Celebrating success: Jennifer Reddy's journey to becoming Private Sector CEO of the Year 2025
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JENNIFER Reddy, the CEO of Morar Incorporated, celebrated her second win this year, winning the Private Sector CEO of the year 2025.
The 40-year-old said the celebration was double with her company commemorating its 30th anniversary.
Morar Incorporated specialises in assurance and advisory services with six national offices serving clients across the country and internationally.
'We are a financial services consulting firm with six offices across the country, providing a full range of audit, assurance, and advisory services to clients in various sectors.'
Reddy came from humble beginnings and said she owed her success to her mother.
'My most significant source of inspiration is my mother. She showed me at an early age that nothing is impossible and that hard work always pays off. My mother worked extremely hard to pay off my bursary so that I could pursue my dream of becoming a chartered accountant and serve articles with one of the big 4 audit firms.
'She then also stepped in when I decided to pursue my Master's in business administration, which required me to travel away from home frequently, and she would help take care of my two young daughters.'
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That was why, she said, she was proud to have been awarded the Private Sector CEO of the Year 2025 by the African Women Chartered Accountants Forum (AWCA) organisation for her hard work.
'AWCA is an NPO founded in 2002 to accelerate the advancement of black, Indian, and coloured women within the chartered accountancy profession. This recognises the impact I made within the profession and the strides I took to lead and empower others.'
Earlier this year, she also received the Top CEO of the Year in Financial Solutions award from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for 2025.
'The IAOTP recognised my track record in leading Morar Incorporated to sustained growth, expanding to six national offices, delivering innovative financial solutions, and maintaining exceptional client service standards. They also considered leadership impact, industry contribution, and commitment to community engagement.'
Reddy said while the IAOTP award focused on her global leadership and contributions within the financial solutions industry, the AWCA recognition celebrated excellence within the African private sector. It highlights not just business performance, but also mentorship, empowerment, and creating opportunities for others in the profession.
'I am deeply honoured, but no, I did not anticipate receiving two such significant awards in one year. My focus has always been on leading with integrity, delivering results, and making a positive impact. The recognition is a humbling reminder that the work we do resonates beyond the office walls.'
She said the biggest challenge in the past year had been maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
'Prioritising work to the extent of neglecting my health had taken a toll on me, and I suffered the health effects of burnout. Also, being a working mum, you always put your own needs last. When I had fallen ill, I realised I needed to prioritise my health, and this was not just for me and my family, but for my firm as well.
'I sought proper medical treatment and began exploring ways to relax and unwind, like learning the game of golf, rebounding, and developing a well-balanced exercise routine.'
She said as a woman CEO, receiving back-to-back awards, was proof that there are no limits to what women could achieve in leadership.
'It is a message to every aspiring woman leader that your vision, expertise, and voice are needed, not someday, but now. We don't have to fit into anyone else's mould to succeed; we can lead authentically, break barriers, and redefine what leadership looks like. Every time one of us rises, we create a path for many more to follow."
Reddy said that young women who wanted to join business should be unapologetically ambitious.
'Build your expertise so your value is undeniable, and surround yourself with mentors who will challenge and champion you. Do not wait for permission to lead. Step forward, speak up, and take the opportunities others might hesitate to grab. And remember, leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about being courageous, learning quickly, and lifting others as you rise,' said Reddy.
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