“When confidence clashes with pressure and the boardroom demands more, every decision counts.” That’s the opening line of the latest TIA Talks podcast, where host Jason Mizen is joined by Carolyn Thompson, Executive: Product, Underwriting & Pricing Retail at Old Mutual Insure and guest judge on #TIA2025 Episode 6, alongside John Beetha – the fifth contestant eliminated after one of the season’s most challenging tasks.
This episode dives deep into a pivotal moment for the Top 6 contestants: the “wheel of fate” challenge. Sponsored by Old Mutual Insure, the task combined innovation, strategy, and a high-stakes game-show twist. Carolyn explained: “We wanted to simulate real-world unpredictability and see how contestants handle risk – it’s never something to gamble with.”
John recalled the tension of the task. He also reflected on teamwork dynamics, noting how his group, led by Darius, navigated who would spin the wheel and how to make collective decisions in a high-pressure environment.
The podcast explored the judges’ perspective on performance. Carolyn highlighted that she looked beyond product knowledge to assess composure, contribution, and leadership under pressure. She explained that contestants often missed the opportunity to think holistically about the customer: “A lot of the time, we focus on what product we can give, rather than what the customer actually needs. It’s important to link your solution to the real person behind it.” John acknowledged this, noting that his approach targeted lower-LSM communities with small, tightly knit structures, though he admitted in hindsight that scale considerations might have been overlooked.
The episode also shared behind-the-scenes moments, including John’s gym routine during TIA, which he used to bond with fellow contestants, and his candid reactions during the task, which Jason likened to a “deer in headlights” moment. John shared: “I trained hard before TIA and even invited every contestant to join – it was a way to test discipline and see who would commit. Not one joined, but it was good bonding.”
Judging under pressure was another theme. Carolyn and Jason discussed how judges make fast, high-stakes decisions based on only a few minutes of presentation. Carolyn acknowledged the challenge: “You need to make quick judgments, and it’s tough to see everything a contestant can do in such a short time. But that’s part of the reality in business too.”
The conversation highlighted the real-world impact of TIA beyond the competition. Carolyn explained how ideas from contestants are already influencing innovation within Old Mutual Insure and other insurers: “We’re passionate about developing future leaders. The innovation we see from contestants is already shaping our own thinking, even if it’s no longer their IP.”
John reflected on the lessons from his journey: “The process showed me how critical it is to be clear, concise, and adaptable under pressure. Even if you’re out of your depth, showing up fully and contributing makes all the difference.”
Ultimately, Episode 7 of TIA Talks is about performance, pressure, and the importance of showing up with confidence — in the boardroom, on the stage, and in life. It’s a reminder that every decision counts and that risk, while inevitable, is never a gamble.
📺 The Insurance Apprentice airs Thursdays at 7pm on SABC3 (headline sponsored by SASRIA). TIA Talks is proudly powered by podcast partner Sapiens, fueling every great conversation.