Growth begins just beyond the edge of comfort
Jabulile Mtimkulu, Portfolio Manager, Bryte Insurance, South Africa
Africa Insurance Magazine engaged Jabulile Mtimkulu, the portfolio manager at Bryte Insurance in an exclusive to unpack what the 2026 theme for the international women’s month mean to her as a female executive in the African insurance industry. As the president of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng, Jabulile also shared how her involvement with the institute is critical towards amplifying her efforts rooted in supporting continuous learning, professional development and programmes that offer industry exposure to young professionals.
Give to gain: leadership is not about accumulation, but contribution
“To me, give to gain reflects the powerful principle that leadership is not about accumulation, but contribution. In the African insurance landscape, where transformation, mentorship and collaboration remain critical, giving of our time, knowledge and opportunities creates ripple effects far beyond our own careers.
As women leaders, when we intentionally uplift others, we gain stronger teams, richer perspectives and more resilient organisations. Giving also means advocating for inclusion, creating space for diverse voices and investing in the growth of future leaders. Ultimately, the more we contribute to the ecosystem around us, the stronger and more sustainable the industry becomes.”
Creating sanity islands for women in insurance to thrive and flourish
Jabulile expressed the significance of creating sanity islands for women to thrive and flourish. She submits that intentionality is building supportive environments where all women feel supported and empowered is critical to unleash their maximum potential.
“Creating “sanity islands” means intentionally building environments where women feel supported, respected and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
Insurance organisations can do this by fostering psychological safety, flexible leadership cultures and equitable opportunities for growth. Mentorship and sponsorship programmes are particularly powerful because they provide guidance, visibility and advocacy for women navigating complex career pathways.
Equally important is recognising that balance looks different for everyone. Organisations that prioritise wellbeing, open dialogue and inclusive leadership create spaces where women are not simply surviving in the workplace, but truly thriving,” says Jabulile.
Manifesting and inspiring regenerative change
As the African insurance industry continue to grow and evolve, regeneration is crucial to sustain this transformative growth. Jabulile noted that amplifying strategic thinking, adaptability and EQ is foundational in driving regenerative change in the insurance landscape.
“The African insurance industry is evolving rapidly, and women leaders have an important role to play in shaping its future. To drive regenerative change, we must amplify strategic thinking, adaptability and yes, EQ.
Equally critical is the ability to build meaningful relationships and influence across diverse networks. Insurance is fundamentally a people-driven industry, and leaders who combine technical expertise with empathy and collaboration can unlock powerful transformation.
Finally, women leaders should confidently embrace their voices. Authentic leadership grounded in integrity and purpose — creates trust and inspires teams to move forward together.”
Empowering the next generation of leaders
As we experience the shift of a century in the business landscape, insurance leaders have a role to play in shaping the future of the industry by sharing wisdom nuggets and principles that transforms the industry with emerging leaders and mentorship plays a crucial role. Notably, Jabulile in her presidential capacity at the Insurance Institute of Gauteng, priorities structured mentorship and creating growth opportunities for the industry.
“That’s a massive responsibility and the sheer weight that comes with it is something I still grapple with! I believe that empowering the next generation begins with visibility and intentional mentorship. I actively support young professionals by sharing knowledge, providing guidance and encouraging them to pursue opportunities that stretch their capabilities.
Through my involvement with the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG), I am also passionate about supporting programmes and platforms that promote learning, professional development and industry exposure for young professionals. These initiatives create valuable spaces where emerging talent can build networks, gain insights from experienced leaders and develop the confidence to navigate their careers in insurance.
I also believe in creating platforms for emerging voices to be heard — whether through professional networks, industry forums or collaborative initiatives. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply affirming someone’s potential and reminding them that their perspective matters.
By investing in mentorship and creating pathways for growth, we ensure that the next generation of women leaders enters the industry with confidence, courage and a strong sense of belonging.”
Words of wisdom – growth often begins just beyond the edge of comfort
“Believe in the value of your voice and the impact of your presence. Growth often begins just beyond the edge of comfort, so embrace opportunities that challenge you and expand your perspective.
At the same time, remember that success is not a solitary journey. Build strong relationships, support other women and celebrate collective progress.
When women lift each other up, we do more than succeed individually — we transform industries and communities.”
