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

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/

In this episode of In Focus with Insight, Pamela Hellig is joined by Melissa Ramsamy-Agapitus, a trailblazing leader in the financial services industry. With a career spanning roles in actuarial science, strategy, and operations across Africa, Melissa shares her journey from a young girl in Durban with big dreams to an executive shaping change in the sector. Together, they explore the value of intentional leadership, her passion for transformation and inclusion, and how her upbringing and cultural heritage continue to guide her. Melissa opens up about navigating corporate spaces as a woman of colour, learning to manage energy rather than time, and the importance of self-acceptance. This conversation goes beyond boardrooms and career milestones—it’s about courage, community, and the inner work of becoming a grounded, values-led leader. Subscribe for more stories from the actuarial and insurance community, told through the books that shape the people behind the professions. Melissa’s book picks: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson Magda: My Journey by Magdalena Wierzycka Boardroom Dancing by Nolitha Fakude The Enneagram of Parenting by Elizabeth Wagele The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown Connect with Melissa Ramsamy-Agapitus on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-ramsamy-agapitus-69a12680/ 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, host Masimba sits down with Nomfundo Khabela, Strategic Relationships Executive at Health Bridge, to explore the transformative potential of AI in the healthcare sector. Nomfundo shares her personal and professional journey—from growing up between South Africa, Scotland, and New York to working across the African continent—and discusses how Health Bridge is helping hospitals, path labs, and funders embrace digitisation. Whether you're a clinician, health tech innovator, or just curious about the future of medicine—this conversation offers deep insight and inspiration. Connect with Nomfundo Khabela on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomfundo-khabela/ 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 episode of InFocus from the Board of Healthcare Funders Conference, we sit down with Dr. Magome Masike — medical doctor, healthcare leader, and Registrar of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Fresh off the stage, Dr. Masike shares insights from his talk on regulatory reform, universal health coverage, and the evolving challenges of the healthcare sector. From tackling bogus practitioners and counterfeit medicine to staying ahead of fast-moving technologies like artificial intelligence, he unpacks how the HPCSA is working collaboratively to safeguard patient care and strengthen the medical profession. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation on integrity, innovation, and impact in healthcare regulation. Connect with Margie Conradie on these platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magome-masike-8918b5/ 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 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/