All about Krivasha

29.08.24 10:41 AM Comment(s) By Boitumelo

Women of GTconsult

In honour of Women's Month, we are celebrating the stories of women at GTconsult who inspire us every day.

Krivasha Pillay- Project Manager

Meet Krivasha, a Project Manager at GTconsult. In her role, Krivasha leads teams and coordinates complex projects, ensuring that each one is delivered on time, within scope, and to the client’s satisfaction. From planning and scheduling to resource management and stakeholder communication, Krivasha excels in every aspect of project management, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

We asked Krivasha to answer 10 questions to better understand her as well as the role she is in. Let's get to know this awesome lady!

1. What did you want to be when you grew up, and what led you to your current career path?

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a doctor. I was drawn to the idea of helping people and making a difference in their lives. But as life often does, it took me on a different journey filled with struggles and unexpected adventures. Along the way, I discovered my strengths in managing projects, solving complex problems, and working with diverse teams, which eventually led me to my current career. It wasn’t the path I originally envisioned, but it’s one that I’m incredibly passionate about and grateful for.

2. Which women inspire you to be the best version of yourself, and why?

Both my grandmothers, affectionately known as Nani and Aya, have been incredible examples of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Their teachings and years of guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. They broke countless barriers and always reminded us that the only thing standing in your way is yourself.

My mother, a teacher for over 40 years, has gracefully managed our household, raised two daughters with completely opposite personalities, and supported my wonderful dad—all without breaking a sweat. It’s only now, as I’ve matured and started my own family, that I truly understand the strength, resilience, and determination it takes to achieve everything in life.

3. Which women are your top three dinner party guests, and what would you ask them?

Emma Watson

What drove you to go back to school and university despite having reached the level of fame you received with Harry Potter?

Jacinda Arden

What did you do to stay positive and motivated in the face of adversity?

Samantha (Indian Actress)

What do you feel is the most important factor in being happy with one's self?

4. What do you think is the key to building a workplace where women thrive?

As a woman in Technology and IT, I believe that two key elements to building a workplace where women thrive are a supportive culture and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.

A supportive culture is essential—one where women feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their ideas and talents. It’s about creating an environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and women are given the same opportunities to grow, lead, and succeed as their male counterparts.

Equally important is work-life balance. Offering flexibility and understanding the demands women face outside of the office can make a huge difference. When organizations prioritize balance, they help women manage their careers alongside personal responsibilities, leading to greater productivity, satisfaction, and long-term success.

By fostering a culture that supports both personal well-being and professional growth, companies can truly empower women to thrive in their careers.

5. What makes you a strong woman, and what fulfils you in your personal and professional life?

As a 29-year-old Indian woman in South Africa, my strength comes from resilience, adaptability, and the values instilled in me by my family. Growing up in a culture that balances tradition and modernity, I’ve learned how to navigate challenges with grace while staying true to my roots. My strength lies in embracing my identity, persevering through adversity, and continuously striving for growth—personally and professionally.

What fulfils me in life is making a positive impact on those around me. In my personal life, it's the deep connections I share with my loved ones and the joy of nurturing relationships that are meaningful and supportive.

Professionally, fulfilment comes from leading successful projects, overcoming obstacles, and knowing that my work contributes to making a difference, whether it's improving processes or supporting my team’s growth. Balancing both aspects gives me purpose and drives me forward every day.

6. Why do you think it’s important for more women to join the tech industry?

It's important for more women to join the tech industry because diversity drives innovation. When women bring their perspectives, experiences, and ideas into tech, they help create more inclusive products and solutions that better serve a diverse user base.

Moreover, the tech industry has a significant influence on the future of our world, from shaping digital communication to advancing healthcare. Women’s involvement ensures that the future we build is more representative of all people, not just a subset.

Additionally, increasing the number of women in tech can help break down stereotypes and barriers, inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue careers in this field. It also fosters a more balanced and equitable work environment, where varied voices and ideas contribute to the overall success of companies and society as a whole.

In short, women’s participation in the tech industry is crucial for fostering creativity, equality, and progress.

7. What advice would you give to yourself or someone else just starting out in your field?

If I could give advice to my younger self or anyone just starting out in the tech and IT field, it would be to embrace challenges and stay curious. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to keep learning and adapting. Don’t be afraid to take on tasks that push you out of your comfort zone—they’re often the greatest opportunities for growth.

Build a strong support network of mentors, peers, and allies who can guide you and provide valuable advice. Lean on this network when you encounter obstacles, and always be willing to learn from others' experiences.

Also, remember that confidence is key. As a woman in tech, you might face situations where you feel underestimated or outnumbered but believe in your abilities and don’t shy away from taking up space. Speak up, share your ideas, and never doubt the value you bring.

Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. Mistakes and setbacks are a part of the journey, but they don’t define your success. Celebrate your achievements, however small they may seem, and trust in the process of growth.

8. What motivates you to excel?

What motivates me to excel is the impact my work has on both the people and the projects I manage. Knowing that I’m playing a pivotal role in delivering solutions that solve real problems for clients and help teams grow keeps me driven. I also find motivation in the continuous learning that comes with the ever-evolving nature of technology and project management, as it pushes me to sharpen my skills and adapt to new challenges. Ultimately, seeing the positive outcomes of my efforts—whether it’s a successful project completion or a happy client—gives me the greatest sense of fulfillment.

9. What are your goals for the next few years, both professionally and personally?

Professionally:

1. Leadership Development: I aim to take on more leadership roles, not just managing projects but also mentoring and guiding younger professionals in the industry. I want to help build stronger teams and foster a culture of growth and innovation.

2. Advanced Certifications: I plan to continue expanding my knowledge through advanced certifications in Project Management. E.g. ACPM. This will help me stay current with industry trends and enhance my ability to lead complex projects.

Personally:

1. Work Life Balance - I am working towards developing a better balance and ensure I am giving enough attention to all aspects to my life.

2. Travel More - I love to travel, recently completed a trip to Dubai, which was beautiful and very hot. I would love to celebrate my 30th birthday in another country for the first time.

10. What message or piece of advice would you like to share with other women pursuing similar careers?

Believe in yourself and don't shy away from the unknown or the unexpected. With passion and determination, anything is achievable.

Krivasha is an exceptional addition to the GTconsult team, bringing with her not just technical prowess but also a deep commitment to leadership, resilience, and continuous growth. Her contributions have greatly strengthened our team's ability to deliver successful projects, and her dedication to fostering a supportive and balanced work environment is truly inspiring. We appreciate her sharing her journey and the insights that have shaped her into the remarkable woman she is today.

We eagerly anticipate the continued impact she will make here at GTconsult. Here’s to Krivasha—a remarkable woman who embodies the values and strengths that drive our team forward.