Tarryn Lochner represents Fulcrum as a Roots and Wings Mentor 2026

Fulcrum has always been a supporter of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng’s educational programmes, and this year we are once again proud to have our team representing in the Roots and Wings Programme, we reached out to Tarryn Lochner, General Manager Fulcrum Collections in our Q and A series to find out more about her mentorship journey ahead.

FULCRUM:   Who is your mentee, and what are you most looking forward to supporting them with?

TARRYN:  My mentee is Cynthia Matitima, a Quoting Insurance Underwriter at CIB. I am looking forward to this journey with her, as she is a highly driven individual who is eager to excel within both her team and the broader insurance industry. She is naturally introverted and is seeking support in becoming more comfortable expressing her ideas and building confidence in her role as a team leader (referred to as a ‘Buddy Leader’ at CIB).

 FULCRUM:   Why did you decide to take part as a mentor in the Roots & Wings programme?

TARRYN:   Every year I was invited to participate as a mentor, and each time I declined because I felt I wasn’t ready and didn’t have the capacity. This year, I chose to step out of my comfort zone and take on the opportunity. I wanted to give back to the insurance community by sharing the knowledge and skills I’ve gained over the years, especially in people management, and in understanding that people are the core structure of any successful business.

FULCRUM:  What do you hope your mentee will gain from this mentorship?

TARRYN:  I hope Cynthia uncovers the confidence that already exists within her and finds her voice. She has every reason to put herself forward and thrive even more than she already is. I have no doubt that once she embraces her voice, she will be unstoppable.

FULCRUM:   What advice or guidance do you find most valuable to share with your mentee?

TARRYN:  The best advice I have ever received is: ‘Do not take things personally.’ In a corporate environment, or any environment really, it’s essential to separate yourself from the situation at hand. Most business decisions are driven by what is best for the organisation, not by personal feelings about an individual. When people are able to remain emotionally neutral, they can see situations more clearly and respond more effectively. When every piece of criticism or resistance feels personal, burnout follows quickly. It isn’t easy to detach from criticism, but when you manage to do so, you can evaluate feedback objectively. You grow faster because you stop seeing improvement as an attack, and start seeing it as an opportunity.

FULCRUM:  How do you hope your mentorship will help the future of the industry?

TARRYN:  Insurance has been around for more than a century, and much of the deep knowledge and experience is fading as the older generation retires. At the same time, many young professionals don’t yet see the insurance industry as a space for growth, continuous learning, or genuine excitement, when in reality, it offers all of that and more. With the increasing adoption of technology, AI, and automation, we’re gaining incredible efficiencies, but we’re also at risk of losing the critical thinking and foundational expertise that have always been essential to the industry. The Roots and Wings programme helps bridge this gap. It connects new talent, who bring fresh perspectives and technological thinking, with seasoned professionals who carry decades of insight and legacy. Through mentorship, valuable knowledge is passed on, strengthening the next generation and shaping where the insurance industry can go. The possibilities are endless, and I am genuinely excited to see what the new generation will bring.