Sam Pillay, Sales Operations Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, says she was born into a humble home, starting off on ‘the back foot’. She could have allowed this to limit her success but, instead, Pillay explains that it drove her to succeed. “In fact, my journey has been all the sweeter because of my bitter beginnings,” she says.
Pillay shares her recipe for success based on her journey thus far:
Ingredient 1: An appetite for excellence
About 20 years ago, Pillay worked for a spa owned by Rioma Cominelli, Director of First Group.
Pillay performed every task to the highest standard and continues that way today. “It didn’t matter how menial the job – I would strive to do it better than it had ever been done before.”
Being able to excel and given the space to shine inspired her to discover who she was and how much she was capable of.
Ingredient 2: Always hungry for more
Cominelli then guided Pillay through a series of roles as opportunities arose, leading her into First Group as a clerk and then on through Administration, to Creditors, and finally in a managerial role in the Finance Department.
Whenever an opportunity presented itself, Pillay says she grabbed it with both hands. She soon found herself fully immersed in special projects that had a direct impact on the business’s success and suddenly the question was being asked: did this woman have what it takes to cross the chasm into executive leadership?
Ingredient 3: Resilience and commitment
Some people stand out in a room, like the larger-than-life Sales Director who commands attention the minute he enters the building. How could a petite woman of colour possibly compete, Pillay wondered.
“It is only through persistence, resilience and Cominelli’s belief in me that I was given the opportunity to prove that I am a worthy leader. But I am a servant leader which is somewhat different to the more traditional leader,” Pillay explains.
Ingredient 4: A mentor who believes in you
Pillay has been able to remain true to her unique style of servant leadership because of the inspirational mentor who first believed in her. “Some days can be hard and I am sure it’s natural to sometimes wonder if you’re investing yourself in the right place, but I’ve never had to wonder. Cominelli has always believed in me and I am hopeful that I can continue that legacy and be the reason other people discover the best version of themselves, through my belief in them.”
Ingredient 5: A great reason WHY
At the end of every 16-hour work day, there has to be a ‘why’ to motivate every committed leader. Pillay has three things that inspire her every day: her family, her team, and her religion.
Pillay’s method for success: Mix an appetite for excellence and a hunger for more, together with resilience, commitment and someone who believes in you, and you are almost there. Add your ‘why’ – your reason to get up in the morning – and you are set for success.
“First Group has been an exceptional incubator for my career. I have been set up for success from day one and I am excited and ready to navigate the company through any challenge we might face in the 2020’s,” Pillay concludes.
First Group Properties owns and manages 28 hotels, resorts, and apartments throughout South Africa, including Bushman’s Nek, Knysna River Club, Selborne Golf Estate and Magalies Park.
