Women in Engineering Leadership | Women in Industrial Sales
When you step into an industry that is unfamiliar, it is easy to feel like you don’t belong.
For Shasita Pillay, Sales Manager at AC Crampton Engineering Supplies, becoming part of the engineering industry meant learning from the ground up, asking questions, making mistakes and having the courage to keep learning.
Today, she leads an all-male sales team — but her story isn’t really about being a woman leading men. For Shasita, leadership is about something much more fundamental: integrity, dedication, respect and the ability to inspire and empower others.
Finding her place in an unfamiliar industry
Shasita openly acknowledges that she didn’t begin her career knowing everything about engineering products.
Instead, she had people around her who were willing to invest in her.
She credits her mentor JP, her teacher Yasin and her colleagues at AC Crampton with playing an important role in her development. They shared their knowledge, invested their time and taught her the value of grit, resilience and perseverance.
But their influence went beyond teaching her about engineering products.
They helped build her confidence, shape her leadership abilities and ultimately ignite a passion for the industry.
That experience has shaped the way Shasita now approaches her own leadership.
Learning is part of leadership
One of the strongest messages from Shasita’s story is that expertise doesn’t happen overnight.
“Every expert was once a beginner.”
It is a simple idea, but one that can be particularly powerful for anyone entering a technical or male-dominated industry.
Shasita encourages people not to be afraid of unfamiliar environments. Ask questions. Make mistakes. Take opportunities to learn.
With the right attitude, supportive mentors and a commitment to continuous growth, she believes anything is possible.
Building a team that delivers
Today, Shasita is proud to be part of an industry that continues to evolve, and equally proud of the team she leads at AC Crampton.
Together, her team has become known as “The Beast” — a team driven by excellence, accountability and an unwavering commitment to serving customers.
For Shasita, this is where leadership becomes bigger than an individual achievement.
It is about creating an environment where people can grow, contribute and succeed together.
The importance of people who open doors
Shasita’s story also highlights an important part of building a more inclusive industry: mentorship and support matter.
Women entering engineering and industrial environments don’t have to navigate those spaces alone.
The people who share their knowledge, challenge them, encourage them and give them opportunities can fundamentally change the trajectory of a career.
And Shasita understands the responsibility that comes with having received that support.
Her message this Women’s Month isn’t only about celebrating women who break barriers. It is also about recognising the mentors and allies who help others climb.
Because when we invest in people, we create stronger teams, stronger businesses and a stronger future.
Every expert was once a beginner. Sometimes all it takes is someone willing to help you take the next step.