By Koketso Mamabolo
“Perfection is not the standard of great leadership – humanity is”
“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 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.”
Read the full story in the 20th anniversary edition of Standard Bank Top Women Leaders
