Avoiding a Slow Death: Dr. Michael Mol on Health, Purpose & Living Fully | with Lubalethu Dube

Join Lubalethu Dube at Foresight Dialogues 2024 as we celebrate a decade of impact and dive into a vital conversation with Yanga and Shelly-Ann. In this episode of In Focus, we unpack the role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in shaping the future of South Africa’s healthcare system. From defining what health economics really means to exploring how HTA can reduce resource duplication and improve access to life-saving innovations, this conversation highlights the urgent need for a more unified and evidence-based approach to funding healthcare technologies. We also explore the vision of an independent HTA exchange, the challenges smaller funders face, and the ambition to bring transparency, equity, and efficiency into decision-making across the public and private sectors. Connect with Yanga and Shelly-Ann on these platforms: Yanga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanga-nokhepheyi-msc-b33423143/ Shelly-Ann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-mcgee-bb172913/ 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 award-winning financial journalist and author Maya Fisher-French (Maya on Money) to explore the intersections of money, media, and meaning. Join us to unpack the realities of money, media, and retirement in South Africa. From the dangers of TikTok financial advice and online scams to lifestyle inflation, abusive credit insurance, and the myths around retirement, Maya shares insights from decades of experience helping South Africans make smarter money decisions. We explore lessons from books like The Behaviour Gap, The Daily Stoic, and The Psychology of Money—and why financial rules of thumb often fail women due to longevity gaps and systemic bias. Maya also talks about her fight against abusive credit insurance, why the lottery is entertainment not a plan, and how financial education through TV, podcasts, and social media can truly change lives. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:01:01 - Introducing Maya Fisher-French 00:08:55 - Book 1: The Psychology of Money 00:13:07 - Financial Education and Planning 00:15:40 - Book 2: The Behaviour Gap 00:18:59 - Maya's Journey from Economics to Journalism 00:23:04 - The Misconceptions of Being a Celebrity 00:26:40 - Book 3: The Daily Stoic 00:31:21 - Maya's Interest in the Retirement Gap 00:31:32 - High Income Earners and Retirement 00:34:06 - Insurance and Credit Insurance 00:36:36 - Underwriting and Pooled Risk 00:41:46 - Maya's Book Recommendations 00:46:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Maya’s book picks: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel The Behaviour Gap by Carl Richards The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday Kings of Shanghai by Jonathan Kaufman A Gentleman in Moscow by Novel by Amor Towles Connect with Maya Fisher-French on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayaff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaonmoney/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayaOnMoney YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mayaonmoney4043 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, Barry Childs sits down with Andrew Donaldson — economist, former National Treasury official, and academic — to unpack South Africa’s complex journey with health financing reform. Drawing on decades of experience in public finance and health policy, Andrew reflects on the lessons of the Taylor Committee, the stalled momentum of institutional reforms, and the challenge of balancing bold policy visions like National Health Insurance (NHI) with the practical realities of implementation. We explore how South Africa’s health financing debates have evolved since the 1990s, the milestones and reform efforts that shaped the conversation, and why progress toward universal healthcare has slowed over time. We also unpack the risks of chasing “big ideas” without delivery, and highlight the importance of trust, experimentation, and partnerships in building a stronger, more equitable healthcare system. Connect with Chris Watney on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://saldru.uct.ac.za/contacts/andrew-donaldson 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 powerful episode of the In Focus Podcast, Lubalethu Dube sits down with the dynamic Dr. Michael Mol to unpack his talk from Insight’s 10-Year Celebration. They explore what it really means to avoid a slow death, why healthspan matters more than lifespan, and how small, consistent habits can radically transform your life. From confronting the overwhelming health advice on social media to understanding the five simple pillars of well-being—eating real food, sleeping well, moving daily, cultivating connection, and finding your why—Dr. Mol reminds us that being healthy is easier than we think. This episode is more than just health tips—it’s a heartfelt conversation about loss, legacy, and choosing life with intention. Whether you're navigating your 20s or planning for your 80s, this one will leave you reflecting on what truly matters. Connect with Dr. Michael Mol on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmol/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.michaelmol 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 Pamela Hellig in this episode of In Focus with Insight: The Open Book Series as she sits down with Amogelang Kgaladi — Group Chief Actuary at Guardrisk, MBA graduate, and one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans (2020). Amo takes us on his journey from starting his actuarial career at EY, leading corporate actuarial at First National Bank, and pivoting into strategy and M&A at McKinsey, to his current leadership role at