When I submitted my application for the class of I had so much anxiety in anticipation of the feedback I would get. I had been reading up on reviews from past Class of individuals and I was so drawn to how each and every one of them expressed how they each had some kind of growth both personally and professionally.
I remember how I jumped with so much joy and excitement when I received that congratulations! Email. I was super proud to be one of the chosen ones amongst, I’m pretty sure, other young bright individuals in the Insurance industry. I had gotten that opportunity to explore a new world of the insurance industry. An opportunity to better myself. I couldn’t wait to start the journey!
When I submitted my application, I had one thing in mind: “The IIG is going to help you grow out of your shell”. Being an introvert made it somewhat difficult to put myself out there and that is one of the things I pointed out in my interview with the IIG panel – I need to learn to put myself out there! Walking into the first class I did not realize that this would happen at such a fast pace. Our very first “homework” was to get feedback from the people around you about yourself. “Get ready to hear some hard truths about yourselves!” Jenna said.
Asking for both positive and negative feedback from colleagues, friends and family was an eye-opening activity for me! Majority, if not all said I need to break out more. This feedback was important to improve on Personal branding and knowing how to go beyond limits that you thought you could never surpass. Personal branding has been one of the tools I have been using to learn to open up more and also raise my hand to volunteer and learn new strengths in my place of work.
Our IIG President Bukhosi Khumalo, said at his Class of launch speech that he wants us to #LinkUP. I always look forward to the class of sessions because I learn so much not only from my Peers but also from the IIG council members who constantly support us in our learning journey.
I am now able to start crucial and engaging conversations in both my personal and professional environment because the aim of the Class of sessions is to teach us how to navigate and grow yourself in everyday life. What I love most about being a part of the Class of is that growth does not only take place in the classroom – The IIG council members, Simon and Thuso, always give us pointers on how to engage and connect with different industry players in events like the Insights sessions. I could not be happier that I made a decision to be a part of the Class of! It has been an amazing journey, and I have learned to reveal so many strengths “I didn’t know I had”!
I look forward to the rest of the year because I know that I am still to learn so much – This is my journey to #SolidGrowth in an Industry that I love so much.
#Engage #Connect and #Grow
#LINKUP with #YOURIIG
Article written by Rinae Minky Masikhwa | IIG Class of 2024
