My IIG ILDP (ACMP) journey has been a life-changing experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. When I started the programme, I was excited but also nervous about stepping outside my comfort zone. Looking back, I can confidently say that I am not the same person who started this journey. The learning blocks, reflective exercises, and the Action Learning Project challenged me to think differently, believe in myself, and become more intentional about the kind of leader I want to be.
One of the most profound lessons from this journey has been the importance of self-awareness and personal mastery. Through various reflection exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of my strengths, development areas, values, and the experiences that have shaped who I am today. I learned that personal growth begins with taking ownership of my choices and continuously striving to become a better version of myself. This journey of self-discovery has strengthened my confidence, resilience, and commitment to lifelong learning.
As an Operational Team Supervisor, I have also developed a deeper understanding of what it means to lead people. I have always been focused on getting the work done and achieving results, but this programme has reminded me that leadership is also about people. I am learning to listen more, appreciate different perspectives, and create an environment where my team feels supported and valued. I now understand that effective leadership requires a balance between delivering results and developing people.
Another important lesson has been learning to look beyond the obvious when solving problems. Through systems thinking and data-driven decision-making, I have learned to ask better questions, identify root causes, and consider how different parts of a process affect another. The Change Management module was particularly valuable because I was able to apply the ADKAR model during the introduction of a recent change initiative in my workplace. This experience showed me the importance of communicating change effectively, addressing concerns, and supporting my team throughout the transition process.
The Action Learning Project (ALP) is another important part of my journey. Working with a diverse team challenges me to share my ideas, listen to others, and contribute towards a common goal. I became more comfortable speaking in front of others and presenting our findings. I also learned that teamwork is not always easy, but with open communication, trust, and a willingness to understand one another, challenges can become opportunities for growth.
This experience also provided me with an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the short-term insurance industry, particularly in areas such as underwriting and the interconnected nature of different functions within the industry. It expanded my perspective beyond my day-to-day responsibilities and helped me appreciate the wider business environment.
I would like to sincerely thank IIG (Insurance Institute of Gauteng) and SASRIA (South African Special Risks Insurance Association) for sponsoring this programme and investing in my growth and development. To my employer QSURE, thank you for your continued support and belief in my potential. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to Henley Business School for challenging me to think differently and apply learning in practical ways. Finally, thank you to my fellow delegates and Action Learning Project team for your support, collaboration, and shared experiences throughout this journey.
This journey has been about much more than completing a qualification. It has been about discovering myself, building my confidence, developing my leadership capability, and gaining a deeper understanding of the leader I aspire to become.
We have come a long way, but there is still more to learn, more to do, and more growth ahead as our journey continues.
Operational Team Supervisor – QSURE
