Q&A with The Insurance Apprentice 2023 Top Three: Christopher David Appanah
12 July 2023
Q&A with The Insurance Apprentice 2023 Top Three: Kyle Klopper
13 July 2023
“There is something about being pulled outside of your comfort zone that accelerates your personal growth and resilience.”
Q: Where did you start your insurance career?
A: My decision to get into insurance was strongly influenced by my studies at the University of Witwatersrand, where I studied and enjoyed Insurance and Risk management. My insurance career started in 2014 in the broking space, at Minerva Risk Advisors (formerly Aon Zimbabwe). The experience and interactions I had at Minerva were invaluable and formed a good foundation for my career. I continued in the broking space for a further 7 years before making the transition to underwriting in 2021 with my current employer, Chubb, and so far it has been a great experience with a great team.
Q: What prompted you to enter The Insurance Apprentice?
A: Based on what I had seen and what other colleagues had told me, I was keen to experience it for myself. Could the judges really be that bad? But most importantly, it was evident that the experience had been significantly instrumental in their personal and career growth. I can confirm it has already done the same for me and the timing could not have been better.
Q: What were some of the highlights as a participant in TIA?
A: All the people I got the privilege of interacting with; from meeting industry leaders, connecting with my fellow competitors and experiencing the support and encouragement that came from industry colleagues, friends, and family. The biggest highlight was completing the journey and making it to all the way to the Finale!
Q: What were the best lessons learnt?
A: I can confidently say that I am not the same person as I was before being part of TIA. There is something about being pulled outside of your comfort zone that accelerates your personal growth and resilience. It also allowed me to discover areas that need further development. I only expect to continue on an upward trajectory.
Q: What advice do you have for future TIA entrants / or why should someone consider entering TIA?
A: TIA offers such a unique platform for young professionals in the industry to excel and to excel in such a fulfilling manner. I would encourage every individual who meets the criteria to enter, to make sure they do so at least once.
