Every journey begins with a willingness to take the first step. For me, joining the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) Roots & Wings Mentorship Programme was a decision to step beyond what I already knew and make space for growth.
With years of experience in the short-term insurance industry, I entered the programme knowing who I was professionally, but still wanting to learn, grow and challenge myself in new ways. I understood my strengths, the responsibilities I carried, and the standards I expected of myself. What I wanted was not simply another qualification or professional milestone. I wanted insight: an opportunity to learn from someone who could challenge my thinking and help me look at my journey from a different angle.
Being paired with Deidré Blair-Henneberry has made that possible. From our conversations, it became clear that our discussions would extend beyond career progression. We have spoken about leadership, confidence and self-doubt, balancing work and studies, personal expectations, and the person I am becoming alongside the professional I want to be.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience has been stepping away from my usual role of coaching and supporting others and becoming the person receiving guidance. There is something humbling about being asked questions you do not immediately have answers to and being encouraged to reflect on perspectives you may not have considered before.
One recent conversation challenged me to loosen my grip on perfection and make room for spontaneity. It sounded simple, but I soon realized how uncomfortable it was. I naturally gravitate towards structure, preparation, and high standards. Those qualities have served me well throughout my career and academic journey, but the exercise made me realize that not everything needs to be planned, structured, or perfect. Sometimes growth comes from stepping outside what feels familiar, embracing uncertainty and allowing things to unfold differently than expected.
The programme has also given me space to reflect on how far I have come. We often focus so heavily on the next goal that we forget to acknowledge the journey behind us. Deidré has encouraged me to recognize the experience, resilience, and lessons that have shaped me, while remaining open to what lies ahead.
What makes this journey meaningful is that it is still unfolding. I am not writing from the finish line, but from the middle of the journey, where questions remain, conversations continue, lessons are still taking shape, and I am becoming more intentional about how I travel it.
To Deidré, thank you for creating a space where I can think aloud, question myself, reflect, and grow. Thank you for reminding me that professional growth is not always about moving upwards; sometimes it is about looking inward.
Roots & Wings has reminded me that growth is a journey, not a destination. I am still learning, still questioning, still becoming. And perhaps that is the most valuable part of the journey.
Roots and Wings | Mentee – Insurance Institute of Gauteng
Motor Claims Team Leader – Old Mutual Insure
