Paile had edged out seven other finalists – Hollardites Keith Bester, Lisa Foster and Palesa Bolofo, as well as Kurt Stanley (Associated Insurance Brokers), Mutoda Mahamba (MMI), Nick Kadima (Lombard Insurance) and Sicelo Mlotshwa (Aon South Africa) – to take the series, which is aimed at young insurance professionals.
The Insurance Apprentice is an initiative of FAnews; Hollard is a Gold sponsor of the series.
The guest of honour at last night’s function was Shaun Keeling, silver medallist in the men’s coxless pairs rowing at the 2016 Olympic Games. His message was simple: if you believe in your goal and put in the work, you really can do it.
FAnews editor Rianet Whitehead was thrilled at the series outcome, saying that “for sure, this has been the best series so far”.
She is already planning the 2018 edition of The Insurance Apprentice (see the link below to enter) and said that several sponsors are already on board.
“It’s very exciting that the entire insurance industry is speaking positively about the series, that people recognise that it is identifying and nurturing young industry talent and that it’s growing in popularity,” she said.
FAnews editor Rianet Whitehead poses with the finalists (minus Hollard's Palesa Bolofo, who was unable to attend the event).
After being announced the winner, pipping Stanley to top honours, Paile said this of The Insurance Apprentice: “Don't overthink it, just do it! The competition allows anyone who is in the industry, no matter your job, to participate. Take the leap of faith; it's a wonderful growth opportunity and I wouldn't change the experience I had for the world.”
Both Bester and Foster offered similar advice.
“The Insurance Apprentice is an exciting experience that encourages the youth of the industry. The advice I have for future participants is to put yourself out there because opportunities will come from it.
“Be confident in yourself and your abilities – don't let fear hold you back. It's a great opportunity that should be taken,” said Bester.
Added Foster: “Enter! And if you get through, live the experience. You will learn a lot about yourself. Also, be prepared for what it does to your personal brand: people now come up to me or wave to me in corridors. Participating makes you more relatable to people.”
Hollard Broker Markets marketing manager Adel Kriel says: “Competitions such as The Insurance Apprentice are fun to watch, but they also have serious purposes: they showcase bright young talent in the insurance industry, they educate and inform, and they highlight the breadth of exciting career options that the industry has to offer.
“As a company that is committed to nurturing young people and developing them into world-class insurance professionals, Hollard remains a proud supporter of The Insurance Apprentice.”
Do you fancy that you’re a contender for The Insurance Apprentice 2018? Entries are already open! Click here to enter The Insurance Apprentice.
Are you following us on Twitter and LinkedIn for real-time updates?
