In Focus with Insight

• Margie Conradie is an open book

  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/

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• Board Succession Planning & Governance: Insights with Michelle Beneke | BHF Conference 2024

  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/

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• Nicky Patchett is an open book

  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/

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• Mental Health, Climate Change, and the African Experience with Dr Sara Touirsi

  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/

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• Dalisu Dube is an open book

  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/

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