Meet the Contestant
Temwa Nyirenda
Reinsurance Underwriter
Santam Broker Solutions
Did you choose a career in insurance or did you fall into the industry like so many others? Briefly share your story.
I chose the insurance industry, I have a passion for personal finance education and I chose to be a financial advisor as a way to help people make smarter financial decisions. That has help me in my journey in the insurance industry and now I teach personal finance on social media.
Why did you choose to enter The Insurance Apprentice?
My manager and colleague encouraged me to apply. I had doubts but they are the two people who believed in me the most and gave me all the tools and support to thrive in the competition.
In your mind, what qualities should an ambassador of The Insurance Apprentice have?
The biggest quality is Passion! From that single quality, everything else will flow from. Passion to Learn! Passion to Teach! Passion to Innovate! Passion to Inspire!
Who has been the biggest influencer on your career and why?
My manager Lucia Watkins, she identified the talent in me and groomed it. Gave me countless opportunities to develop myself. In her words “You are an asset to the insurance industry, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you grow”
In a tweet of 140 characters explain why insurance ROCKS!!!
Insurance provides protection against Murphy(‘s law) ensuring you are covered & giving you peace of mind should something go wrong!
What would be your dream Apprentice task and why?
Looking back at last season, Developing an App/Idea targeted at under 30’s would be my dream task. Simply because I have a brilliant Idea that I feel would definitely work for this market and would like to bring it to light.
What song would you choose for your Insurance Apprentice victory dance?
“Walking on a Dream” – Empire of the Sun
A message to all the TIA sponsors?
Thank you for being part of a great initiative that allows so many in the insurance industry to challenge themselves to be better! For inspiring innovation and excellence in this great industry. Thank you for your contribution in allowing us to show our talents and inspire many more to do the same.
How important is winning for you?
Coming from a high-pressure environment, winning is extremely important as I’m not just representing myself but my whole team. Showing them that from pressure we can all be diamonds. I believe winning would inspire my team and department a lot.
Advice to yourself about what you should remember and focus on as you are going into the competition.
READ THE BRIEF!!! For god sake please READ THE BRIEF!!! Play smart! Be genuine! And learn as much as you can! You have already won by making it this far!