In Focus with Insight
Insight Health & Life Solutions
Welcome to “In Focus, with Insight,” a podcast that ignites curiosity and explores diverse perspectives on business, technology, and innovation in the health and life insurance landscape. Facilitated by Insight, a leader in consulting, actuarial modeling, data management, business intelligence, clinical consulting, and analytics. This podcast series takes a focused approach to exploring the ever-evolving industry. At Insight, we thrive on curiosity and embrace the power of data as tenacious problem solvers. Our integrated skillset and diverse expertise enable us to offer cutting-edge solutions to complex challenges. Join us on this exploratory journey as we dive into data-driven insights, delve into captivating case studies, explore thought-provoking concepts, and uncover emerging trends. Let your curiosity be our compass as we embark on an inspiring exploration of the world of health and life insurance.
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Top 10 In Focus with Insight Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best In Focus with Insight episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to In Focus with Insight for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite In Focus with Insight episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Elsa Beytell is an open book
In Focus with Insight
05/30/24 • 57 min
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Open Books podcast on In Focus with Insight! Hosted by Pamela Hellig, Head of Insight Life Solutions, this series explores the lives and careers of fascinating individuals in the actuarial and insurance communities through the lens of the books that have influenced them.
In this episode, Pamela sits down with Elsa Beytell, Head of the Internal Consulting Unit at Old Mutual. She has a wealth of experience in the global financial sector, having worked in SA and the UK. She started her career in South Africa before moving to the UK where she predominantly worked at Old Mutual Plc and at Swiss Re. After 12 years in the UK Elsa return to South Africa where she was the Managing Director of OMART, a cell captive life insurer, before she joined the Internal Consultancy at the end of 2021.
Join us as Elsa shares insights into her career, her passion for books, and how literature has shaped her professional journey. From her early love of reading to the impactful leadership lessons drawn from classics like Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" and Edith Eger's "The Choice", Elsa's story is one of resilience, growth, and eternal curiosity.
Don't miss this episode as we delve into Elsa's experiences, her approach to leadership, and the innovative projects keeping her busy at Old Mutual. Whether you're an avid reader, an insurance professional, or someone interested in personal development, this conversation promises to be enlightening and inspiring.
Elsa’s book picks:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
The Choice by Edith Eger
Books by Jim Collins and Clayton Christianson
When breath becomes air by Paul Kalanithi
Think again by Adam Grant
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Connect with Elsa Beytell on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsa-beytell-558a96/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
In this episode, Pamela sits down with Elsa Beytell, Head of the Internal Consulting Unit at Old Mutual. She has a wealth of experience in the global financial sector, having worked in SA and the UK. She started her career in South Africa before moving to the UK where she predominantly worked at Old Mutual Plc and at Swiss Re. After 12 years in the UK Elsa return to South Africa where she was the Managing Director of OMART, a cell captive life insurer, before she joined the Internal Consultancy at the end of 2021.
Join us as Elsa shares insights into her career, her passion for books, and how literature has shaped her professional journey. From her early love of reading to the impactful leadership lessons drawn from classics like Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" and Edith Eger's "The Choice", Elsa's story is one of resilience, growth, and eternal curiosity.
Don't miss this episode as we delve into Elsa's experiences, her approach to leadership, and the innovative projects keeping her busy at Old Mutual. Whether you're an avid reader, an insurance professional, or someone interested in personal development, this conversation promises to be enlightening and inspiring.
Elsa’s book picks:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
The Choice by Edith Eger
Books by Jim Collins and Clayton Christianson
When breath becomes air by Paul Kalanithi
Think again by Adam Grant
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Connect with Elsa Beytell on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elsa-beytell-558a96/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Darren Behrendt is an open book
In Focus with Insight
10/28/24 • 59 min
Join us for another episode of the Open Book series on "In Focus with Insight," where host Pamela Hellig dives into the world of books with leaders from the actuarial and insurance community.
In this episode, Pamela sits down with Darren Behrendt, CEO of Investec Life (and holder of a PhD in Mathematics), to discuss his career journey, from academia to co-founding businesses across South Africa, Canada, and Europe.
Darren shares his love of reading, the great adventure of fatherhood, and how the books he loves have shaped his leadership and vision for Investec Life.
