Terashni Pillay - The Product of Grit, Curiosity and Courage | Inspiring Women

By Koketso Mamabolo

When women are empowered it uplifts economies, businesses and society at large creating ripple effects of impact and opportunity for us all,” says Terashni Pillay, the trailblazing CEO of Swiss RE Corporate Solutions South Africa and one of the three South African women chosen as part of the 2025 cohort of the WEF’s Forum of Young Global Leaders.

This network of exceptional individuals features over a 1 000 members and alumni including heads of state, business and NGO leaders, educators, artists, journalists and more. For Terashni being a Young Global leader is an honour which she’s able to share with family, mentors, and sponsors who have supported and believed in her, offering encouragement and upliftment.

She also sees it as a tribute to the organisations, teams, and people who she has served and led. “What excites me most about the YGL platform is the chance to learn from, and collaborate with, exceptional minds from across the world, each dedicated to tackling global challenges and unlocking new possibilities.”

Rapid change in the world requires bold ideas and a constant reimagining of leadership. The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a place for that. What also makes it important, says Terashni, is that African voices are not only present but influential, bringing solutions to the table which reflect the realities and aspirations of the continent’s people.

“For me, this recognition is a powerful reminder that leadership has never been about titles alone. It is about influence, action and the privilege of creating meaningful impact on a global scale — while inspiring others to believe in what is possible.”

The experience has been transformative and one of the lessons she’s learnt is that leaders don’t have to have all the answers, they must create “environments where curiosity, generosity, and collaboration can thrive.”

“It is about convening diverse voices, listening actively and supporting conditions where the best ideas can take root and scale. I have seen first hand how much impact is unlocked when leaders focus on enabling collective progress.”

Over the next three years she will go on a journey of learning through the programme which includes international conferences, forums, and collaborative initiatives which aim to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.

“Being part of the Young Global Leaders community means joining forces with pioneering leaders who are committed to shaping a better, more sustainable future for us all.”

What Leadership Is About

When one hears who she looks to for inspiration both personally and professionally, one begins to understand the mindset that has led to her being one of the country’s most inspiring young executives.

They say home is where the heart is and it is no surprise that the woman she looks up to the most is her mother, who wore many hats and excelled in all of them.

“What has always inspired me is her determination, selflessness and relentless drive to be the best she could be for her family but I am equally in awe of how she balanced her life with kindness, love and service to others,” explains Terashni. “She showed me that true leadership is not just about what you achieve but how you uplift and care for those around you.”

On a professional level she’s inspired by South African business icon Wendy Appelbaum, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, computer scientist and entrepreneur Rapelang Rabana, Swiss Re Group Digital Transformation Officer Pravina Ladva, and social entrepreneur Naadiya Moosajee.

“Each of them, in their own way, embodies the pursuit of excellence – they are unstoppable in breaking barriers, redefining leadership and proving that courage and vision can reshape entire industries. Their journeys remind me of the importance of persistence, purpose and never losing sight of the bigger impact we can create.”

As a Young Global Leader, Terashni is clearly writing her name in the story of South African business excellence. Her success is the result of a willingness to challenge herself and she believes that truth growth comes with stepping into unfamiliar territory.

“For me, failure has never been something to fear, it has been a teacher. Every setback has been an opportunity to learn, adapt, and rise stronger.”

She has also learnt the importance of not only believing in yourself but also knowing that nothing great can be done alone. Everyone needs help, guidance and there are always people who have walked the road before. It’s taken grit, curiosity, courage and good old discipline.

“Ultimately, my career has been defined by a growth mindset: focusing on opportunities rather than obstacles, staying curious, and leaning into challenges with resilience and purpose.”

The financial and insurance industry is shaping the way societies and economies prepare for the future and it’s fitting that a young leader who is one of the people defining our future works in it. She says the industry benefits from different perspectives, diverse skills and fresh ways of problem-solving which, as an engineer by training, she is well placed to bring.

Like any leader she’s had her moments of self-doubt. “What matters is not the absence of doubt but the courage to keep moving forward despite it.”

“Your leadership journey is uniquely yours and it will not look like anyone else’s. Do not measure your worth against someone else’s highlight reel.”

Her advice to young women doubting themselves when stepping into leadership roles is to focus on their progress, their impact, and the growth they experience on the journey.

“Mistakes are not failures, they are the fuel that shapes better leaders. Allow yourself to lead imperfectly, because perfection is not the standard of great leadership — humanity is.”

“Touch a heart before you ask for a hand. The leaders who leave the greatest legacy are those who lead with empathy, humility, and courage. So when self-doubt whispers that you are not enough, answer it with this truth: you are already on the path of leadership simply by choosing to step up.”