Click here to read the Q&A
Adams and Reese Financial Services Partner and Tampa Office Partner in Charge Chantal Pillay is featured in the Tampa Bay Business Journal in a Q&A interview celebrating her selection among this year’s “40 Under 40.” The business publication annually honors executives who demonstrate business success, career growth, community work, leadership ability, and influence.
All honorees will be recognized at an awards event on Oct. 30 at Armature Works. For the third year, in partnership with presenting sponsor Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, the 40 Under 40 class will participate in a Build Day.
Below is the Q&A interview that appears in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.
Meet Chantal Pillay, a 2024 40 Under 40 Honoree
Chantal Pillay is the partner in charge of the Tampa office of Adams and Reese, a multidisciplinary law firm with more than 300 attorneys across 20 offices, including 34 attorneys in Tampa.
What was your first paid job? My first job was at Arby’s when I was 15 years old. It was my introduction to the working world, where I quickly learned the importance of responsibility and time management. Around that same time, I also helped out at my dad’s strawberry market, which he decided to buy on a whim. The whole family was recruited to pitch in, and although he only owned the market for about three months, it was a memorable and fun experience. To this day, we still joke about how he underpaid us — all in good fun, of course.
If you were not in your current field, what would you be doing? If I were not an attorney, I think I would have pursued a career as a research scientist of some sort. The world of experiments, discovery and analysis has always fascinated me. I’m drawn to the idea of diving deep into complex problems, testing theories and contributing to a broader understanding of how things work. I love the intellectual curiosity that drives science, and I can imagine finding immense satisfaction in the process of constant learning and exploration.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned so far in your career? The most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my career is that failure is not the end — it's part of the process. It’s important to give yourself some time to absorb the setback. Then refocus, learn from the experience and move forward with a new strategy. The key is to not let failure paralyze you or stop your growth. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt and improve. Perseverance and adaptability are what truly drive success in the long run.
What advice would you give to high school students as they look toward their future? Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new activity, speaking up in class or applying for a leadership role, embracing challenges can lead to incredible opportunities. Remember, not every risk will pay off, and that’s perfectly OK. What matters is that you learn from each experience and build your confidence along the way. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family and mentors who encourage you. This time is a valuable opportunity to discover who you are and what you truly want. Embrace it fully.
What do you do to have fun or relax? What’s "relaxing"? I have a 2-year-old and a 6-year-old — they keep me busy on days I’m not working. To find some fun or unwind, I try to squeeze in little moments of joy, like reading while they play. Family activities like game nights or art projects can be a blast and help us bond. Even a few minutes of silly dance parties in the living room create great memories. For me, it's all about finding joy in the chaos.
Favorite movie of all time: "Hocus Pocus"
Favorite podcast: "Serial"
What is one book that you would recommend? "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini
What are you currently binge watching? "House of Dragon"
If you were a professional baseball player, what would your walk-up music be? "Run the World (Girls)" by Beyoncé