Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) is pleased to announce that Catherine Albertyn, a GWII committee member, has assumed the position of GWII Deputy President for 2023.
Catherine joined GWII as a member (approximately) in 2016 and was elected to the committee in 2022. Stepping in as the new Deputy President, Catherine tells us a little bit more about herself and how she came to join the GWII.
A Q&A session
Briefly, tell us a little about yourself and your career in insurance.
I studied a BCom, with Insurance and Risk Management and Economics as my majors, at Wits University straight out of school- so yes, I chose insurance as a career from the word go! My first job was in claims administration, at the Motor Claims Bureau in Randburg where I got a good opportunity to apply the theory that I had learnt at university. After a year, I moved on to Stalker Hutchinson & Associates (now SHA Risk Specialists) and specialised in the motor fleet division. After 4 years, I left SHA and started at Commrisk Insurance Brokers, where I remained for 10 years in various roles until moving to GIB Insurance Brokers to head up the Personal Lines division. After 5 years at GIB, I moved down the road to Garrun Group in the same role and have recently migrated into the position of Partnerships Manager with Garrun, working closely within our branch network.
What motto do you live by?
Live with passion!
Briefly, what are your five ingredients for success?
- Elevate those around you, show appreciation for them;
- Be authentic, stay true to yourself;
- Be curious, have an open mind, learn from others – challenge the norms and be comfortable with being challenged;
- Know your boundaries, don’t be scared to express them – boundaries are good; and
- Be generous and kind.
From your personal experience, why is GWII a beneficial platform for our members and the industry?
It allows women to expand their network in a unique environment and be introduced to likeminded women that they that can aspire to, be motivated and mentored by. It exposes us to new ways of thinking and provides a platform where we can interact and learn together. And of course, enjoy a glass of wine with girlfriends!
What role will GWII play in the future for women in our industry?
GWII plays a vital role in upskilling, mentoring and building up women in the industry. Insurance is a female dominated industry; however, women are often not on a level playing field with their male counterparts and come across various challenges in the workplace that are unique to being a woman. The GWII provides support and guidance, as well as a platform to celebrate what being a woman in insurance is all about.
What advice do you have for other women entering the industry?
Be true to yourself and support each other. The industry we operate in is vast and can be tough on so many levels (balancing a career, being a mom and more) and instead of competing against your female colleagues – collaborate with them, draw them in – as a team you will be unbeatable – “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” – African Proverb.
As Deputy President, what does GWII have in store for our members in 2023?
We, as a committee, will always strive to exceed what has been achieved in the prior year. Catherine Naidoo is a tough act to follow, however, Shaazia has some exciting surprises for us in 2023 and I look forward to supporting her in bringing them to fruition.
What personal message do you have for our members as we embark on a new year?
I hope you are feeling fresh and rested and rearing to go, which is just how we want to start a new year. According to the Chinese Horoscope – 2023 is the year of the Rabbit. This is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity and 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. With this in mind – remember to make time for yourself – manage that work/life balance, thereby enabling yourself to the best that you can be. Set aside time each day for something that “fills your tank”- ride your bike (my first choice), go for a run/walk, write in your journal, meditate, read – whatever it may be – you are your first priority!