In this Leaderwalk, themed ‘Beyond Boundaries: Achieving Boardroom Diversity’ a dynamic panel discussion, hosted by Dr Nolwandle Mgoqi, CEO of Aon South Africa took place with industry leaders.
It was an opportunity to engage with industry leaders and discuss the future of boardroom diversity.
Embracing diversity and inclusion
Mpumi Tyikwe, CEO of Sasria, addressed the significance of diversity and inclusion and identified the barriers hindering progress. Meanwhile, Paolo Cavalieri, Chairman of iTOO Special Risks, explored the impact of diversity initiatives on individuals and organisations and outlined strategies for enhancing future diversity efforts.
Catherine Naidoo, Executive at Innovation Group, offered a thoughtful perspective on diversity and inclusion. For her, diversity extends beyond mere representation. She defines it as “creating an environment that values and respects the perspectives of all individuals,” emphasising that it involves appreciating a range of viewpoints and backgrounds, not just meeting quotas.
Inclusion, according to Catherine, means being valued for “your unique skills, ideas, and perspectives, regardless of differences or background.” It’s about ensuring that everyone feels appreciated “without limitations or fear” in their workplace.
Reflecting on the impact of diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives, Naidoo noted that they have significantly influenced her leadership style. She observed, “These initiatives have shaped my leadership style, fostering an environment of high performance and support.” They have encouraged her to challenge biases and advocate for equality in her industry.
Naidoo highlighted the importance of diversity within leadership teams, noting that a diverse board brings varied perspectives that enhance decision-making and strategic vision. For example, the representation of minority groups at the management level at her organisation increased from 29% in 2020 to 64% in 2024. This shift reflects a broader trend towards more inclusive leadership practices.
Overall, Naidoo’s insights illustrate the transformative power of diversity and inclusion in creating a supportive and innovative environment, where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to contribute their best.
Key leadership insights
In the panel discussion, Yulandi van Dyk, Group CFO of Bryte Insurance, provided insightful guidance on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organisations. She emphasised that leaders need to adopt a holistic approach to navigate intersectionality effectively. According to van Dyk, understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with intersecting identities is crucial. “This requires continuous education on intersectionality, using data to inform policies, and actively seeking feedback from employees to tailor support programs. Leaders must be proactive in addressing these complexities to foster a more inclusive environment.”
For organisations looking to start or enhance their DEI initiatives, van Dyk stressed the importance of strong leadership commitment. She advised that setting clear, measurable objectives is essential – these should extend beyond numerical targets and be woven into the organisational strategy. “Communication of these objectives across all levels and involving employees in the development and implementation of DEI initiatives are also critical.” Most importantly, van Dyk underscored that diversity, equity, and inclusion should become integral to the organisational culture, continuously promoted and embedded in everyday practices to drive genuine progress.
A discussion
We thank our table hosts (below) for accepting our challenge to facilitate discussions:
1. Andrea Minnaar, Leppard
2. Jonathan Healy, iTOO Special Risks
3. Mandy Barrett, Aon South Africa
4. Nthabiseng Miller, Innovation Group South Africa
5. Thobile Moeketsi, Sasria
6. Vaughan Jones, Garrun Group
Thank you
Thank you to all the delegates who attended this event, we hope that the session inspired you, as leaders, on the importance of boardroom diversity.