Darren’s book picks:
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Fooled by Randomness, Antifragile, Skin in the Game and The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The Lessons of History by Will Durant and Ariel Durant
The Body by Bill Bryson
The Undoing Project and The Big Short by Michael Lewis
The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott
The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann
Connect with Darren Behrendt on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-behrendt-108b41b6/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
In this episode, Pamela sits down with Darren Behrendt, CEO of Investec Life (and holder of a PhD in Mathematics), to discuss his career journey, from academia to co-founding businesses across South Africa, Canada, and Europe.
Darren shares his love of reading, the great adventure of fatherhood, and how the books he loves have shaped his leadership and vision for Investec Life.
Darren’s book picks:
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Fooled by Randomness, Antifragile, Skin in the Game and The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
The Lessons of History by Will Durant and Ariel Durant
The Body by Bill Bryson
The Undoing Project and The Big Short by Michael Lewis
The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew Scott
The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffmann
Connect with Darren Behrendt on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-behrendt-108b41b6/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Soshan Soobramoney is an open book
In Focus with Insight
09/25/24 • 48 min
In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Soshan Soobramoney, an accomplished actuary, lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, and co-founder of the Actuaries in the Making virtual vacation work programme. Soshan takes us through his remarkable journey – often reflected in the books he has read – from a successful corporate career to full-time academia.
We cover the trauma that can be caused by actuarial studies (a topic Soshan is currently researching); the importance of being allowed to make mistakes; and the beauty of mathematics – a subject in which Soshan is currently pursuing his PhD.
Throughout our discussion, we touch on the books that have significantly shaped his thinking and marked milestones and eras of his life. Soshan’s story offers a deep dive into education, personal development, and the power of fostering environments where independent thought thrives.
Soshan’s book picks:
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins
The Promise That Changes Everything by Nancy Kline
What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry
Connect with Soshan Soobramoney & Insight Group on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshan-soobramoney-8463704/
University of Johannesburg: https://www.uj.ac.za/members/soshan-soobramoney/
We cover the trauma that can be caused by actuarial studies (a topic Soshan is currently researching); the importance of being allowed to make mistakes; and the beauty of mathematics – a subject in which Soshan is currently pursuing his PhD.
Throughout our discussion, we touch on the books that have significantly shaped his thinking and marked milestones and eras of his life. Soshan’s story offers a deep dive into education, personal development, and the power of fostering environments where independent thought thrives.
Soshan’s book picks:
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins
The Promise That Changes Everything by Nancy Kline
What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Bruce D. Perry
Connect with Soshan Soobramoney & Insight Group on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soshan-soobramoney-8463704/
University of Johannesburg: https://www.uj.ac.za/members/soshan-soobramoney/
Nalen Naidoo is an open book | Part 1
In Focus with Insight
02/28/24 • 36 min
Join host, Pamela Hellig as she gets to know Nalen Naidoo.
Nalen is a highly-respected actuary who, after an illustrious career in insurance, made the switch to join Naspers, where he heads up the Property24 business.
He also holds various leadership positions in Board structures, and is the Chair of the ASSA Education Board, Chair of the ASSA Transformation Committee, and is ASSA President-Elect.
In this episode, Pamela and Nalen discuss sleep, servant leadership, data-driven decisions and how an actuary becomes head of an online property- and cars- online classifieds company.
Nalen’s book picks:
• Why We Sleep - Matthew Walker
• Factfulness - Hans Rosling
• Autobiography of a Yogi - Parmahansa Yogananda
• The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku
• Cultural Intelligence - Julia Middleton
Connect with Nalen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalen-naidoo-69b36818/?originalSubdomain=za
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Nalen is a highly-respected actuary who, after an illustrious career in insurance, made the switch to join Naspers, where he heads up the Property24 business.
He also holds various leadership positions in Board structures, and is the Chair of the ASSA Education Board, Chair of the ASSA Transformation Committee, and is ASSA President-Elect.
In this episode, Pamela and Nalen discuss sleep, servant leadership, data-driven decisions and how an actuary becomes head of an online property- and cars- online classifieds company.
Nalen’s book picks:
• Why We Sleep - Matthew Walker
• Factfulness - Hans Rosling
• Autobiography of a Yogi - Parmahansa Yogananda
• The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku
• Cultural Intelligence - Julia Middleton
Connect with Nalen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalen-naidoo-69b36818/?originalSubdomain=za
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Marjorie Ngwenya is an open book
In Focus with Insight
04/04/24 • 59 min
Welcome to the latest episode of Open Books – a series of the In Focus with Insight podcast. In this instalment, Pamela Hellig, Head of Insight Life Solutions, gets to know NED, author, executive coach, speaker and actuary, Marjorie Ngwenya, through the books she has read and loved.
