Step forward boldly: the world needs your authentic leadership
Wilmine Prinsloo, Partner: Growth, King Price Insurance, South Africa
In the spirit of celebrating feminine wisdom and the unique brilliance of women during this year’s international women’s month; Africa Insurance Magazine had an exclusive with an industry leader whose influence has transformed the practice and profession of insurance in South Africa and beyond – Wilmine Prinsloo. She is currently serving as the Partner for Growth at King Price Insurance in South Africa. In conversation with AIM, Wilmine reflected on how the 2026 theme for women’s month resonates with her and the transformative power of cultivating inner strength and clarity.
What we give multiplies into opportunities, progress, and stronger communities
“The 2026 theme for the international women’s month resonates deeply with me because it reflects the idea that real leadership growth comes from contribution, not just achievement. In our industry where relationships, trust, and mentorship matter – what we give often multiplies into opportunities, progress, and stronger communities.”
To me, “Give to Gain” means three things:
1. Giving mentorship to gain stronger leaders
In insurance, many women are still navigating pathways to leadership. When we give our time, guidance, and support to younger professionals, we gain a stronger, more diverse industry. Mentorship creates confidence, capability, and a pipeline of future leaders who will continue to transform the sector.
2. Giving collaboration to gain innovation
Across Africa, the insurance industry is evolving rapidly with digital transformation, AI, and new risks. When we openly share knowledge, collaborate across companies, and support each other as women leaders, we gain innovation and resilience. Progress becomes collective rather than competitive.
3. Giving courage to gain change
Sometimes giving means speaking up, challenging outdated thinking, and advocating for inclusion. By giving our voice and leadership, we gain a more equitable industry where talent — regardless of gender — can thrive.
Ultimately, “Give to Gain” reminds us that leadership is not about what we accumulate, but about what we contribute.
When women in insurance give mentorship, opportunity, support, and vision, we gain something far greater: a stronger industry, empowered professionals, and a legacy of leadership for the next generation of African women.
“Because when one woman rises, she has the power to lift many others with her.”
A leadership journey shaped by resilience, authenticity and commitment to lifting others
My leadership journey in the insurance industry has been shaped by resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to lifting others as I climb the corporate ladder. Working in a traditionally male-dominated environment, I learned early that credibility is built through consistency, courage, and competence. Rather than allowing challenges or biases to define my path, I chose to view them as opportunities to grow stronger, more strategic, and more self-aware.
One of the key insights from my journey is that resilience is not about enduring hardship silently, but about maintaining clarity of purpose and staying true to your values while navigating complexity. As women executives in insurance, the ability to balance confidence with empathy, and strength with collaboration, becomes a powerful leadership advantage.
My message to women leaders is to invest in relationships, build strong professional networks, and trust their voice at the decision-making table. Leadership is not only about personal success but also about creating pathways for other women to rise.
My story is a reminder that challenges do not diminish leadership potential — they refine it. Through resilience, clarity, and community, women in insurance can transform obstacles into opportunities for influence, innovation, and lasting impact.
Cultivating inner strength and clarity: foundation for transformation
Our environment is complex, competitive, and still evolving in terms of gender representation. Developing inner strength and clarity becomes the foundation for transforming not only personal leadership approaches but also the broader culture of the industry.
1. Inner strength builds resilient leadership
In the insurance sector, leaders regularly navigate uncertainty—economic shifts, climate-related risks, regulatory change, and AI. For female executives, inner strength allows them to remain grounded and confident in spaces that may still be male-dominated.
It fosters resilience, enabling leaders to:
- Stand firm in decision-making,
- Navigate criticism or bias with composure,
- Turn challenges into strategic opportunities.
When a leader operates from inner strength, she leads with conviction rather than validation.
2. Clarity creates strategic impact
Clarity is the compass that guides leadership. Female executives who cultivate clarity in their purpose, values, and vision are better able to align their teams and organizations toward meaningful outcomes.
Clarity enables leaders to:
- Make confident, timely decisions,
- Communicate vision with authenticity,
- Prioritize long-term industry transformation over short-term pressures.
3. Transforming leadership from authority to influence
Self-empowered female leaders often shift leadership from traditional hierarchy to collaborative influence. Instead of leading purely through authority, they lead through:
- Authenticity
- Emotional intelligence
- Relationship-building
This approach is particularly powerful in Africa’s relationship-driven business environment, where trust and networks shape industry progress.
4. Creating space for the next generation of women
When female executives cultivate inner strength and clarity, they become visible examples of possibility. Their leadership transforms organizational culture by:
- Mentoring emerging women leaders,
- Challenging outdated stereotypes,
- Building inclusive leadership pipelines.
This transformation moves the industry from representation to true empowerment.
5. Shaping industry transformation
A self-empowered mindset allows female executives to approach transformation with courage and innovation. Instead of simply adapting to industry change, they become architects of it—driving conversations around:
- Digital innovation and AI in insurance,
- Inclusive financial protection across Africa,
- Ethical and purpose-driven leadership.
The significance of cultivating inner strength and clarity lies in its ability to transform leadership from within. This mindset is not only about personal empowerment—it becomes a catalyst for organizational change, industry evolution, and the empowerment of future generations of women leaders.
Ultimately, when women lead with inner strength and clarity, they do more than succeed—they reshape the narrative of leadership in the industry.
Word of wisdom to female executives and the next generation of leader
1. Lead with authenticity
Never feel pressured to become someone else to succeed. Your voice, perspective, and lived experiences are your greatest leadership assets. Authentic leaders inspire trust and create space for others to do the same.
2. Build resilience, not just ambition
The leadership journey will come with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Resilience is what transforms those moments into stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
3. Lift as you rise
True leadership is not about reaching the top alone. It is about opening doors, mentoring others, and creating opportunities for the women and leaders who will follow.
4. Invest in relationships
Networks are not built in moments of need but through genuine connection over time. Support systems, mentors, and peers are critical pillars of a sustainable leadership journey.
5. Embrace lifelong learning
Industries evolve, technology changes, and leadership expectations shift. The most impactful leaders stay curious, adaptable, and open to growth.
6. Trust your inner compass
There will be moments where the room may question you. In those moments, remember that your seat at the table was earned. Trust your judgement and stand confidently in your purpose.
7. Lead with impact, not just title
Leadership is not defined by position but by influence, integrity, and the difference you make in people’s lives and organisations.
Final thought
The future of leadership will be shaped by those who lead with courage, compassion, and collaboration. To the next generation: step forward boldly — the world needs your authentic leadership.
