As part of a new initiative, the Trailblazers Leaderwalk was designed specifically for young insurance professionals, offering a fresh perspective alongside the traditional Leaderwalks, which cater to upper senior management.
The event was centred around the powerful insights shared by our distinguished speaker, Ylaney Ramlall, Reinsurance Client Relationship Manager at Santam Re. With a keynote address, Ramlall led us through an engaging exploration of the power of collaboration and how young professionals can work collaboratively to accelerate personal growth and reimagine the insurance industry.
This talk also focused on how individuals can seek out mentors and sponsors, the importance of peer mentorship, and how collaboration across gender, race, age, and other factors enriches personal experiences and fosters innovation within the industry.
The key takeaways
In her talk, Ramlall highlighted the transformative power of collaboration, emphasising how young professionals can harness it to accelerate their personal growth and drive innovation within the insurance industry. The core message centered around the idea that collaboration, when used effectively, has the potential to foster both personal and professional development. Young professionals in the insurance sector have the unique opportunity to work across a wide range of skill sets, perspectives, and experiences. By prioritising relationships, mentorship, and sponsorship, they can not only grow individually but also contribute to the reimagination of the insurance industry. Collaboration opens the door to collective strength, allowing professionals to address challenges, improve efficiency, and advocate for more inclusive industry practices.
Ramlall identified several key takeaways for the audience to remember:
1. Self-awareness is foundational: To collaborate authentically, professionals must first understand themselves, as this fosters empowerment and a sense of purpose.
2. Mentorship vs. sponsorship: It’s important to understand the difference between these two concepts. Mentorship provides guidance and long-term development, while sponsorship can directly impact one’s career trajectory by opening doors and advocating for advancement.
3. Collaboration fosters collective strength: In the insurance industry, collaboration across all levels – whether between peers, mentors, or sponsors – leads to greater efficiency, skill development, and the ability to advocate for systemic changes.
4. The beauty of the industry lies in its diversity: The industry’s ecosystem allows for continuous growth from both new entrants and seasoned professionals, creating a dynamic and supportive environment for all.
When asked about the most important quality young professionals should cultivate for effective collaboration, Ramlall stressed the importance of self-awareness. A deep understanding of one’s strengths, weaknesses, and values is essential for authentic communication and collaboration. In the fast-paced, complex insurance industry, self-awareness helps individuals navigate relationships, manage expectations, and leverage their unique skills for the benefit of the team and organisation.
Ramlall also shared practical advice for professionals to immediately apply: actively seek mentorship or sponsorship based on current career goals. If personal growth is the priority, focus on finding a mentor who can offer advice and share wisdom. If career advancement is the goal, a sponsor can advocate for new opportunities and help increase visibility. Understanding which relationship will have the most impact at any given time is crucial for accelerating career progression.
To young professionals striving to make an impact in the industry while fostering collaboration, Ramlall emphasised the importance of building genuine relationships that go beyond transactional interactions. Trust is essential to collaboration, and it’s built through active listening, empathy, and mutual respect. Open communication, offering support, and recognising the diverse perspectives within a team are all critical. Additionally, actively seeking mentorship and sponsorship can strengthen both individual careers and the overall collaborative culture.
In closing, Ramlall reiterated that collaboration is not just about working together – it’s about empowering each other to grow and succeed. In an industry where change is constant, collaboration is a critical driver of innovation and progress. By fostering relationships of mutual support – whether through mentorship, sponsorship, or peer collaboration – young professionals can help shape a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient insurance industry. The power of collaboration, when utilised effectively, can truly be transformative for both individuals and organisations.
A discussion
We thank our accelerator facilitators (below) for accepting our challenge to facilitate discussions:
• Asiya Swaleh, Fulcrum Group
• Christopher Appanah, Bryte Insurance
• Katlego Thaba, Deloitte
• Mandilakhe Madikane, Emerald Risk Transfer
• Shaazia Khan, iTOO Special Risks
A word of thanks
Once the session concluded, a cocktail hour with snacks and networking took place, offering attendees the opportunity to connect, engage, and empower each other.
We were grateful to our main sponsor, iTOO Special Risks, co-sponsor Emerald Africa and complementary sponsor, Santam Re for contributing to the success of the event.
As the session came to a close, attendees left with new insights and a deeper understanding of collaboration, mentorship, and personal growth, thanks to Ramlall’s inspiring guidance.
Thank you, to all who attended!
