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TIA | The Insurance Apprentice

The true measure of winning

Following episode six of #TIATalks, former TIA contestant Wayne Moorcroft continues the conversation with his article on his personal journey through The Insurance Apprentice, and the lessons he learned along the way.

In this piece, Wayne reflects on his experiences in the competition, how his perspective shifted, and the deeper understanding he gained about winning, failure, and the power of meaningful relationships in the industry.

A reflection of my journey on The Insurance Apprentice

When signing up for The Insurance Apprentice, the natural instinct is to compete as hard as you can for the top honours. The competition, in its essence, celebrates the one individual who runs the gauntlet and comes out standing on the other side. While the victor is applauded for enduring the tests, the rest of the competitors reflect on their journey, analysing how their efforts contributed to the success of the winner.

The words of Ricky Bobby – “If you ain’t first, you’re last” – often echo in your ears as you cheer for the victor. The sense of defeat can creep in, especially if you don’t come out on top. But there’s something more profound in that experience. It’s not just about the trophy or the title; it’s about the lessons learned along the way.

I’ve had the privilege of competing in TIA for two years in a row, and although the path to victory was different in each season, the start and end points were the same: to win and be celebrated as the one who overcame the challenges. In my first year, I felt like I had failed when I came in fifth place. But by my second attempt, something had shifted. I felt like I won fourth place. The difference? Perspective.

Allow me to elaborate. As a competitor, I always back myself. Failure is not an option for me. In my first season, I was so focused on the goal line, so close to victory, only to make an error in judgment right before the final task. My goal was within reach, and I felt like a horse in the race, only to trip myself up. I was devastated. I felt like a loser, the dream slipping away because of my own mistake. It took me a while to overcome that feeling of failure. The prizes and networking opportunities were a consolation, but deep down, I knew I had left something on the table. I needed redemption.

Fast forward to 2023, the first in-person season since COVID. This time, I had a chance to fight for the elusive title once again, and I grabbed it with both hands. The game plan was simple: don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. This time, I would play hard, learn, and grow. The in-person experience made all the difference for me. While the competition still had its challenges, it was during this season that I truly understood what winning in TIA meant.

I didn’t win the top spot. But I walked away a winner. When I stopped focusing solely on the title and started enjoying the journey and the people around me, I realised the essence of The Insurance Apprentice. TIA is more than just a competition; it’s an environment where individuals come together, work under pressure, and create magic. You quickly learn that no man is an island. If you want to succeed, you need to understand the people around you, their strengths, and how to collaborate effectively. This is not the time for ego or pride.

In my first season, I came in with a mindset of doing it alone. But in the second season, I realised that everyone, no matter how accomplished they seemed, had their insecurities. The people around me were not competitors; they were colleagues and friends in the making. I had the privilege of working with remarkable individuals, each one bringing something unique to the table. After the lights fade, the cameras stop rolling, and the elevator door closes behind us at the end of each day’s filming, it’s in those quiet moments – on the bus ride home – that you learn the true value of these people you once saw as mere competitors.

In my second year, I took a chance. I invested in the people around me. I looked them in the eye, complimented their strengths, and built trust. This simple act empowered them to do the same for me, and soon, we formed genuine friendships. These bonds continue to thrive today, not just because of the shared stress of the competition, but because of shared experiences, fears, and mutual respect.

I walked away from TIA in 2023 with fourth place. Today, I am still winning because I understand that what TIA truly does is bring people together. It’s not about the title or the final score. It’s about the relationships, the growth, and the understanding that comes from working with others. TIA creates a space where people can make mistakes, learn from them, and thrive as a result.

Imagine what could happen if we could carry that mentality beyond the competition – into the workplace, into our communities, into our lives. If we nurture these connections, if we continue to invest in the people around us, we can all walk away as winners.

I often think about the incredible mentor I had in the insurance industry, a man by the name of Klippies. He taught me invaluable lessons on how to treat others with kindness and respect. I remember he would always say, “Treat people well, and the rest will follow.” He didn’t just say that – he lived it every day. He built relationships, not just transactions, and it’s that legacy I’m proud to continue in my work.

Through TIA, I learned that it’s not the perfection of the outcome that matters – it’s the people you work with, the journey you take together, and how you grow along the way. The industry needs more real people, not just those who claim to care, but those who genuinely do.

So, I didn’t win the top prize in 2023. But I did something better: I embraced the experience, I learned from my mistakes, and I built lasting relationships. And to me, that’s the true win.