Most of the mentors on the program never had the privilege to gear up their careers in a formal and structured environment like the one created by the IIG, for our aspiring insurance leaders. Some had to navigate their way up through instincts and sheer determination; and this is the reason they won’t allow this generation to go through the same struggles.
The Roots and Wings journey continues to augment enormous value in the lives of ordinary insurance professionals, with extra-ordinary ambitions. Nothing happens by chance, and the phrase by Roman philosopher Seneca, who said “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” endorses the objective of the IIG to support mentees learn to collaborate, innovate, remain relevant and working towards their growth and progress.
The generation we are grooming today has a full responsibility to pass on the baton and for this reason, the Roots and Wings journey passionately teaches mentees how to navigate obstacles and challenges they face in their jobs and personal life. Some of the ways mentors help mentees spring up their career forward encompasses the ability for them to develop various skills, plan for their future, networking and importantly, how to uphold high standards of conduct as professionals within the Insurance market.
Both our Roots and Wings (S.A) and International cohorts appreciated the review sessions that were held in person for the locals and online for our international cohort during the month of September. Our partners kept the conversations relevant, as always. One of the biggest and most critical conversation was around mental health in the workplace. Most young professionals ride on enthusiasm that comes with the hunger to succeed and with that, comes possibility of personal neglect. This level of engagement helps mentees build confidence, resilience, perseverance, patience, leadership and great understand of their influence within the financial sector; and mainly the next generation they will need to mentor in their near future. As 2023 slowly leads us into a new season, we reflect on how far the mentees have come as some are unrecognizable through the transformation that came with this incredible journey.
Mentees and Mentors – you have joined forces extremely well and let’s continue planting these seeds of greatness.
#BreakTheMould!
The Roots and Wings programme will eternally be grateful to our long-standing great partners; Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG), Discovery Limited, Sasria SOC Limited, Chubb, Emerald Risk Transfer (Pty) Ltd and Howden Broking (Insurance)
Article written by: Thuso Mafumo
