Our ‘Class of 2022’ programme was launched on the 18th of February 2022. As you walked into Constantia’s canteen area, one was struck by the palpable energy exuded by the individuals on the programme. A youthful energy, as the individuals were age between 24 and 35, with an extremely high mix of ladies. Most importantly, this was an energy that belonged to our insurance industry, and they were about to embark on a journey that would teach the tools to of how to shape and transform this energy, into actions and productivity that would benefit our industry.
Many of these individuals were accompanied by their mentors and managers, some of whom had been on the programme previously. The mix of youth and experience added to excitement as the ‘Class of’ candidates were handed a balloon coloured either gold, black or white.
The programme kicked off with President-Elect Thabo Twalo welcoming everyone, and thanking our sponsors of the programme for 2022, Constantia, Emerald, Discovery and Munich Re. the president-elect then introduced his theme for 2022, #ShowUp, noting that the sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just #ShowUp. He encouraged the candidates to #ShowUp to all parts of the programme. The programme will have class sessions facilitated by Linda Coetzee & Associates (“LCA”), they will have a fund raising project where they will be challenged raise funds to help the underprivileged and they will have the opportunity to network at various IIG events over the course of the year, and most important thing for them to do is #ShowUp.
Following Thabo, Linda Coetzee the heart of LCA outlined to the candidates that they would learn professional skills, learn about building their personal brands and look in the mirror and learn about personality types, their strengths and challenges. Linda quoted Woody Allen noting “eighty percent of success is showing up” aligning beautifully with our president-elect’s theme. Linda then introduced Hlayisani Shirinda, the winner of Impact award in Class 2021.
Hlayisani dazzled the crowd, kicking off reciting a quote by Harriet Tubman; “You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”. She then followed it up with an address to the candidates filled with challenge and encouragement of the year they had ahead of them. She noted the growth she had gained from showing up and rising to these challenges.
It was then time for the big reveal, where Jenna Coetzee, the energy of LCA asked each candidate to pop the balloons they had been holding. Each pop revealed the group each candidate would be in the during the year. At the first session, they will get to name their tribe. Their fellow tribesmen will be their support, their partners, and confidantes as the navigate the sea of challenges that the Class of 2022 programme will present them.
