In the fitness and recruitment industries, true leadership goes beyond expertise—it’s about people, resilience, and continuous learning. Few embody this philosophy better than Eve Sukhnandan, the Global Chief People Officer at PureGym. From humble beginnings cleaning up at a veterinary practice to leading HR strategy for one of the largest fitness chains in the world, Eve’s journey is one of hard work, adaptability, and self-awareness.
On the Love Your Career Podcast, hosted by Lawrence Everest, Eve shared her incredible career story, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and invaluable advice for both professionals and businesses. Whether you're just starting your career or aiming for the C-suite, Eve’s insights provide a roadmap to success.
1. Do What You Love (and Pivot if You Don’t)
One of Eve’s most powerful messages was to find a career you love. She has seen firsthand how passion separates those who are merely “good” from those who are truly “great” in their roles. However, if you’re in a job that doesn’t excite you, Eve advises taking small, brave steps to pivot towards something better.
"If you don’t enjoy what you do, be brave about it—pivot, explore, and find something that excites you."
She encourages professionals to look at job boards, speak with recruiters, and take the first step—even if it’s just going on one interview. Sometimes, a small move can lead to major career changes.
2. Hard Work and Capability Go Hand in Hand
When asked what separates successful professionals, Eve highlighted two key traits:
✅ Talent & Capability – Being highly skilled and knowledgeable in your field.
✅ Hard Work – Putting in the effort to stay ahead, evolve, and remain relevant.
"You don’t just get there—you have to stay there. Success isn’t about one promotion; it’s about constantly learning and adapting."
Eve’s advice applies at all career stages—whether you're a personal trainer looking to grow your client base or a fitness executive managing multiple clubs. If you’re not continuously learning, you risk becoming outdated.
3. Self-Awareness is Key to Career Progression
Eve never set out to be an executive; she simply focused on doing the best job possible in every role. Over time, she started recognizing opportunities and developing the confidence to pursue them.
For those looking to move into senior leadership, she offers this advice:
💡 Understand what leadership really involves. Senior roles come with responsibility, pressure, and long hours. Before chasing a title, ask yourself if you truly want the challenges that come with it.
💡 Analyze leadership around you. Observe both good and bad leaders to shape your own style. Ask yourself: What do I admire? What would I do differently?
💡 Invest in relationships. Eve credits much of her success to mentors and leaders who invested in her growth—but that only happened because she built strong, genuine relationships.
4. The Importance of Being a "User-Friendly" Professional
One of Eve’s most unique career principles is being “user-friendly.”
"Make people’s lives easier, support them in their work, and they will take you with them on their journey."
This applies to candidates, employees, and even hiring managers. Whether you’re in a job interview or leading a team, people are drawn to those who are approachable, helpful, and easy to work with.
5. Recruitment Should Be Inclusive and Thoughtful
As a people leader, Eve emphasized how much hiring practices have evolved—and why businesses must adapt.
She urged hiring managers to remove barriers that unintentionally exclude talent. This means:
✔ Assessing job descriptions to ensure they encourage diverse applicants.
✔ Making interview processes accessible to candidates with different needs.
✔ Focusing on culture fit AND culture add—hiring for both alignment and fresh perspectives.
For candidates, her advice is simple: Do your research.
"If you’re interviewing at a gym, go visit it. If it’s a product-based company, research their products. Employers notice when candidates take the time to understand their business."
6. Embrace Failures and Learn from Disappointment
Eve’s career hasn’t been without setbacks. One of her most difficult moments was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the UK government refused to classify gyms as essential, delaying their reopening.
The disappointment was crushing, but her takeaway was simple:
✅ Control what you can control.
✅ Take a deep breath, regroup, and keep moving forward.
Mistakes and disappointments will happen. The key is to own them, apologize when necessary, and move on without repeating them.
7. Advice to Her Younger Self? Own Your Superpower.
Eve wishes she had realized sooner that everyone has unique strengths—and that others admire qualities in you that you may take for granted.
"For every person you’re in awe of, they are likely in awe of you for different reasons. Your voice matters, so step forward and own it."
She encourages professionals at all levels to recognize their unique strengths and leverage them confidently.
Final Thought: Be a Decent Person
If there’s one overarching theme to Eve’s success, it’s kindness and decency.
"Forget everything else—just be a decent person. Respect others, build relationships, and good things will come your way."
A simple message, but one that resonates across every career stage and industry.
Want More Career Wisdom? Listen to the Full Episode!
Eve Sukhnandan’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow their career, whether in fitness, recruitment, or beyond.
📢 Listen to the full episode of the Love Your Career Podcast to hear her story in depth.
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