In this episode of In Focus with Insight, Pamela Hellig sits down with the remarkable Margie Conradie, a healthcare actuary, high school mathematics teacher, university lecturer, and the voice behind the podcast So What's It Actuary About? Margie’s career has taken her from consulting to teaching at a boys' boarding school, and now to lecturing and furthering her studies through a master's in education. She also runs a YouTube channel dedicated to helping matric students through past paper walkthroughs.

Together, they explore Margie’s deep love of books and how stories, especially audiobooks, helped her overcome early struggles with reading. From her childhood filled with cassette tapes to her current audiobook-fuelled multitasking lifestyle, Margie shares the role that literature plays in her life—and why characters like Samwise Gamgee and Anne of Green Gables continue to inspire her.

This is more than just a conversation about books. It’s about resilience, creativity in education, and the joy of building learning environments that are engaging, inclusive, and transformative.

Subscribe for more stories from the actuarial and insurance community, told through the books that shape the people behind the professions.

Margie’s book picks:

Middle March by George Eliot

The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson

Connect with Margie Conradie on these platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margsmack/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margie-conradie-mackechnie-85318386/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sowhatsitactuaryabout

Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

In this episode of In Focus with Insight, Lubalethu Dube talks with Michelle Beneke, an attorney and company secretary, about board succession planning in medical schemes. They discuss governance gaps in the Medical Schemes Act, balancing institutional memory with fresh thinking, and practical ways to improve board effectiveness.

Michelle highlights how committees can train and identify future board members and shares insights on BHF’s initiative to include non-directors in board discussions. This approach broadens representation and helps develop future leaders in governance.

She emphasizes that governance isn’t just about rules—it’s about practical application and continuous learning. Like refining a recipe, adjustments are necessary to achieve the best outcome. She encourages innovation, patience, and a willingness to try new approaches.

She also reminds BHF members that a governance committee is available for support. If you need guidance, reach out to the BHF.

Connect with Michelle on these platforms:

Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-beneke-23116030/

Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

In this episode of Open Books, Pamela Hellig sits down with Nicky Patchett, an experienced actuary and Head of Actuarial Function for multiple Old Mutual entities.

Nicky shares insights from her career journey, her involvement in the actuarial profession, and her passion for justice and championing the interests of policyholders. In fact, a striking message emerges from her book selection – one of tolerance, understanding and focusing on the things that make people similar rather than what divides them.

She also talks about her family life, her recently found hobby of figure skating, as well as how books have both shaped and reflected her thinking and approach to life.

Nicky’s book picks:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven

Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller

Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

Connect with Nicky Patchett by email:

Email: [email protected]

Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

Join us for an insightful episode of In Focus as we dive into a conversation with Dr Sara Touirsi, a psychiatrist from Casablanca, Morocco, speaking live from the BHF Conference in Cape Town.

Dr Touirsi shares her unique perspectives on the intersection of climate change and mental health, touching on topics like eco-anxiety, PTSD, and how global crises are shaping our mental well-being. Discover how mental health is influenced by environmental changes and why it's crucial to address these challenges across Africa.

We also explore the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health in African societies and the importance of accepting and confronting mental illness in a holistic way. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on mental health, leadership, and the future of global health.

Connect with Dr Sara Touirsi on these platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saratouirsi/

Follow us on social media:

Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

In this episode of Open Books, Pamela Hellig chats to Dalisu Dube, CEO and Founder of Linar Insurance, for an inspiring conversation that bridges entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal growth.

Dalisu shares his journey from growing up in a small town to leading a micro-insurance company with a purpose-driven mindset. He discusses the importance of learning from diverse experiences, the power of mentorship, and embracing failures and challenges as the path to success. Dalisu also talks about how his passion for serving the lower income market has led to initiatives like Linar’s partnership with Stockvel Academy and the

establishment of MIASA (Microinsurance Association of South Africa).

Throughout the episode, Pamela and Dalisu explore key lessons from books like David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell and The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. Dalisu explains how these works have shaped his approach to leadership and innovation, emphasising the importance of taking action and building sustainable solutions that serve others.

Tune in for an uplifting discussion on overcoming challenges, entrepreneurship, and building a legacy, and discover how Dalisu's purpose is rooted in helping others grow, both financially and personally.

Dalisu’s book picks:

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

The First President by Heather Hughes

The Lean Startup Book by Eric Ries

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Connect with Dalisu Dube on these platforms:

Dalisu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalisudube/

Linar Insurance LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/linar-insurance/

Email: [email protected]

Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

In this episode of In Focus with Insights, Pamela Hellig, Head of Insight Life Solutions, hosts a special edition of the Open Books series. This episode celebrates Insight's 10th anniversary and the last episode of 2024 with special guest, Barry Childs, Group CEO of Insight.

