On 18 February 2025, the Insurance Institute of Gauteng proudly launched its Roots & Wings flagship programme which is designed to equip young professionals under 35 with the tools, networks, and confidence to thrive in the short-term insurance industry. In partnership with Linda Coetzee & Associates, the programme bridges experience and aspiration pairing committed industry leaders with dynamic emerging talent. The programme highlighted its demand, attracting an impressive 39 mentors and 39 mentees. This programme quickly grew into a journey none of us could have predicted one filled with growth, learning, courage, lifelong connection and unforgettable moments.
The day buzzed with excitement and anxiety. Excitement for what’s to come and anxiety of not knowing what to expect! One of the highlights was the speed-dating style matching session, designed to help mentors and mentees discover compatibility. As the year progressed, it became evident that these pairings were more than practical but also purposeful. I often refer to these pairings as matches made in heaven by Linda & Jenna.
A journey of discovery
The programme allowed mentees to embark on deep introspective journeys. They unpacked concepts such self-awareness, clarified personal and professional goals, and stepped boldly out of their comfort zones. Mentorship sessions stretched and challenged them, encouraging growth in ways that extended far beyond the workplace and country! Some mentees were fortunate enough to have been introduced to international connections.
Mentors also leaned fully into their roles pushing boundaries, offering guidance, and championing their mentees’ success. And some mentors found themselves uplifted by the very individuals they were guiding proving yet again that mentorship is a two-way street where learning flows in both directions, taking the each one teach one concept to a whole new level.
Connection and networking
The programme format focused on personal growth and creating a community providing a sense of belonging for both the mentor and mentees. The Mix-and-mingle catchups allowed networking and sharing of insights that encouraged each other. Mentors and mentees documented their journey through selfies that gave an innovative and powerful way of celebrating every milestone. Some even enjoyed double-dating sessions, pairing with other mentorship duos for collaborative learning.
Throughout the year, review sessions gave pairs an opportunity to reflect honestly on their growth and challenges. These reflection sessions become more like anchor moments and reminders of how far each person had come.
The Titanic Moment: Final Presentations
On the 20 November, mentees delivered their final presentations which I look back on as a day filled with pride, reflection and even a little humour. One mentee compared the experience to Titanic’s “Jack and Rose”: a journey of trust, bravery, vulnerability and transformation. A true representation of how mentorship is built on connection and courage.
The following day, 21 November, the class of 2025 graduated from the Roots & Wings programme which was a testament and celebration of commitment, resilience, and the power of mentorship. Summing up this experience a true year to remember.
Roots & Wings 2025 has shown once again that when experience meets aspiration, the results are amazing. This year’s mentees leave with new skills, deeper self-understanding, lasting relationships, and most importantly the wings to rise and soar. Here’s to the mentors who gave generously, the mentees who showed courage, and the programme that continues to plant roots strong enough to ground us and wings strong enough to carry us forward.
Deidre Henneberry – Mentor 2025 – IIG Council