Marjorie is known in actuarial circles for, amongst many other things, having been the youngest person and first person of colour to serve as President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, and for being an external member of the Prudential Regulation Committee of the Bank England. In this episode of Open Books, we learn more about her passion for mentoring, coaching, and, of course, reading, by looking at her career journey through the lens of the books she considers to have been most influential in her life.
Marjorie is not only a reader, but also a published author. We talk about her new book, "Empowered Evolution”, which aims to empower individuals to shape their mindsets, discover their purpose, and thrive with momentum.
Marjorie’s book picks:
• A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman
• The Courage to be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
• A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
• Dune by Frank Herbert
• Letting Go by David Hawkins
Connect with Marjorie Ngwenya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjoriengwenya/
Visit her website: https://aboutmarjorie.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmarj/
Buy Marjorie’s book, “Empowered Evolution”: https://www.amazon.com/Empowered-Evolution-Mindset-Discover-Momentum/dp/1948382741
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Marjorie is known in actuarial circles for, amongst many other things, having been the youngest person and first person of colour to serve as President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, and for being an external member of the Prudential Regulation Committee of the Bank England. In this episode of Open Books, we learn more about her passion for mentoring, coaching, and, of course, reading, by looking at her career journey through the lens of the books she considers to have been most influential in her life.
Marjorie is not only a reader, but also a published author. We talk about her new book, "Empowered Evolution”, which aims to empower individuals to shape their mindsets, discover their purpose, and thrive with momentum.
Marjorie’s book picks:
• A Course in Miracles by Helen Schucman
• The Courage to be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi
• A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
• Dune by Frank Herbert
• Letting Go by David Hawkins
Connect with Marjorie Ngwenya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjoriengwenya/
Visit her website: https://aboutmarjorie.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmarj/
Buy Marjorie’s book, “Empowered Evolution”: https://www.amazon.com/Empowered-Evolution-Mindset-Discover-Momentum/dp/1948382741
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Nalen Naidoo is an open book | Part 2
In Focus with Insight
02/29/24 • 38 min
Join host, Pamela Hellig as she gets to know Nalen Naidoo.
Nalen is a highly-respected actuary who, after an illustrious career in insurance, made the switch to join Naspers, where he heads up the Property24 business.
He also holds various leadership positions in Board structures, and is the Chair of the ASSA Education Board, Chair of the ASSA Transformation Committee, and is ASSA President-Elect.
In this episode, Pamela and Nalen discuss sleep, servant leadership, data-driven decisions and how an actuary becomes head of an online property- and cars- online classifieds company.
Nalen’s book picks:
• Why We Sleep - Matthew Walker
• Factfulness - Hans Rosling
• Autobiography of a Yogi - Parmahansa Yogananda
• The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku
• Cultural Intelligence - Julia Middleton
Connect with Nalen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalen-naidoo-69b36818/?originalSubdomain=za
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Nalen is a highly-respected actuary who, after an illustrious career in insurance, made the switch to join Naspers, where he heads up the Property24 business.
He also holds various leadership positions in Board structures, and is the Chair of the ASSA Education Board, Chair of the ASSA Transformation Committee, and is ASSA President-Elect.
In this episode, Pamela and Nalen discuss sleep, servant leadership, data-driven decisions and how an actuary becomes head of an online property- and cars- online classifieds company.
Nalen’s book picks:
• Why We Sleep - Matthew Walker
• Factfulness - Hans Rosling
• Autobiography of a Yogi - Parmahansa Yogananda
• The Happiest Man on Earth - Eddie Jaku
• Cultural Intelligence - Julia Middleton
Connect with Nalen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalen-naidoo-69b36818/?originalSubdomain=za
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Roseanne Harris is an open book
In Focus with Insight
06/27/24 • 59 min
Welcome to In Focus with Insight! Hosted by Pamela Hellig, Head of Insight Life Solutions, the Open Books series delves into the inspiring stories of actuaries and the books that have shaped their professional and personal lives.
In this episode, Pamela is joined by Rosanne Harris, a distinguished healthcare actuary with a rich career in the actuarial profession. Rosanne studied at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where she still teaches, and she qualified as an actuary in 1996. Throughout her career, Rosanne has made significant contributions to the actuarial community. She has chaired numerous committees, including the Health Committee, Transformation Committee, Tuition Committee, and the Education Board of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA). Notably, she served as ASSA president from 2016 to 2017 and was the president of the International Actuarial Association (IAA) in 2022.
