By Keshrie Pillay, IIG Co-Opted Councillor – Education
The much-anticipated launch of #YourIIG Insurance Leadership Development Programme ILDP took place on 10th March 2020 and was hosted at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) campus in Illovo, Johannesburg. The venue was set up and decorated, participants and their line managers were seated… the IIG Insurance Leadership Development Programme ILDP launch day had arrived.
The programme for the day commenced at 07h00, and despite the early hour, all delegates arrived well before expected – for the GIBS faculty and IIG Council present on the day, this was a testament to the almost tangible energy and excitement that was evident in all those present.
The programme kicked off with addresses from the GIBS Programme Manager, Amanda Bougardt and the ILDP Integrator and Coach, Bonita- Lee Shew presenting the programme overview, the demands that will be placed on the students during the academic year, and the opportunities available in student employing organisations to utilise the feedback of the programme. Amanda made special mention of 2 past students Gary Stephens (Top 2, ILDP 2018 and a hiring manager for 2020) and Yolandi Rex (Top Student – ILDP 2019, and IIG 2020 Council member) who were present on the day. Their continued involvement in the program demonstrates the value that the ILDP has, and continues to add to the personal and professional growth of the students who undertake this commitment.
Tshepiso Chocho, Deputy President of the IIG, presented a welcome to attendees and encouraged the managers present, and their organisations to continue their ongoing participation in the invaluable growth of their staff, and participation in programmes such as the ILDP.
The podium was then occupied by Bajabulile Mthiyane, Financial Director at Sasria SOC, who delivered an almost poetic, and most inspiring speech themed: The privilege of being chosen, seen and sent. Each of the students who were embarking on their 2020 journey, were reminded of the privilege they were awarded to be present today, representing their organisations…. That it was now their obligation to embrace their learnings and grow their futures by being the best possible versions of themselves, thereby creating opportunities for others to be seen, chosen and sent.
Lerato Mahlasela, Executive Director of Custom Programmes at GIBS was the final speaker for the morning. Lerato’s sentiment echoed the theme of: ‘Being chosen’. The GIBS experience will push students above their ability to operate in their professional, personal and now academic capabilities. Lerato encouraged the line managers to participate in this growth journey of their staff, and to celebrate the new thinking that will become evident in their work environment… don’t stifle it – allow it to grow.
The morning culminated with the celebrations being encapsulated in an ILDP photo session, where students also had the opportunity to have their photos professionally taken, initiating the development of their personal brand.
We at the IIG would like to thank our programme sponsor, Sasria SOC for your ongoing commitment to the development of the skill and education of the participants in the Insurance Industry.
Track the successes and progress of the ILDP delegates by following the IIG on our social media platforms and subscribing to our monthly newsletter – IIG Informer.
#YourIIG #InsuringTomorrow #IIGILDP2020
