This Women’s Month, Vanessa Pillay, one of the top women in the asset management industry in South Africa, shares her inspiring story and what she has learnt from 25 years in the corporate investment space. Pillay is the Head of Corporate and Commercial Distribution at Ashburton Investments, a role that makes her a vital investment ally to the corporate sector in South Africa.
Pillay grew up in Reservoir Hills, “surrounded by a vibrant Indian community that shaped my values and my aspirations”. “It was a place where neighbours felt like family, and where I learnt the importance of hard work, respect, and kindness. Growing up, my father always believed that education was the foundation for a woman’s strength and self-sufficiency. His greatest wish was for me to become someone who could stand tall, make her own way, and live with confidence and purpose.”
Today, working at Ashburton, she sees every challenge as an opportunity to prove to herself that she can push boundaries and create a clear path forward for herself and her team.
“I carry my roots with me everywhere I go, because they remind me that no matter how far I climb, the strength I have now was built long before I ever sat at a boardroom table,” says Pillay. “Entering the corporate world more than 25 years ago as a woman was like stepping into a space that had not yet made room for me. The boardrooms were overwhelmingly male, and the path to recognition was lined with obstacles that had little to do with competence and everything to do with gender. I had to work twice as hard to be heard, to be seen, and to be taken seriously, not just as a professional, but as a woman with ambition and ideas.”
Pillay admits that there were “moments of quiet frustration” in her career.
“There were moments when my voice was overlooked in meetings, when my contributions were credited elsewhere, and when I was expected to prove myself over and over again. But there were also moments of quiet triumph; the first time I led a team, the first time I negotiated a deal, the first time I saw my work make a real impact. Each step forward was hard-won, and each challenge became a lesson in resilience and self-belief.”
Today, she does not look back on these formative experiences with bitterness, but rather with pride. “The journey was never easy, but it was transformative. It taught me that leadership is not about conforming, it’s about showing up fully, authentically, and paving the way for others to do the same. And as I continue to grow, I remain committed to lifting others, especially women, so that the next generation walks into boardrooms not with hesitation, but with confidence and purpose.”
Early lessons from a life in asset management
One of the most defining early moments in Pillay’s 25-year career was at an international institution, where she was mentored by a results-driven leader who believed in her. “His encouragement pushed me to seize opportunities I never would have considered, shifting my mindset and fundamentally altering the trajectory of my career. This experience reinforced a powerful truth: a change in perspective can turn challenges into opportunities, especially for women navigating the workplace.”
From the very start of her career, she realised her passion lay in people – and that she could teach others to turn challenges into opportunities. “Building strong relationships, listening deeply, and treating everyone with respect have always been my guiding principles. The diverse experiences and stories of my colleagues and clients have shaped me, offering invaluable lessons along the way,” says Pillay.
The value of empathy and authenticity in building trust as a leader
Reflecting on the values she has come to appreciate in leaders in the working environment, Pillay says: “I have come to appreciate that everyone brings unique strengths to the table, alongside areas for growth. Through genuine and healthy working relationships, we can nurture those weaknesses and transform them into strengths. While traditional perceptions of female leaders often differ, I’ve found that empathy, authenticity, and service excellence are powerful tools for building trust.”
“I also have to add that a major cornerstone of my professional philosophy is collaboration. Success is never the result of a single individual; it’s about the collective effort of a dedicated team working towards a lasting legacy. This belief aligns perfectly with the ethos and culture of Ashburton Investment Management, where I strive to serve with unwavering dedication and excellence.”
“Navigating the financial markets industry as a woman came with its challenges, particularly in a male-dominated environment where there was an expectation to conform to certain traits. Over time, I learnt that success begins with embracing who we are. Authenticity and ethical integrity are non-negotiables, and I have forged my own leadership style without compromising my values.”
Pillay believes that true leaders lead by example, embracing humanity, admitting mistakes, and fostering meaningful change. “Growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones, questioning norms, and continually raising the bar.”
Bringing a unique perspective to the role
Reflecting on the power of transformation, Pillay comments: “As a woman of colour, I understand that many of us carry financial responsibilities beyond our immediate families, often supporting extended relatives to create opportunities and close the inequality gap. Education and economic empowerment play a crucial role in shaping a more just society for South African women.”
While progress continues, she notes that women still face barriers in business, particularly in reaching the C-suite. “Taking calculated risks and preparing for challenging roles is essential. By fostering inclusive leadership and amplifying women’s voices across all levels, we can dismantle outdated structures and pave the way for true equity in the boardroom.”
Advice for young women entering the corporate workplace
“If I could advise young women entering the corporate workplace today, I would say: define your goals and pursue them with confidence. Embrace risks, because some of the greatest opportunities come disguised as challenges. Understand your leadership style and lean into what makes you unique. And reflect on your journey, because your story is yours to write, and only you decide how it unfolds.”
In conclusion, Pillay turns to the words of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. In the world of business, those who stand out go places – so don’t convince yourself to conform or fade into the background when you could be embracing opportunities to develop your leadership skills.”
About Vanessa Pillay, Head of Corporate & Commercial Distribution at Ashburton Investments
Vanessa Pillay is the Head of Corporate & Commercial Distribution at Ashburton Investments. She is an investment professional with more than 25 years of financial markets and asset management experience. With extensive experience in Treasury, Global Markets, and Asset Management, she has led teams across diverse portfolios at large corporate and institutional companies. Life is all about balance, and she strives to make every moment count. Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.
