Lessons from a Global Marketing Leader: How Serisha Pillay went from Intern to Industry Leader

In this episode of South African Tech Marketers, host Kirsti Lang interviews Serisha Pillay, Divisional Manager at Vitality Global, about how she went from a marketing intern to leading global marketing campaigns.

Serisha shares how she built a personal brand on LinkedIn, transitioned from B2C to B2B marketing, and developed the mindset and skills that helped her break into international tech.

For South African marketers looking to build global careers, this episode provides practical, implementation-ready insights into career acceleration, skill development, and personal branding.

Topics Discussed:

• How Serisha transitioned from intern to senior marketing leadership
• The key differences between B2B and B2C marketing in global tech
• Why LinkedIn is essential for career growth and how to use it strategically
• The role of mentorship and how to find mentors without formal programs
• How South African marketers can position themselves for global roles
• The mindset needed to execute under pressure and work at scale
  
  

Takeaways:

• Take initiative and own your growth. Promotions don’t happen by waiting—make yourself visible and indispensable.
• Your LinkedIn presence is part of your résumé. If you’re not actively sharing insights and engaging, you’re missing career opportunities.
• Learn to execute at speed. Global marketing teams work fast—perfectionism can hold you back.
• Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. Learn from books, podcasts, and online content to get world-class insights.
• B2B and B2C require different skill sets. Understanding these differences can help you navigate global marketing roles effectively.