A commitment to sustainability and social impact drives Yerusha Moodley and she uses her accounting skills to take organisations in the same direction.
What’s your story?
I’m a Chartered Accountant with an MBA and over 15 years of experience in strategy, finance, governance, and risk leadership across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. I’m passionate about sustainability and social impact, and currently serve on the boards of four companies across these regions. My journey is about aligning expertise with purpose—working with organisations that make a difference beyond profit and deliver lasting value to their communities and the environment.
What excites you most about your industry?
I’ve worked across FMCG, logistics, financial services, food and beverage, and mining—but what excites me isn’t the industry itself. It’s the opportunity to drive value where companies are committed to sustainability and social impact. I’m energised by working with organisations that care about their communities and operate with purpose. When profit is balanced with responsibility and impact, it becomes far more meaningful—and that’s where I find the greatest inspiration.
What drives you in your career to push beyond what other people consider normal?
It comes down to living a life of purpose and balance. After having two young children, I reimagined what work could look like and how I could continue to add meaningful value. That led me to freelance work—contributing in high-impact ways to multiple organisations. It’s a less traditional path, but one that aligns deeply with my values and allows me to show up fully at work and at home.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The ability to distill complex, disjointed information into clear insights and communicate it succinctly has been invaluable—especially in board settings. It’s about knowing when to listen and when to speak up, ensuring your input lands at the right time for maximum impact. This skill helps shape strategic dialogue and allows you to be both thoughtful and influential in the moments that matter most.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“You don’t have to be right to be right.” Sometimes doing the right thing means letting go of being right. You don’t have to win every battle—wisdom is knowing which ones matter. This advice taught me to step back, consider the bigger picture, and choose grace and perspective over ego. It’s been powerful in both life and leadership.
Who inspires you?
The Dalai Lama. I’m not Buddhist, but his teachings on kindness, purpose, and mindfulness resonate deeply. He reminds us to find beauty in everyday moments and to live intentionally. One of my favourite lessons is his advice to visit a place you’ve never been at least once a year—it’s a simple but profound way to embrace curiosity and growth.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
That feeling like an imposter isn’t always about inadequacy—it can be a sign you’re pushing into new, uncomfortable territory. And that’s where growth happens. Reframing discomfort as a sign of progress has been transformational. It’s helped me lean into spaces that challenge me and realise that growth often feels awkward before it feels empowering.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Honestly, nothing. Every experience—even the mistakes—has shaped who I am today. Life is a journey of lessons, and I believe we’re exactly where we’re meant to be at each point. I wouldn’t trade those hard-won lessons for shortcuts; they’ve taught me resilience, perspective, and clarity.
How do you unwind?
Yoga, daily meditation, walks in nature, and travel keep me grounded. I also enjoy a good glass of wine and quality time with family and friends. Unwinding is about balance—being present, recharging, and making space for joy and reflection.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your career?
That visibility matters. I used to shy away from putting myself out there—my digital presence was almost nonexistent. But I realised you can’t make an impact from the shadows. Building a presence, especially online, takes intention and courage. I’m still working on it, but embracing visibility has opened new doors and opportunities I never expected.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Factfulness by Hans Rosling. It’s a powerful reminder that the world isn’t always as bleak as we think. In a time of misinformation, this book teaches us to step back, challenge assumptions, and view the world through a clearer, more hopeful lens. Critical thinking has never been more important.
Shameless plug for your business or career:
Right now, I’d say ChatGPT! It’s changed how I work, think, and solve problems. Whether it’s brainstorming, writing, or exploring strategy—it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to work smarter and stretch their thinking.
How can people connect with you? : Through LinkedIn
Social Media Links?
www.linkedin.com/in/yerusha-moodley
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.