The completion of the Root & Wings 2018 programme is in sight and we can confidently say it is well on its way to achieving what it was set out to do, thanks to the support of our passionate sponsors Insure Group Managers and Sasria SOC. The programme provides mentees with access to experienced and well-travelled professionals within the short-term insurance industry.
#YourIIG marketing team caught up with the mentees to get their opinions on the programme.
Samantha Visagie – Guardrisk
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I have been in the industry for approximately 10 years and have worked in numerous roles which includes: underwriting, claims and business development manager. I’m currently the Non-motor Team Leader at Guardrisk which I find both exciting and challenging. I still haven’t figured out where I want to be in my career but I’m enjoying the journey.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the Roots & Wings programme?
It’s definitely the confidence to fulfil and chase my dreams.
Bongani Tshabalala – Stalker Hutchison Admiral
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I’m a career driven, 26-year-old that grew up (and still lives) in a township called Katlehong, which is situated in the East Rand.
I’ve been in the insurance industry for seven years, where I began my career as a construction insurance Internal Broker and have since moved into the role of a Professional Indemnity Insurance underwriter.
I’m passionate about the insurance industry and foresee myself reaching a senior level either in my current role or as a broker, given that I’ve been fairly exposed to both.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the Roots & Wings programme?
Presentation skills would be the most important skill that I can point out at this stage.
Elaine Pretorius – The Fulcrum Group
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I am 30 years old and have been in the insurance industry for a little over 10 years. I first started as a personal assistant to a long-term insurance broker and from there I realised the importance of having proper preparation and finances in place for retirement. This sparked something inside me to get more involved and see what the industry has to offer. I am currently a Service Consultant for a Collections agency and am the go-between the broker and the insurer. I am yet to discover where exactly I would like to go in the industry as there are just so many options and avenues to choose from but I would definitely like to be more involved in working with people. I would like to get into Risk Management and do a bit of studying in this field as well.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the Roots & Wings programme?
The most important skill I have learnt from the programme thus far is to speak up about what I want and where I want to go. I have always relied on people who I perceived to know better than me, to push me to where they thought I ought to be without realising I should’ve taken a more active role in my own growth. This is because I was scared to speak up and as I always felt others would’ve known better. So, in learning this skill I have actually put myself out there and let my management team know what my interests are and where I’d like to go and grow in order for them to help me get there. The other important thing I’ve learnt is to not be afraid to ask for help. We are not meant to struggle through this world alone, why should our career paths be any different? I’ve definitely gained the confidence to approach individuals who have been in the industry longer than me in order to gain knowledge from them and draw on their experiences regarding the things I’d like to pursue.
It has been a wonderful opportunity so far and I have enjoyed every step of it immensely. I think it’s fantastic that we have this programme that enables us, empowers us and motivates us to take charge of our own futures and destinies. It prevents life from simply happening to us and in doing so, makes us actively participate in it and make it better for ourselves.
Gobusamang Motaung – Stalker Hutchison Admiral
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I’m a Financial Lines underwriter for SHA (Stalker Hutchison Admiral (Pty) Ltd) and have been in the insurance industry for the past eight years.
My aim is to be an underwriting manager in the next five years and I’m actively working towards this goal.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the Roots & Wings programme?
The most important skill that I have learnt from this programme is how to give/pitch powerful and impactful presentations.
Mandy Sesoko – Discovery Business Insure
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I’m an easy-going, adventurous, fun and loving person that enjoys socialising and spending time outdoors. I joined the industry straight out of high school and have been working in it for over 10 years. I’m currently a Business Claims Consultant at Discovery Insure and my aim is to be the Claims Manager.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the Roots & Wings programme?
I’ve really learnt a lot so it’s a challenge to point out one specific skill. Showing initiative, following through with what I’ve started, and managing relationships are a few things I put at the top of the list. There’s still so much I could add to this because I’m still learning but that would be all for now.
Radlee Dajee – Standard Bank Insurance Brokers
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I am a 26-year-old aspiring businessman and determined individual who loves socialising. Dedication, being responsible and punctuality are just some of my finer attributes/strengths.
I have been in the industry for over 3 years and currently work for Standard Bank Insurance Brokers in the vehicle and home insurance space. I’m looking forward to many more learning experiences and great achievements in the future and aim to elevate my career to hold a position in quality assurance or possibly, commercial insurance. I am still open-minded to the vast opportunities within the corporate environment of insurance. I’m a strong believer that many opportunities can end up well being a great Picasso masterpiece.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the Roots & Wings programme?
I joined the mentorship programme with a hope of advancing my skills and knowledge within the corporate environment however this opportunity has brought me more than just corporate knowledge and advancement. I have learnt a lot along my mentorship journey, not just from my mentor but from everyone within the programme and I continue doing so. The single most important lesson that I’ve learnt is self-awareness. The ability to have a clear perception of oneself allows you to understand people and their perception of you. This also provides you with a deep understanding of your life.
Nomfundo Langa – Insure Group Managers
Tell us a little more about yourself…
I’ve been in the insurance industry since 2005 where I started as a financial advisor for Liberty Life. I’m currently an Operational Process Administrator and Trainer at Insure Group Managers.
I have a keen interest in being a public speaker as well as a facilitator, recently taking up a course in it. At the moment, my plan is to gain as much experience and exposure in the training field as I possibly can. Since I already have experience in insurance, I would like to focus providing my training within the industry. I’m also in the process of starting my own company and this also provides me with the opportunity to build the exposure and experience I’m after.
What is the single most important skill you’ve learnt from the programme?
Courage! I’ve been putting off working on my goals due to fear but Jenna expressed it nicely to me… I have a fear of my own success.
These have been a work in progress:
- Toastmasters meetings and delivering my speech.
- Process of registering my training company (my mentor taught me to pull my goals closer and work on them NOW).
