Former Newcastillian is a Young Global Leader
She hopes to work with the African contingent of the WEF, and aims to affect as much change as possible during her five-year tenure with YGL.
Nerissa Naidu is no stranger to the intricacies of international business.
Her latest accolade is an exciting new part of her global journey, after being selected for the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
She now joins an elite group of leaders under the age of 40, embracing: “The challenge of striving to create a meaningful, positive impact in the world.”
Nerissa explained, “The process works by nomination. My undergraduate lecturer at the Durban University of Technology recommended me.”
The final selection was made earlier this year.
“It felt surreal. World leaders like Jacinda Arden, Larry Page and Jack Ma were chosen. When I was formally announced in March, I thought I was dreaming!”
Nerissa was introduced to the WEF community at the summer leadership session.
This takes place in China in June annually, and this year’s ‘Summer Davos’ focused on future leadership that contributes to humanity positively, and showcased technological contributions which would redefine services in the future.
In Nerissa’s opinion, future leadership should encompass equality for gender and minorities.
She hopes to work with the African contingent of the WEF, and aims to affect as much change as possible during her five-year tenure with YGL.
“I want to champion change through global financial inclusion. We need to empower people financially, to look at sustainable finance and an investment portfolio for the poor, despite people living for each monthly pay cheque.”
Fortunately, young leaders at the WEF are equipped for this exact purpose.
“We are given the resources and network to orchestrate change. We were also selected for our passion to make a change, and the position is voluntary.”
Nerissa considers herself a global citizen, who has had the opportunity to live and work in iconic destinations such as New York, London and Singapore.
She previously worked for ArcelorMittal, Accenture and AIG.
In her most recent role at AIG, Nerissa was the Global Head of Strategy and served as an executive chair and board member for its subsidiaries in America and Asia.
She is also an independent board member for two UK-based technology companies.
Nerissa said this international calling chose her: “It’s exciting to lead a nomadic lifestyle. While I may move often, travelling is thrilling, especially being from a small town like Newcastle.”
She currently resides in New York.
“I was 22 when I visited the Big Apple for the first time. The city amazed me and I told my friends that one day I would live here. It feels like you’ve been here before, because of all the movies featuring its iconic skyline.”
Nerissa and her husband, Nilesh try to return home at least once a year.
“If I can’t make it to South Africa, I try to have my family visit. But I have to get my dose of Porto’s when I am in Newcastle,” she confessed with a laugh.
“My husband does not understand my obsession because he’s from Durban!”
Asked what else she missed about Newcastle, Nerissa said one only truly appreciated a sense of community after living in big cities like New York and London.
She is fortunate to have good friends, but acknowledges there is closeness in South Africa that can’t really be found anywhere else in the world.
“South Africans are friendly and will always make a plan, if you need help.”
Nerissa added another challenge of living abroad was the cost.
She explained food and the cost of living were higher, and people really paid for the quality of produce most South Africans take for granted.
How do you balance your personal life, work and hobbies/interests?
“I love to travel. Whenever I visit a new country for work, I take the opportunity to explore the food, culture and city on my days off. To destress, I enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants. I am also a huge Formula 1 fan and my dream job would be to work for an F1 team, so I could experience it all the time!”
Nerissa concluded: “I hope my story will inspire others to follow their passion, wherever in the world that may take them.
“Although I had humble beginnings, it did not stop me from following my dreams.”
ALSO READ: Has Davos made the world better?
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