Virosha Pillay, Director at Avvo Labels, discusses her career in the family owned manufacturing business, the importance of creating opportunities for women and why leadership should be measured by capability, resilience, vision and results rather than gender.
In this Change 1 Woman (C1W) interview, Pillay reflects on the influence of her family, her approach to success and the responsibility that comes with helping to shape the future of a South African manufacturing business. She also shares her views on supporting women in traditionally male dominated industries and offers advice to women looking to advance their careers.
What inspired you to pursue your career, and what has kept you motivated?
My career was inspired by my family and the foundation they built through Avvo Labels. Growing up around the business, I saw first hand the commitment, resilience and sacrifice it takes to build something from the ground up.
What started with my parents became more than just a business for me. It became a legacy that I wanted to protect, grow and take into the future.
What has kept me motivated is the opportunity to continuously improve, create opportunities for our employees and prove that a proudly family owned South African manufacturing business can compete, innovate and grow.
I am driven by challenges and by the belief that there is always another level we can reach. Most importantly, I am motivated by the people behind the business, including my family, our employees and our customers.
Knowing that the decisions we make today can create a stronger company and a better future for the next generation gives me a very strong sense of purpose.
How do you define success today, and has that definition changed over the years?
I no longer measure success purely by financial milestones, but by the growth, resilience and character I have developed along the journey.
Operating in an ever changing environment has challenged me to adapt, evolve and lead with greater purpose. Today, success is about personal growth, meaningful impact and leaving a legacy that extends beyond the numbers.
‘Work hard in silence and let your success make the noise’ resonates deeply with me. I believe in staying focused, remaining grounded and allowing consistency, resilience and results to speak for themselves.
For me, true achievement is not about recognition along the way, but about the impact and legacy created through the journey.
What can companies and industry leaders do to better support women in the workplace?
Companies and industry leaders need to create environments where women are empowered by opportunity, not defined by gender.
This means equal access to leadership, mentorship, development and meaningful decision making. Most importantly, women need to be given the space to lead, take risks and prove themselves through capability and performance.
What is one stereotype about women in your industry that you would like to see disappear?
One stereotype I would like to see disappear is the perception that women are less suited to lead in traditionally male dominated industries.
Leadership should be measured by capability, resilience, vision and results, not gender. Women have earned their place at the table and should be recognised for the value they bring.
If you could inspire every woman reading this interview with one message, what would it be?
Believe in your own capability, even when others may not see it yet.
Do not wait for permission to take your place. Lead with confidence, embrace the challenges and remain authentic to who you are.
Your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s. Own it, build it and let your results speak for themselves.
What does empowering women mean to you?
To me, empowering women means creating an environment where women have the confidence, opportunity and freedom to realise their full potential.
It is about opening doors, challenging limitations, supporting one another and recognising women for their capabilities, not their gender.
True empowerment is giving women a voice and the platform to use it.
Pillay’s message for women in the industry
For Pillay, empowering women extends beyond providing opportunities. It is about creating an environment where women can develop their capabilities, take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to their organisations.
Her own experience at Avvo Labels has been shaped by family, responsibility and a commitment to building on the foundation established by her parents. Her message to other women is to remain confident in their abilities, embrace challenges and focus on the impact they can create.
As the manufacturing and printing industries continue to evolve, Pillay believes that women should be given the opportunity to demonstrate their leadership through their skills, resilience and results.
Africa Print are proud media partners of the Women in Print series hosted by Printing SA this month.
C1W Initiative
Change 1 Woman (C1W) aims to empower women in the branding, print and signage industries. As part of this initiative, Africa Print would like to spotlight women-focused content like this piece. If you have any trend/business articles related to the signage, branding and printing industries, please email content to: info@c1w.co.za. Follow C1W on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.
AVVO LABELS C.C
avvo.co.za
