The Fulcrum Group Q&A: Rianet Whitehead
21 September 2021
The Fulcrum Group Q&A: Sherryl Harding
6 June 2022
“It is a great opportunity to work with people out of your daily circle, challenge yourself, and belong to a community that is always doing its best to provide only the best to its peers”.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself, and how came to your current position in insurance.
A: I am a mom of two, I work with my husband in his financial advisor practice, and I assist with the short-term and medical aid book. I started as a personal assistant for a financial advisor and was given the opportunity to start at the internal short-term broker, I moved from there to work for corporate insurers and decided to join my husband’s practice.
Q: Being involved with an insurance institute suggests furthering yourself, your peers, and your industry. Which of the three is most important to you?
A: I would say furthering myself as I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged, which is a great opportunity. However, being able to assist members in their education and awarding them for their achievements is very rewarding.
Q: To which kinds of people should the insurance industry be offering career opportunities?
A: The younger generation needs to be brought into the industry. There are students that struggle to find a job in their qualifications, they are eager to work and learn.
Q: If you had to make an elevator pitch to someone on why they should belong to an insurance institute, what would you say to them before the lift doors open and they’re gone forever?
A: It is a great opportunity to work with people out of your daily circle, challenge yourself, and belong to a community that is always doing its best to provide only the best to its peers. And it is fun planning and implementing our functions.
Q: No doubt you’re very proud of your institute. But is there anything you’d particularly like to improve or introduce during your tenure and make it even better?
A: Yes, I am proud, I don’t think I could better anything, however, I would like to get our social calendar up and going again soon. Hopefully we able to get together this year for more socials.
Q: Name one person in the insurance industry who inspires you and tell us why.
A: Not really one person, but I would have to say all previous Institute Chairpersons. To be able to work in an industry that is always keeping us on our toes and to complete the duties of a chairperson is going to be difficult so I admire their effort.