Guardrisk. He shares the books, ideas, and experiences that have shaped his approach to leadership, strategy, and high-performing teams. Amo reveals how conscious decisions, courageous conversations, and psychological insights can drive success, offering practical advice on building trust, giving feedback, and leading with clarity and empathy. This episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring leaders, Amogelang’s book picks: No Rules Rules by Erin Meyer and Reed Hastings 10 Golden Stars to Leadership Excellence by Dr Tom Dreyer Strategy Beyond The Hockey Stick by Chris Bradley, Martin Hirt, and Sven Smit Take Charge by Nyimpini Mabunda Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Connect with Amogelang Kgaladi on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amogelang-kgaladi-fassa-mba-3bbbbba0/ 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 special In Focus with Insight episode at Foresight’s 10th anniversary, host Lubalethu Dube chats with healthcare consultant Shannon Phillips about the power of collaboration between South Africa’s public and private healthcare sectors. Shannon shares real-life stories of how the Voula app is bridging the gap—connecting primary care providers with specialists, streamlining referrals, and ensuring patients get the right care at the right time. From faster diagnoses to seamless transitions between sectors, this conversation reveals how technology can transform healthcare delivery. Connect with Shannon Phillips on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-phillips-61b1081a9/ 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 the In Focus with Insight, we welcome Chris Watney, CEO of the International Federation of Health Plans (IFHP), to discuss how private health insurance funds and plans are helping shape stronger, more effective health systems around the world. Chris shares his journey from the UK to New Zealand, his leadership at Southern Cross, and how he stepped into the CEO role at IFHP during the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains how IFHP connects 90+ health insurance organizations in 40 countries, creating a platform for members to share experiences, solve challenges, and spread best practices. Connect with Chris Watney on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherwatney/ 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, Pamela Hellig is joined by Head of Sanlam Digisure, Edwin Theron, for a rich and wide-ranging conversation that moves from entrepreneurship to automation, and from small beginnings to bold ideas. They dive into the lessons of books such as The Innovation Stack by Jim McKelvey and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight — exploring the value of starting small, how passion fuels persistence, and why innovation isn’t reserved for a select few. Edwin reflects on the discipline and teamwork he learned through sport, and how that’s shaped his approach to leadership and building businesses. They also discuss the responsible use of AI, the importance of protecting creativity and critical thinking, and the kind of mindset needed to thrive in times of rapid change. Edwin’s book picks: Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari Trillion Dollar Coach by Eric Schmidt, Jonathan Rosenberg and Alan Eagle Life of the Beloved by Henri J.M. Nouwen The Innovation Stack by Jim McKelvey Show Dog by Phil Knight Connect with Edwin Theron on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwin-theron-119554100/ 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, Pamela Hellig sits down with Marusha Nariansamy, an actuary and product development leader, to explore the books that have shaped her thinking and career. Through titles like The Boy Who Never Gave Up, Grit, Children of Sugarcane, Genius, and Four Future Seasons, Marusha reflects on themes of perseverance, identity, innovation, and strategic thinking. She shares how stories of grit and survival resonate deeply with her experience in insurance startups, where resilience and a sense of ownership are key. Books like Genius inspire her to simplify complex systems in the life insurance industry, while Four Future Seasons offers a practical framework for navigating uncertainty and preparing for different possible futures. Marusha also speaks passionately about social impact—highlighting the actuary’s role in breaking down systemic barriers to financial inclusion, the importance of products that truly serve people, and the benefits of mutual insurance companies. Marusha book picks: The Boy Who Never Gave Up: A Refugee's Epic Journey to Triumph by Emmanuel Taban Grit by Angela Duckworth Children of sugarcane by Joanne Joseph Genius by Bruce Whitfield Four Future Seasons by Dr Craig Wing Connect with Marusha Nariansamy on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marusha-nariansamy-198928154/ 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/

What will it take to make Universal Health Coverage a reality in South Africa? In this episode of In Focus, Lubalethu Dube speaks with healthcare analyst Kgaogelo Maredi about the lessons we can draw from Rwanda and Ghana—two African countries making major strides in healthcare access. Together, they unpack the essential ingredients for success: strong political leadership, cross-sector collaboration, long-term funding strategies, and governance. They also examine major risks, including over-reliance on donor funding, fraud, and healthcare infrastructure gaps in rural areas. Above all, Kgaogelo reminds us: this is not an overnight process—it’s a decades-long effort that demands vision, patience, and trust. Connect with Kgaogelo Maredi on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgaogelo-maredi-8203a8128/ 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/