Meet the Contestant
Mandilakhe Madikane
Corporate Risks Underwriter
Emerald Risk Transfer
Did you choose a career in insurance or did you fall into the industry like so many others? Briefly share your story.
Like so many others, I fell into the Industry. While in search of Employment in 2016, my girlfriend at the time who was working at Aon, informed me of an opportunity at the Mahikeng Office for a Graduate Programme. I applied for the position, and was fortunate enough to score an interview and that’s how my story in Short Term Insurance started.
Why did you choose to enter The Insurance Apprentice?
I was encouraged to do so by my Portfolio Executive, Head of Risk, HR and my CEO. I never had any intention of entering the competition but these people saw the Ad, approached me and convinced this would be a great opportunity and beneficial not only to my personal Brand but career.
In your mind, what qualities should an ambassador of The Insurance Apprentice have?
- Technical Expertise.
- And a Global Approach and Outlook to Insurance
Who has been the biggest influencer on your career and why?
- Simon Chikumbu, Former CEO and current Chairman of Aon Reinsurance Solutions Africa. His leadership skills and ability to gain respect and admiration from everyone who has worked with him.
- Leigh White, Executive Head of Facultative Reinsurance at Willis Re. Her ability to find the best Reinsurance Solutions for Cedents and all-round personality.
In a tweet of 140 characters explain why insurance ROCKS!!!
Insurance is the unsung Hero of the World Economy. We expect no praise and ask for no flags or Monuments but are always there when needed the most.
What would be your dream Apprentice task and why?
Coming up with an idea/vision of what you believe the future of insurance looks like.
What song would you choose for your Insurance Apprentice victory dance?
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
A message to all the TIA sponsors?
You’re investing not only in the future of this industry but are helping build a generation of Insurance practitioners that can take pride in their careers and the contributions they make to this financial Services Industry that we love so much.
How important is winning for you?
Extremely important. I came into this competition with no expectations and no high ambitions, but now, winning is not only about me but making the people who believed in me and this competition extremely proud. I want to ensure they continue to see in others what they see in me.
Advice to yourself about what you should remember and focus on as you are going into the competition.
You have gotten this far and ought to be extremely proud of this position. This competition is not only a test of yourself but what is possible when you take a leap of faith and embark on something new and frightening. Enjoy this moment and look at everything from here on with glee and excitement.