Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) hosted an empowering and insightful networking event on 23 April 2026 at Discovery Insure. Themed ‘She Leads with Integrity’, the event brought together the GWII ladies for an afternoon filled with leadership insights, inspiring conversations, and valuable connections. A powerful afternoon of leadership and connection
The event began with a warm welcome and introduction, where attendees were greeted, sponsors were acknowledged, and Penny Milner-Smyth was introduced by Easvarie Naidoo, Deputy President of GWII. This was followed by an inspiring keynote by Penny, who shared her valuable insights on purpose-driven leadership, authenticity, and the importance of strong values. Penny’s message resonated deeply with attendees, encouraging them to lead with integrity and authenticity in both their personal and professional lives. Her thought-provoking talk set the tone for an afternoon of reflection and growth.
Penny’s core message on integrity and ethics emphasised the importance of leading with self-awareness and authenticity. She highlighted that true integrity is not about adhering to external standards or simply following rules when others are watching, but rather about maintaining a strong, internal moral compass even when no one is observing. Penny shared a profound insight from Naval Ravikant: “Don’t do things that are wrong, not because someone else might be watching, but because you are.”
This, she explained, encapsulates the essence of ethical leadership – acting in a way that aligns with one’s own values, cultivating self-esteem, and fostering a sense of psychological safety for others. She also spoke about how leadership is not about perfection but about consistent, thoughtful actions that build trust and influence over time. Drawing an analogy to a lighthouse, Penny illustrated how leaders, much like lighthouses, should consistently provide guidance and clarity, not for recognition, but because it serves a greater purpose.
Penny further emphasised that a moral compass is central to guiding families, organisations, and communities, helping them navigate challenges and make ethical decisions. Leaders who understand and nurture this compass can uplift others, fostering environments where people feel valued, respected, and empowered to do their best. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors
Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who played an instrumental role in making ‘She Leads with Integrity’ a memorable experience. We extend our heartfelt thanks to:
Main Sponsor: Discovery Insure
Co-Sponsors: Bryte and One Financial Services Holdings
Complimentary Sponsors: Camargue and QSURE
Their unwavering support allowed us to create an environment where women could connect, learn, and be inspired to lead with authenticity and integrity. Supporting a worthy cause True to the spirit of GWII, the event was not only about celebrating leadership but also giving back to the community.
An entrance fee of R100 per guest was donated to Merchants of Light, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all our members, whose contributions will help support this important cause. Lucky draw and fabulous prizes
Donations
The event was made even more exciting with a series of lucky draws, thanks to the generosity of our prize sponsors. Guests had the chance to win a range of wonderful prizes, generously donated by:
Auto&General
Beyonda
Comm Risk
Envirosure
Global Choices
HIC Underwriting Managers
Hollard
Invuya Institute of Learning
MUA Insurance Acceptances
Oaktree Intermediaries
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to these sponsors for their contributions and for making the lucky draw such a fun part of the event! A memorable afternoon
As the event came to a close, attendees left not only with new insights into leadership but also with a deeper understanding of integrity and ethical decision-making. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, our amazing speaker Penny from Ethicalways (www.ethicalways.co.za), as well as to our sponsors for their invaluable support in making this afternoon both meaningful and impactful.
We look forward to our next event and hope to see you there!