GROWING up in Tavua, Rima Pillay understood the value of hard work.
Raised in a farming community, she carried life lessons with her into classrooms and eventually boardrooms – building a career that would see her rise to senior leadership in some of Fiji’s most recognised companies.
She is Motibhai Group of Companies’ sales manager and brand manager for Unilever.
Coming from a simple farming background, Rima worked hard to complete her schooling in Tavua before pursuing tertiary education where she earned a degree in Management and Public Administration and Economics, with a minor in Accounting.
Determined to push further, she went on to undertake postgraduate studies, all while balancing a part-time job at the Oceania Call and Interaction Centre (OCIS).
That balance between study and work laid the foundation for her career.
After graduating, she joined NewWorld Supermarket as a marketing coordinator, a role she credits as influential.
Reflecting on those early years, she said NewWorld was where she acquired her marketing knowledge.
Her next move, however, took her out of her comfort zone.
Transitioning from marketing into sales at Motibhai Group was, as she described, an “unfamiliar territory”.
“The journey was different as I came from a marketing background, and then joining sales was completely new to me,” she said.
Despite doubts about whether her path aligned with her qualifications, she persevered.
“Looking at my qualification, the journey I had taken wasn’t going on the right track, but when I joined Motibhai I was able to do well because of the support from the staff and from management at the time.”
Her years at Motibhai from 2013 to 2017, built her confidence and sharpened her skills in sales.
She later joined Bondwell as a key account manager, entering the IT sector.
“That was where my career took-off on a different level,” she said.
Excelling as a corporate salesperson, she earned multiple accolades, including four consecutive highest salesperson awards and growth achievements, along with recognition as a leading “deal-cracker.”
Despite her success, she made the decision to return to Motibhai. This time as its first female sales manager, leading a team of more than 60 people in sales. Apart from that, all staff employed under the Unilever brand also reports to her.
Her leadership journey has been shaped by continuous learning.
She participated in Leadership Fiji and has undergone extensive leadership training; experiences she said has refined her approach.
“There are opportunities at every company, you just have to grab it.
At the heart of her success is a strong support system.
“My husband is such a supportive person, and he understands my role as a sales manager, his support helps me grow in my role.
She added that balance between work and personal responsibilities remains essential in her life.
“As women we must know how to balance our work and personal life, we mustn’t forget our role as wives too.”
Her message to other women is: “there is nothing more powerful than a woman who believes in herself.”
