When I enrolled in the Insurance Leadership Development Program (ILDP) through Henley Business School, I had two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself academically. Secondly, as a single mother to a Grade 11 daughter, I wanted to show her that learning never stops and that hard work is always worth the effort.
As a Claims Team Leader, I came into the program believing leadership was mainly about achieving targets, maintaining standards, and keeping my team on track. While those things are still important, the ILDP has taught me that leadership is much more than performance. It is about understanding people, creating the right environment for them to succeed, and starting with yourself first.
One of the biggest lessons for me was learning the importance of creating a thinking environment. In a busy world filled with deadlines, targets, and constant demands, I rarely stopped to think. The program challenged me to slow down, listen more, ask better questions, and create space for both me and others to think. I realized that the quality of my thinking directly affects the quality of my decisions and ultimately the quality of my leadership.
The Personal Mastery modules had the greatest impact on me. They forced me to look at the person behind the leader. Through reflecting on my life journey, my challenges, my successes, and the experiences that shaped me, I realized that I do not need to become someone else to be a better leader. I simply need to be more intentional about how I show up every day. I can still be strong, direct, passionate and determined but with greater awareness, patience and control.
Another powerful learning was systems thinking. It changed the way I approach problems. Instead of immediately looking for someone to blame, I now look at the bigger picture and ask what within the system is creating the outcome. This shift has helped me make better decisions and see connections I would previously have missed.
One of the unexpected highlights of the program has been the people. The face-to-face sessions, group discussions, and time spent with fellow delegates have been some of my favorite experiences. Learning alongside professionals from different organizations and backgrounds has challenged my thinking and broadened my perspective. I am especially grateful for the connections I have built within my Action Learning Project group. What started as a study group has become a network of trusted colleagues and friends.
The journey has not been easy. Balancing work, studies, family responsibilities, and personal commitments have required sacrifices. There have been many late nights and weekends dedicated to assignments, often at the expense of personal time. Yet those challenges have made the experience even more rewarding.
Looking back, I am proud of my results so far, but even more proud of the growth that has happened along the way. The ILDP has helped me become more self-aware, more reflective, and more intentional in my leadership. It has reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating the conditions for people to grow, contribute, and succeed.
The Henley ILDP has been far more than an academic program for me. It has been a journey of growth, self-discovery and connection. As I continue the journey, I do so with a deeper understanding of myself, a renewed appreciation for the people around me, and the confidence that growth truly begins the moment we step outside of our comfort zone.
Claims Team Leader – Absa Insurance Company
