I originally wanted to be a lawyer (those TV lawyers from the 80’s were an inspiring bunch!) and completed a BA LLB at the University of the Witwatersrand. I spent some time as a legal adviser before being offered a role in the insurance industry and so my almost 30-year insurance career started.
In my insurance career, I have always been a broker, starting out at Investec Insurance Brokers, spending some time at two independent brokers and ending up at GIB Insurance Brokers where I am currently the Regional Managing Director, responsible for our Western Cape division. I have fulfilled varied roles in my tenure at GIB, including Divisional Managing Director of our Risk Solutions division and Chief Operating Officer.
As part of my desire to “pay it forward” in an industry that has given me so much, I was elected to the IIG Council in 2013 and served as the President of the body in 2016. The highlights of my year as President include the official launch of the Insurance Leadership Development Programme (ILDP) through GIBS Business School as well as the launch of the IIG’s Roots and Wings mentorship programme. I was privileged to represent the IIG as a delegate on the 2017 ILDP program and completed the program with distinction.
A firm believer in the importance of continuous personal and professional development, I have completed various insurance qualifications and am a Fellow of the IISA.
Outside of work, I am wife to Michael and mom to 2 young adult men. I play bad golf and enjoy mountain biking. In my spare time I enjoy reading (Scandinavian detective stories being a favourite!).
Mentorship
For me, mentorship is a powerful and valuable tool that significantly impacts personal and professional development.
One of the primary benefits of mentorship is the guidance it provides. A mentor’s wealth of knowledge and experience can help a less experienced mentee navigate challenging situations and decisions. Additionally, mentorship opens doors to new networks. I have never hesitated to introduce a mentee to my connections in the industry, believing that the power of networks extends beyond simple connections. It can unlock a wealth of opportunities and resources that profoundly impact one’s career.
Importantly, having a mentor instils a sense of accountability. When someone is invested in your growth, it encourages you to set goals and work toward them.
While mentorship is often viewed as a one-way street where knowledge flows from mentor to mentee, I believe the most valuable mentorships are those where the mentor learns just as much from their mentees. Through the IIG Roots and Wings International program, I have gained insights into the Kenyan and Ugandan insurance industries from my engagement with Frederic Opere and China Viola. I’ve even learned a few Swahili words!
Mentorship also encourages mentors to reflect on their own experiences, successes, and failures. This reflection fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s career journey. Mentees can inspire mentors by demonstrating passion, ambition, and creativity. Seeing a mentee’s enthusiasm and drive can reignite a mentor’s motivation and commitment to their work.
Finally, mentorship creates a cycle of giving back. When experienced professionals mentor others, they contribute to the growth of the next generation. This sharing of knowledge and experience fosters a collaborative community where everyone can thrive. As someone who has benefited from mentorship, I feel a responsibility to pass that knowledge along.
