Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) is pleased to announce that Kyndra Robertson, has assumed the position of GWII President for 2025.
On behalf of Kyndra and the GWII Committee, we extend our gratitude to Catherine Albertyn, the 2024 GWII President, for her dedicated leadership over the past year. Her hard work and contributions as President have been deeply valued and will be remembered with appreciation.
Stepping in as the new President, Kyndra tells us about herself, how she came to join the GWII and why she believes she is suited to the position of President.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your career in insurance for those who might not be familiar with you?
With a solid foundation in the insurance industry, I currently serve as a Sales Operations Manager at a leading software solutions company, where I harness my expertise to streamline processes and enhance sales performance. My journey began in the realm of value-added services, where I spent four enriching years developing innovative solutions for insurers and brokers. This experience not only deepened my understanding of insurance products but also honed my skills in sales strategy, client relations, and operational efficiency. I am enthusiastic about leveraging technology to transform the insurance landscape and empower teams to achieve their goals.
Q. What inspired you to become involved with the GWII?
My inspiration to join the Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) stemmed from a profound desire to empower and uplift women in the insurance industry. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the unique challenges that women face in this sector, and I felt a strong calling to contribute to a community that fosters support, networking, and professional growth. GWII’s mission resonates deeply with me, as it provides an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge, mentoring, and celebrating the achievements of women. I am Eg part of an organization that not only champions diversity but also drives innovation and collaboration in the insurance field.
Q. What are the main objectives of the GWII?
At GWII, our mission is to create a lasting platform that supports women in the insurance industry, fostering both their professional and personal growth. We achieve this by providing meaningful networking opportunities and leadership programs tailored to empower our members. Additionally, we are committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment by collaborating with charitable initiatives that align with our vision. Through these efforts, we not only uplift women within our industry but also contribute to the greater good, reinforcing our dedication to a more inclusive insurance landscape.
Q. Why do you think you are the right fit for the role of President?
I believe I am an ideal candidate for the presidency of GWII in 2025 due to my strong commitment to empowering women in the insurance industry and my extensive experience within the sector. I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in our respective fields and my passion for the committee and industry assists in driving me to create inclusive spaces where our members can thrive. I believe during my 5-year term with the committee, I have successfully implemented networking initiatives that have fostered collaboration among peers. Furthermore, my dedication to community engagement aligns with GWII's mission to give back, as I have actively participated in charitable projects that uplift our society. With a clear vision for the future and a collaborative spirit, I am excited about the opportunity to lead GWII and drive meaningful change for our members.
Q. What qualities do you think are essential for someone in the President’s position?
As the newly elected president of our women's committee, we are embracing the theme “This is SHE” for the upcoming year. I believe that authenticity, passion, and resilience will be the cornerstone qualities that guide our journey together. My goal for the upcoming year is to empower each lady to identify and harness their unique skills and talents, and to use them as tools to navigate the workplace and achieve their aspirations. Together, we will focus on creating a supportive environment where we can share experiences, inspire one another, and grow into the leaders we aspire to be.
Q. While you must take pride in your institute, are there any specific improvements or new initiatives you hope to introduce during your term? What unique contributions will you bring?
I am incredibly proud to lead this organisation and truly see it as a platform for inspiring and empowering women. During my term, I aim to introduce initiatives that emphasise mentorship and collaboration and to create more inclusive networking events that highlight diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels represented. My unique contribution will be my ability to connect with younger women and bridge the gap between our generation and the incredible women who have paved the way before us. I genuinely believe that together, we can create a vibrant, supportive space that celebrates our strengths and fuels our ambitions.
Q. Being part of the GWII involves advancing yourself, your peers, and the industry. Which of these aspects is most significant to you?
Personally, advancing my peers stands out as the most significant aspect of being part of the GWII. I believe that when we uplift one another, we create a ripple effect that strengthens our community and the industry as a whole. By fostering mentorship and collaboration, we can share knowledge, resources, and opportunities that can empower each and every woman to reach her full potential. When we prioritize the growth of our peers, we not only enhance our individual capabilities but also contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic industry where everyone thrives together.
Q. What can GWII members look forward to in terms of events as we move into 2025?
The GWII members can look forward to a dynamic lineup of events designed to enhance networking, leadership skills, and continuous professional development (CPD). We will be introducing new events that include interactive workshops to focus on transformational leadership, where industry experts can share their insights and strategies for navigating challenges in the workplace. Our motivational speaker series will feature inspiring women who have made remarkable strides in their careers, encouraging members to pursue their passions and break barriers. Additionally, we will host regular networking events that facilitate meaningful connections, allowing members to build relationships and collaborate on innovative projects. Finally, our CPD events will provide valuable certifications and training sessions tailored to the evolving needs of our industry, ensuring that every member is equipped to excel and lead with confidence.
Q. Do you have any final thoughts or messages for our readers as we approach the year 2025?
I would like to encourage the readers to embrace a mindset of growth and adaptability. The coming year promises to be filled with opportunities for innovation and collaboration, so let us stay open-minded and supportive of one another. Each challenge we face can become a stepping stone for success when we leverage our collective strengths.
Q. What message would you like to convey to the members?
To all the current and incoming GWII members, I would like to emphasise the power of unity and collaboration. Each and every one of you bring a unique perspective and skillset that can spark innovation and drive positive change. Let us all be open to cultivating an environment where we support each other, share our experiences, and celebrate our achievements, no matter how small.