms with the full and unwavering support of the Board of Directors and staff of LLI. And what a privilege it has been! But change is necessary, and change is good because it brings with it a renewed sense of energy. I am also extremely mindful of not holding the fort and allowing other Directors who have leadership ambitions to be given an opportunity to lead. As leaders, we must create opportunities and an environment that encourages others within the organisation to be bold and courageous enough to step into such positions.

During several of my talks recently, I have touched on the well-known concept of “pulling and lifting as we rise” and I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words.? The time has come for me to pull and lift others with leadership potential so that they too can get to the helm feeling fully supported. ?

From a personal perspective, I have lost so much in the last seven years, such as the tragic and untimely passing of both my brothers, adjusting to an empty nest with both my children leaving home to spread their wings and the many unexpected challenges that one usually navigates quietly and privately. While having to adjust, adapt, and still be present and available for everyone was not always easy, being surrounded every day by those closest to me, made everything possible. The position of Managing Director and Chairperson kept me strong and made me more resilient in times when life threw me the most challenging curveballs. I endured a tenure where I had to deal with COVID and the lockdown, riots, floods, and general economic instability. Having the support of a dedicated Board of Directors and team of employees allowed us to navigate all these challenges. ?With great teamwork, anything is possible! ?I can confidently say that I would not have traded the leadership experience of the last 7 odd years for anything in the world.? Being the face of LLI is a privilege that is indescribable.

But come the end of February 2024, it will be my time to step down and have some time to breathe??Stepping down from the role will also allow me to broaden my practice area, which is something I have been wanting to do and which will now become a priority.?I also intend to play a bigger role in the numerous professional organisations I belong to. I also plan to mentor other future leaders in various industries, through my talks with Famous faces and Unique Speakers.?While having a bit more time will allow me to do these wonderful things and follow my passion, I will always fly the LLI flag as a proud Partner of our firm.

I will forever be indebted to our clients, our staff, the Board of Directors, my mother (who will always be my biggest fan), my children who supported me through the position during their most critical school years, my guardian angels who watch over me and last but most importantly, my husband for understanding my dreams and ambitions, and for giving me the unconditional support that I needed to deal with the demands of such a position.

I am extremely excited about the future of our firm and the announcements that will follow. The new Managing Director will have my full support, help, and guidance in the same way that I was blessed with the amazing support and encouragement from our employees, Directors, and clients alike. It is most certainly onwards and upwards for all of us at LLI.??