Reshni Singh's journey: Empowering South Africa’s youth through leadership

Reshni Singh, CEO of BPESA, is focused on tackling unemployment by creating career pathways for South Africa’s youth. As a female leader navigating gender and racial barriers, she has built a diverse team and an inclusive environment that turns opportunity into impact. This Women’s Month, she reflects on her journey and the leadership lessons she’s learned.

What first inspired you to do what you do – and what was the moment that really changed everything for you?

Being exposed to the harsh reality of unemployment in my home and in my community. With unemployment come social challenges, such as poverty alcoholism and drug abuse. At the time I had a job in government, which gave me the platform to make a difference by creating opportunities that provide hope to millions of young unemployed people who so desperately need it.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey, and how did you push through it?

As a woman leader, one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced is being underestimated or having to prove my credibility more than my male counterparts. There have been times when I’ve had to say things twice to be heard once, or when my authority was questioned in ways that had little to do with my actual experience or capability.

I’ve learned to overcome this by leaning into my strengths, speaking with clarity and confidence, and letting my work speak for itself. I’ve also built a strong support network of mentors, peers, and allies who’ve helped amplify my voice and advocate for me when I wasn’t in the room. Most importantly, I’ve committed to mentoring other women, because creating space for others is how we change the system.

What achievement are you most proud of, the one that still makes you smile when you think about it?

One of the achievements I’m most proud of as a CEO is building a team that reflects true diversity, not just in optics, but in thought and experience. I can still remember the moment I looked around the room during a strategy session and realized we had created something powerful: a team where every voice had space, and where different perspectives were genuinely valued. It fundamentally changed the way we operated, from how we solved problems to how we showed up for our members. That moment still brings a smile to my face.

What makes your role or career path different or special in South Africa?

As a female CEO of Indian origin in South Africa, my journey has been shaped by the dual challenge of navigating both gender and racial barriers. Rising through leadership in a country still healing from deep inequalities meant I often had to work harder to prove myself.

What makes my path unique is the purpose behind it. My success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about opening doors for others. Each step forward is part of a larger story of transformation and women empowerment, and I carry that responsibility with pride. As I continue to rise, other women, irrespective of race will rise with me.

How do you think the work you do is making a difference – whether in your industry, your community, or for other women?

The work I do is driven by purpose and impact. We create an enabling environment and ecosystem in which unemployed youth can be trained and transitioned from learning into earning opportunities, where they can grow and develop their careers from contact centre agents into managers and executives of global brands.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to a young woman who dreams of following a similar path?

Believe in yourself, own your ambition and never give up…your time will come. Don’t wait for permission to lead, and don’t shrink yourself to fit expectations. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, learn relentlessly, and when you walk into the room, remember: you belong there. The title ‘CEO’ starts with believing you can!

Who’s been the biggest influence or mentor in your career?

Surprisingly, my greatest mentors have been my children. They taught me more about patience, resilience and perspective than any leadership book ever could. Being a working mother forces you to prioritise what truly matters, to be fully present and to lead with both strength and empathy.

My kids remind me every day, why I lead - to help create a world where they can dream big and know it’s possible. They keep me grounded, honest and motivated to be the kind of leader they’d be proud of. There’s no bigger reward than being a role model to your children…

What’s one myth about your job or industry you’d love to clear up?

One myth I’d like to clear up about being a CEO is that you should have all the answers. You don’t have to be perfect or know everything to lead. What matters more is being willing to listen, learn, and make confident decisions, even when the path isn’t clear. Leadership is not about knowing it all, it’s about showing up, taking responsibility, and trusting your instincts.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: Stop doubting yourself or your seat at the table - you earned it. You don’t have to over-explain, overwork, or over-apologize to prove you belong. Trust your instincts, speak up even when your voice shakes, and know that your perspective is your power. The things that make you different now will be the reason you lead later.

When you think back to the subjects you chose in high school or what you studied afterwards, did you ever imagine you’d end up where you are today – and how did that journey unfold?

No, definitely not. My journey was rather unexpected. I would never have imagined I’d be in this role, even five years ago. I was just committed to working hard, to collaborating and co-ordinating with partners and stakeholders, being honest, consistent and ensuring that I was focused on delivering impactful outcomes. The rest is history….