Q&A with The Insurance Apprentice 2023 Top Three: Mutsa Makoni
13 July 2023
The Fulcrum Group Q&A: Rianet Whitehead
5 November 2025
“Don’t be afraid to fight for what you want, don’t be scared of falling short, if you want something enough speak it into existence.”
Q: Where did you start your insurance career?
A: I started my insurance career at Old Mutual as a personal financial advisor before moving to Associated Insurance Brokers Cape, where I was a broker for 8 years. I made the move across to the insurer space with Lombard in my role as a Senior marketer in July 2022.
Q: What prompted you to enter The Insurance Apprentice?
A: I had a colleague who had entered one of the first seasons of the show and I have always thought that it would be a really good opportunity to test myself against the best young talent in our industry.
I am always striving for ways to grow, and I thought it was a chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
While I was broking the opportunity never arose but my regional Manager, Robyn Petersen pushed me to enter.
Once I entered, I wasn’t sure if I would be enough to make it through the regional rounds but to say that I made it into the top 3 is something I am immensely proud of.
Q: What were some of the highlights as a participant in TIA?
A: The way the competition gets you to think about solutions to every day, real life problems, that face not only insurance companies but the broader public of South Africa. It brings out a much more holistic and thorough approach to a problem that stretches beyond your little silo.
Working with amazingly talented, educated and competent young professionals to come up with a workable solution while learning from one another.
Personal growth that can only occur under pressure and outside of your comfort zone.
Q: What were the best lessons learnt?
A: A Lack of affirmation does not mean a job wasn’t well done.
From a personal point of view I got to watch myself in a work environment and really live this out of body experience. I feel like I learned more about who I am and where I can improve especially in a high-pressure environment.
Always read the brief, then read the brief again and then read the brief again before compiling an answer.
Don’t be afraid to fight for what you want, don’t be scared of falling short, if you want something enough speak it into existence.
Q: What advice do you have for future TIA entrants / or why should someone consider entering TIA?
A: Do not hesitate to apply. Just do it. Don’t think about it. I promise you the experience will teach you things that no money, degree or person can.
You can be the next TIA winner, but you won’t know unless you enter.
As I said in the last episode of the seas It is not pressure it’s a privilege.
