The Fulcrum Group Q&A: Rianet Whitehead
5 November 2025
At Fulcrum, we take pride in working alongside our industry peers and supporting initiatives that celebrate talent, collaboration, and leadership. Following the success of The Insurance Apprentice 2025, we caught up with this year’s winner, Khaya Mashologu, to hear more about his journey, the lessons that shaped his experience, and what drives his passion for the insurance industry.
FULCRUM: Where did you start your insurance career?
KHAYA: I started my insurance career in March 2017 at VKB Brokers, a brokerage in the Free State, under the supervision of Tania and James Williams. They laid a strong foundation for me, helping me understand not only the technical side of insurance but also the people-centred approach that makes our industry so rewarding.
FULCRUM: What prompted you to enter The Insurance Apprentice?
KHAYA: My mentor and leader, Rudi van Rooyen, believed in my potential long before I did. It was his encouragement, and a little bit of coercion, that pushed me to take the leap and enter the competition. I’m incredibly grateful that he saw something in me worth challenging. The experience turned out to be one of the most defining chapters of my career so far.
FULCRUM: What were some of the highlights of being a participant?
KHAYA: The Insurance Apprentice offers lessons that go far beyond the competition itself. It teaches you about who you are under pressure, how you collaborate, and what true leadership looks like in action. There were countless memorable moments, from the teamwork required in group challenges to the personal breakthroughs you have when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone. It’s remarkable how the experience can deconstruct your assumptions, rebuild your confidence, and leave you with a renewed respect for the broader insurance ecosystem.
FULCRUM: What were the best lessons you took away from the experience?
KHAYA: So many lessons, but these stand out most:
- Self-awareness and self-mastery are the bedrock of continuous learning.
- Always be a student of leadership.
- Always choose to show up.
- No matter what’s happening externally, you determine the result.
- Everything happens for you, not to you.
- Teams are not just helpful, they are necessary.
- Leverage the strengths of your teammates.
- Keep your aperture open, there’s always more to learn.
Looking ahead
As Khaya reflects on his Insurance Apprentice journey, his focus remains on growth, contribution, and collaboration, the same principles that continue to shape the future of South Africa’s insurance industry. At Fulcrum, we look forward to seeing how Khaya’s story, and many like it, continue to inspire the next generation of professionals to step up, show up, and lead with purpose.
Connect with Khaya Mashologu on LinkedIn
