Kasie Lo Surdo // Vedic Meditation
Kasie Lo Surdo // Vedic Meditation practitioner – simple, natural techniques to dissolve stress and restore your clarity
Community and background
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to Picton/Coledale/Berry? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I live in The Oaks and have often driven past. Then you came up on my socials and I thought, “Wow, this would be perfect,” as I’d been looking for somewhere to hold my courses. It doesn’t really work running them from home with family in the house.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Tell us about your business. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship?
I learnt Vedic Meditation 7 years ago and have seen and felt the benefits myself, both mentally and physically. It has such a profound effect on the body’s physiology that I wanted to learn and share it. It has taken tens of thousands of dollars and years of continued learning — which I will continue for life.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of running a business while ensuring time for family and personal life?
I also work in childcare. I balance the two by usually offering one meditation course per month, and only increasing that if I can build the meditation side of the business sustainably. My children are adults now, so the family doesn’t rely on me as much. There was a time when I was studying at uni while raising young children and running the childcare business — so nothing I do now feels harder than that.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
You don’t know what you don’t know. Some people think the meditation course is expensive, but will spend more than that on a mobile phone they replace every few years.
Once you learn Vedic Meditation and receive your personal mantra, you have that tool for life — no apps, no internet. It’s a practice you can do anytime, anywhere.
Personal Life
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
I love my kelpie dogs. We go sheep herding. I also love travelling. I’m a certified aromatherapist and use pure essential oils for health and wellbeing. I enjoy growing my own fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers at home.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
Most recently, Outlive by Peter Attia — it’s about longevity.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
After 6pm, I’m out. I don’t check emails, and I have a device I tap to shut down Facebook Messenger. I also don’t have notifications on most apps.
Home and Lifestyle
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about your family?
I love our alfresco lounge. I’m an outdoors person, so being on the verandah meditating with my dogs is pretty special.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
The Picton building has character, history, and charisma — not a sterile modern space. It actually reminds me a little of my grandmother’s house (thought it wasn’t two-story).
If you were to showcase the best of the local lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
Burragorang Lookout, Warragamba Dam, and the streets of Picton and Camden for the history. Then lunch at Camden Valley Inn — it has great character and a relaxed vibe, and it’s spacious enough that you don’t feel crowded.
Productivity and Time Management
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
Apps like Jotform, ChatGPT, and Speechify. Sometimes I’ll talk while they type, like a note-taker, or use Speechify to read while I listen.
Benefits of WorkLife Membership
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your business?
Having a virtual address so I can set up my Google profile, and having a consistent space to run my courses instead of trying to find different places like yoga studios each time.
Kasie is at WorkLife Picton monthly. If you want to get in touch with Kasie and explore vedic meditation you can connect with her via her website or email her directly at thenurturingcollective@gmail.com