Join Barry as he reflects on 10 years of Insight, lessons learnt along the way, and his personal journey and achievements as a healthcare actuary. The conversation also dives into Barry’s personal reading list, exploring both fiction and non-fiction authors that inspire his approach to leadership, systems thinking, and problem-solving. Barry’s diverse interests reflect a curious mind constantly seeking new perspectives. Tune in to hear insights on business, personal growth, and the books that have shaped this leader’s outlook.

Barry’s author picks:

Dr. Dan Ariely

Edwards Deming

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Eliyahu M Goldratt

Muhammad Yunus

Terry Pratchett

Connect with Barry Childs & Insight Group on these platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrychilds/Insight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barry.childs.9

X: https://x.com/barrychilds

Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

In this episode of In Focus with Insight, Pamela Hellig, Head of Insight Life Solutions, sits down with Costa Economou, the President of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and founder of Colourfield Liability Solutions. Costa, a highly accomplished actuary with an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a CFA, CAIA and CQF Charter holder, shares his remarkable professional journey and leadership insights.

In this episode of Open Books, Costa shares his experiences of growing up as the son of Greek immigrants, begging for his first job on hands and knees (literally!) and the leap of faith he took into entrepreneurship. Costa also delves into how literature serves as both an intellectual challenge and a form of escapism amidst his demanding roles as CEO, President of the Actuarial Society, non-executive director of insurers, and father of twins.

Tune in to discover Costa's favourite reads, his thoughts on the evolving actuarial profession, and how books and stories continue to inspire his leadership and vision for the future. Whether you’re a bibliophile, an actuarial professional, or simply curious about what drives an industry leader, this conversation offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration.

Costa’s book picks:

A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Rafa My Story by Rafael Nadal

Connect with Costa Economou on these platforms

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costa-economou-b555361b/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

Join us for another episode of the Open Book series on "In Focus with Insight," where host Pamela Hellig dives into the world of books with leaders from the actuarial and insurance community.

In this episode, Pamela sits down with Darren Behrendt, CEO of Investec Life (and holder of a PhD in Mathematics), to discuss his career journey, from academia to co-founding businesses across South Africa, Canada, and Europe.

Darren shares his love of reading, the great adventure of fatherhood, and how the books he loves have shaped his leadership and vision for Investec Life.

Darren’s book picks:

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Fooled by Randomness, Antifragile, Skin in the Game and The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

The Lessons of History by Will Durant and Ariel Durant

The Body by Bill Bryson

The Undoing Project and The Big Short by Michael Lewis

The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott

The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann

Connect with Darren Behrendt on these platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-behrendt-108b41b6/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/

In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Soshan Soobramoney, an accomplished actuary, lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, and co-founder of the Actuaries in the Making virtual vacation work programme. Soshan takes us through his remarkable journey – often reflected in the books he has read – from a successful corporate career to full-time academia.

We cover the trauma that can be caused by actuarial studies (a topic Soshan is currently researching); the importance of being allowed to make mistakes; and the beauty of mathematics – a subject in which Soshan is currently pursuing his PhD.

Throughout our discussion, we touch on the books that have significantly shaped his thinking and marked milestones and eras of his life. Soshan’s story offers a deep dive into education, personal development, and the power of fostering environments where independent thought thrives.

Soshan’s book picks:

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins

The Promise That Changes Everything by Nancy Kline

What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry

Connect with Soshan Soobramoney & Insight Group on these platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshan-soobramoney-8463704/

University of Johannesburg: https://www.uj.ac.za/members/soshan-soobramoney/

Join us in this episode of In Focus with Insight as Head of Insight Life Solutions, Pamela Hellig, sits down with Stefanus van der Linde, the Product Owner for Funeral business at MMH. Stefanus shares his insights into the funeral cover market, explaining the key differences between funeral cover and life cover, and unpacking the trends and challenges faced by insurers offering these products and their clientele.

Going hand-in-hand with his passion for the market he serves and solving societal problems, is Stefanus’ leadership journey. He also delves into the importance of company culture, collaboration, and creating a psychologically safe work environment. Stefanus' reflections on leadership, team motivation, and the parallels with South Africa's economic landscape provide valuable lessons for both industry professionals and aspiring leaders.

Don't miss this conversation that connects the dots between funeral insurance, leadership, and societal challenges in South Africa.

Connect with Stefanus van der Linde on these platforms:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanus-van-der-linde-042689325/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/

Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/