Say HELLO to GWII’s new President… Catherine Albertyn

Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) is pleased to announce that Catherine Albertyn, has assumed the position of GWII President for 2024.

On behalf of Catherine and the GWII Committee, we would like to thank Shaazia Khan (2023 GWII President) for all her efforts in leading the GWII during the past year. Shaazia’s efforts and contributions as President will always be appreciated.

Stepping in as the new President, Catherine tells us about herself, how she came to join the GWII and why she believes she is suited to the position of President.

For those who don’t know, tell us a little about yourself and your career in insurance.

I studied a BCom, with Insurance and Risk Management and Economics as my majors, at Wits University straight out of school - so yes, I chose insurance as a career from the word go! My first job was in claims administration, at the Motor Claims Bureau in Randburg where I got a good opportunity to apply the theory that I had learned at university. After a year, I moved on to Stalker Hutchinson & Associates (now SHA Risk Specialists) and specialised in the motor fleet division. After four years, I left SHA and started at Commrisk Insurance Brokers, where I remained for 10 years in various roles until moving to GIB Insurance Brokers to head up the Personal Lines division. After five years at GIB, I moved down the road to Garrun Group in the same role and have recently migrated into the position of Partnerships Manager with Garrun, working closely within our branch network.

How did you come to join the GWII?

I have always loved the social aspect of our industry and had many friends and colleagues that were members and raved about GWII events - it really was a “no brainer” from there on.

What is the purpose of GWII?

The GWII aims to build a sustainable platform for women in the insurance industry. We offer opportunities to support the professional and personal advancement of women through relevant networking and leadership programs. We also give back to society and the environment by partnering with charitable initiatives that share our vision.

We promote collaboration with all women at all levels within the industry, resulting in undeniable value added to the industry through the strength, knowledge, and unified power of women.

Why do you believe you are suited to the position of President?

I think first and foremost I have a will to serve and give back to the industry that has given me so much. I am passionate about the industry and about uplifting people in general. I am lucky enough to have been put in a position which allows me and the GWII committee to create opportunities that cultivate this. While I am quite certain that I will not be the perfect president, I am ready to be challenged and intend on leading the awesome GWII team with humility, whilst always remaining authentic and true to myself and the vision of the GWII.

In the President’s shoes… what qualities do you believe are important to have?

Courage, humility, passion, independent thinking, flexibility, adaptability, accessibility, someone who communicates well and often, ethics.

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? In other words, what will you be bringing to the table?

A key focus of 2024 will be that of collaboration. We would like to look for opportunities to collaborate more with our other industry bodies such as the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA), Financial Intermediaries Association of South Africa (FIA) and Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) in order to further our shared objectives in the spirit of Ubuntu. Working together, I believe, presents opportunities to support, uplift and grow our communities. I’d also like to expose more learners to the industry so that insurance becomes a career of choice rather than something you just fall into. In 2024, we are also celebrating 10 years since the inception of the GWII, hence it will be a year of celebration and continued focus on empowering woman - especially at c-suite level.

Being involved with the GWII suggests furthering yourself, your peers and your industry. Which of the three is most important to you?

For me - furthering my peers is most important. I have been lucky to have been introduced to some wonderful mentors - men and woman - in my career and the journey that they have encouraged me to take, and the lessons learnt are invaluable. By furthering your peers, I think the other two - furthering your industry and furthering yourself - will naturally follow.

Going into 2024, what can GWII members expect, in terms of events?

The year 2024 is the “Year of Yes” … encouraging women to say “yes” to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities that come their way. By doing so, women can break free from self-imposed limitations and societal expectations, and discover their true potential by embracing self-love, self-care, and self-discovery, standing in their POWER and passing their learnings on to future generations.

In addition to our much-anticipated networking, professional development and leadership events - we will be running “10 challenges for 10 years” from Feb to November next year and will be encouraging our members to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the new opportunities for growth and self-development by saying YES to the challenges.

Do you have any last words you wish to share with our readers as we head into the year 2024?

2024 is the year of the dragon, coincidentally I was also born in the year of the dragon (I won’t tell you how long ago), it is also a leap year. The dragon is considered to be a symbol of good fortune and power. So, let’s embrace “The Year of Yes” and stand in our POWER. Let’s challenge ourselves to explore outside of our comfort zones and do this together. In the words of Oprah Winfrey - “create the highest grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.”

Your message to members?

I can’t wait to interact with our membership base and see our ladies thrive and say “Yes” with bravery and passion. I look forward to working with our dynamic and creative committee, bringing you even more opportunities to engage and grow.

A note of thanks to Garrun Group for allowing me the opportunity to take up this role and spend the necessary time that will be required to fulfil my duties.

 

       GWII’s new President            GWII’s new Deputy President