Today, many people find themselves between societal expectations and individual aspirations. In such a world, huge cultural expectations weigh down the psyche of people, making many unable to pursue their dreams because of fear or inability to overcome demands; this is contrary to ambition and pursuing one's true passions.
Growing up in a patriarchal environment, Razia Pillay was discouraged from pursuing her passions in programming and graphic design, ultimately settling for a degree in Travel and Tourism. Yet, this setback only fueled her determination.
Razia's journey is proof that through mentorship, people are capable of resilience and transformation. Leaving college to raise funds, she worked for a travel agency and soon learned that flexibility is key, as well as grasping every opportunity that comes one's way. These experiences developed in her the relationship between individuals, the economy, and living sustainably, which eventually led her to become the Former CEO of IAB South Africa.
Today, Razia stands as a fierce advocate for empowering the next generation. She believes that by nurturing young talent and encouraging an inclusive environment, we can influence the lives of those who will follow us. Her commitment to mentorship is rooted in the lessons learned from her grandmother, who instilled in her the values of resilience and womanhood.
Again, by filling in the digital gap and encouraging diversity within the tech world, Razia is showing innovative change and setting a precedent for others. Her story stands like a challenge that can be crossed, making it possible to stay on one's feet and, at the same time, illuminate a pathway for future leaders to tread towards their way of development.
Join us in exploring Razia’s compelling vision for a better tomorrow!
Shaping Futures: Empowering Youth
Razia’s career began in a newsroom focused on developing a youth strategy for the millennial generation. Positioned between Gen X and Millennials, she contained the opportunity to shape content and culture for a new workforce. A transformative trip to the U.S. inspired her by showcasing a publication aimed at Native American youth, fueling her passion for engaging with like-minded individuals.
Determined to break the "slave mentality" passed down through generations, Razia focused on accentuating the successes and positivity within Black communities. Her work showcased achievements, celebrations, and contributions, attracting high-quality advertisers and sponsors. This success ignited her desire to mentor young people of color, encouraging them to see beyond harmful histories and embrace their potential.
Transitioning into education, Razia sought to influence even more youth, demonstrating that the empowering mindset she developed could extend to leadership. Her assurance to promote confidence in young people of color remains a cornerstone of her mission, illuminating paths for future generations.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Razia faced a tumultuous period in her personal life, which severely impacted her professional performance. Despite feeling overwhelmed, she forced herself to show up at work daily, driven by her sense of responsibility to those who relied on her. However, as time passed, Razia recognized that she couldn’t route her challenges alone.
Gradually, she began to shed the pride that had been ingrained in her by previous generations. This shift allowed her to see the support available around her—friends, colleagues, and mentors who genuinely wanted to help. By embracing vulnerability and trusting others, Razia discovered that she could lean on those willing to lighten her burdens.
This realization transformed her journey, illustrating the power of community and the importance of accepting help without expecting anything in return. Finally, Razia learned that true strength lies in recognizing when to reach out and lean on the support of others.
Balancing Ambition and Altruism
Razia stands at a crossroads between her capitalist mindset and her desire to improve lives. While she recognizes the potential for revenue by providing exceptional value, making only R1 from each customer feels inadequate for sustainability.
Her heart urges her to focus on societal betterment, seeking partnerships with corporate social investment (CSI) sponsors for meaningful impact. At the same time, her ambition drives her to predict a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with a global presence.
This internal conflict leads Razia to explore a hybrid model that aligns her aspirations with her values, aiming to build a business that thrives financially while strengthening communities, satisfying both her head and heart.
Illuminating Lives
Razia derives immense joy from witnessing the genuine happiness on people's faces after making a positive impact on their lives. Having experienced the dimming of her own light, she is deeply passionate about confirming that others never face the same fate.
Determined to be a source of encouragement and support, Razia has channeled this passion into a business model within the education sector, a field she truly loves. Through her work, she aims to uplift and empower individuals, helping them shine brightly in their own lives.
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Resilience in Adversity
For Razia, the COVID-19 pandemic was a vital wake-up call. The lockdown revealed who genuinely wanted to collaborate with her and who sought to use her. This period of forced introspection brought clarity, but it came with significant challenges.
Having just given birth to her baby girl, Razia juggled the financial, emotional, and mental demands of her household while working tirelessly. Despite these hurdles, she founded an online academy that transformed the lives of 95 young people of color, leading to her appointment as CEO of a reputable industry body, an achievement many aspire to.
While she takes pride in her accomplishments, Razia recognizes her exhaustion and the need for rest and a well-deserved holiday.
From Weakness to Strength
Razia believes she embodies a remarkable resilience that surpasses most people's understanding of strength. Growing up in challenging circumstances, she learned to transform her pain into joy. However, she emphasizes the need for caution; accepting all pain is not the answer.
Instead, she advocates for the refusal to endure unnecessary suffering. For Razia, her unique ability to find positivity in adversity has always been her greatest asset, allowing her to focus on the bright side and work diligently until she achieves tangible success.
Through introspection, Razia discovered the significance of taking time for herself and prioritizing her own needs. She came to understand that by placing herself first, she could better recognize her true potential and direct her energy toward the right individuals and causes.
What was once perceived as a vulnerability has now evolved into a powerful strength. Razia now dedicates her efforts to those who genuinely merit her support, ensuring that her contributions are both meaningful and sustainable.
Journey as a Changemaker
Razia is a revered alumna of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), which unites young trailblazers across Africa to adopt positive change. While she wasn’t one to pursue awards, the organizations she worked with entered on her behalf, leading to several accolades, including the IAB Bookmark Awards for Best Editorial and Best Team in Digital, the Mojo Awards for Best Mobile Journalism, and the INMA Award for Best New Corporate Innovation Initiative.
A standout moment for Razia was shaking hands with former President Barack Obama during his visit to South Africa, where he recognized the YALI alumni cohort. Despite personal challenges, she takes immense pride in being an exceptional mother to her two daughters, reflecting her resilience and dedication to nurturing the next generation.
Empowering Message
Razia laid emphasis on the importance of never denying oneself opportunities, as self-doubt often stems from denial of external influences. People frequently internalize discouraging messages from others, who project their own traumas onto those around them.
She heartens individuals to recognize their worth, asserting, "You’re as incredible as someone says you are!" Razia urges everyone to embrace this positivity and pursue their true potential.
Acknowledging that pessimism can hold people back, she advocates for surrounding oneself with uplifting individuals, those who embody the success one wants to achieve. By doing so, individuals can improve the mindset needed to thrive as the leaders they already are.
Controlling Belief for Empowerment
Razia advocates for believing in a higher power, whether it be God, the universe, or the principles of Quantum Physics. She encourages individuals to use their chosen belief system as a foundation to reach their highest potential, authorizing them to serve humanity while also achieving financial success.
Razia firmly asserts that it is possible to have both impact and abundance. She laid importance on the importance of following one’s intuition rather than relying on the advice of those who have not achieved what one is capable of. By trusting in oneself and one’s beliefs, individuals can route their paths toward fulfillment and purpose.
Uplifting Future Generations
Razia accentuates the importance of uplifting those around us through our work in today’s growing world. She believes that the new generation relies on the actions of those presently in power, and we hold the responsibility for shaping the future for generations to come.
She stresses that our choices today can either perpetuate existing generational traumas or create a foundation for a better life for future generations. This responsibility extends beyond just humanitarian concerns; it encompasses the economy, global impact, and sustainable living.
She features that everything is interdependent on our beliefs, decisions, and the positive impact we choose to make, urging everyone to act for a brighter future.
