The year 2024 marked a significant transition for the Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) committee, as Catherine Albertyn assumed the role of President. As her term comes to an end later this year, FAnews had the opportunity to sit down with Catherine to reflect on her journey and discuss the future of GWII.
Q. What has the year 2024 been like for GWII?
R. It’s been a year like no other with more opportunities to challenge yourself, build relationships, laugh and cry with our industry colleagues and friends. It was the Year of Yes and we asked our members to put themselves out of their comfort zones and try new and interesting things. Everyone certainly rose to the challenge, and we have loved every second.
Q. As President, what challenges have you faced and overcome?
R. Balancing being a committee member of the GWII with my career and personal life has certainly been a challenge. I wanted to give it my all on all fronts and it wasn’t always easy and sometimes compromises had to be made in my personal life, but it was all 100% worth it. I have been fortunate to have the most amazing support from Garrun Group and the wonderful team I work with there. I have also had the privilege of working with a wonderful and dedicated committee. Without this support I would not have been able to do it, and of course the support from my husband.
We have also grown our membership to record numbers this year- which whilst it is a nice problem to have - creates challenges of its own with venue sizes, costs and inclusivity. We have been able to overcome this with the continued support of our incredible sponsors who trust us with their brand and CSI spend.
On the lighter side - we do get some crazy requests and responses surrounding our events - we should write a book! Finding topics, venues, activities and food that suits everyone is a challenge that we are continually faced with and will always do our best to overcome in a way that leaves everyone smiling.
Q. What have been some of the standout moments during your presidency?
R. The growth I have seen from each of the ladies on the committee has been significant and something I hope they are each proud of. Learning to work well together and overcome our own individual challenges as we bonded has been a journey and I am going to miss working with them each greatly.
Q. As you prepare to step down, do you have any inspiring words for our readers?
R. I’ll end with a quote by Serena Williams - “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on”.
So, carry on supporting each other and celebrating each other’s successes. I look forward to watching the GWII grow from strength to strength under the leadership of Kyndra, Velene and Michelle.
Catherine announced Kyndra Robertson as the new President of the GWII for 2025, with Velene Peters as Deputy President.
Read up on the committee in our January newsletter.