Currently, Rosanne heads the Policy and Regulatory Affairs Unit at Discovery Health and serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Join Pamela and Rosanne as they explore Rosanne's career journey, her work on phenomena such as Covid and NHI, and the books that have influenced her along the way. This episode offers a blend of professional insights and literary inspiration, perfect for anyone interested in how actuaries can contribute to solving societal problems, healthcare, or a love of reading.
Roseanne's book picks:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Justice: A Personal Account by Edwin Camerom
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Connect with Roseanne Harris on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanne-harris-73175112/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
In this episode, Pamela is joined by Rosanne Harris, a distinguished healthcare actuary with a rich career in the actuarial profession. Rosanne studied at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), where she still teaches, and she qualified as an actuary in 1996. Throughout her career, Rosanne has made significant contributions to the actuarial community. She has chaired numerous committees, including the Health Committee, Transformation Committee, Tuition Committee, and the Education Board of the Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA). Notably, she served as ASSA president from 2016 to 2017 and was the president of the International Actuarial Association (IAA) in 2022.
Currently, Rosanne heads the Policy and Regulatory Affairs Unit at Discovery Health and serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Join Pamela and Rosanne as they explore Rosanne's career journey, her work on phenomena such as Covid and NHI, and the books that have influenced her along the way. This episode offers a blend of professional insights and literary inspiration, perfect for anyone interested in how actuaries can contribute to solving societal problems, healthcare, or a love of reading.
Roseanne's book picks:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Justice: A Personal Account by Edwin Camerom
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Connect with Roseanne Harris on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanne-harris-73175112/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Healthcare Collaboration in Africa | BHF Conference 2023 | Episode 1
In Focus with Insight
07/21/23 • 19 min
Healthcare Collaboration in Africa at BHF Conference 2023 with Masimba & Dr Amit N. Thakker
🎙️ In this episode of the Inside Podcast In Focus, join host Masimba as he interviews a prominent doctor and healthcare consultant Dr Amit N. Thakker. They discuss various topics, including healthcare financing, public-private collaboration, and the importance of dialogue and trust between the sectors.
Dr Amit N. Thakker shares insights from their experience in Kenya and Ghana, highlighting the need for inclusive healthcare models that benefit both patients and providers. Discover how industry bodies like Africa Health Business and healthcare federations play a vital role in fostering collaboration and shaping healthcare policies. Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the future of healthcare in Africa.
🎙️ In this episode of the Inside Podcast In Focus, join host Masimba as he interviews a prominent doctor and healthcare consultant Dr Amit N. Thakker. They discuss various topics, including healthcare financing, public-private collaboration, and the importance of dialogue and trust between the sectors.
Dr Amit N. Thakker shares insights from their experience in Kenya and Ghana, highlighting the need for inclusive healthcare models that benefit both patients and providers. Discover how industry bodies like Africa Health Business and healthcare federations play a vital role in fostering collaboration and shaping healthcare policies. Tune in for an engaging conversation that sheds light on the future of healthcare in Africa.
Transforming Healthcare: Patient-Centered Care | BHF Conference 2023 | Episode 2
In Focus with Insight
08/14/23 • 36 min
Dr. Sipho Kabane, CEO and Registrar of Medical Schemes at the Council for Medical Schemes, delivered a presentation on the transformation towards patient-centered care at the BHF conference in 2023. He emphasized the importance of protecting member interests, which includes ensuring quality services, health outcomes, financial risk protection, good governance, value for money, and the prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse. Dr. Sipho Kabane highlighted opportunities for collaboration, such as amending the Medical Schemes Act and the ongoing review of the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) to promote patient-centric care. He expressed the need for industry-led initiatives and urged schemes and administrators to implement recommendations. Dr. Sipho Kabane discussed the journey toward patient-centered care, including potential structural changes, legislative reviews, and industry collaboration. He acknowledged the complexity of the transition and emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders. Dr. Sipho Kabane also touched on access to healthcare, financial risk protection, and operational reforms in both the public and private sectors. He expressed satisfaction with the industry's solvency levels, resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cooperation in providing additional benefits to members. However, he highlighted concerns regarding governance issues, disputes with members, challenges in implementing statutory managers, and the need for improved data collection on processes, outcomes, and impacts. Dr. Sipho Kabane suggested the development of a quality framework that focuses on inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes to guide decision-making and enable informed choices for members.
Unpacking the Funeral Insurance Market in South Africa | with Pamela Hellig & Stefanus van der Linde
In Focus with Insight
08/28/24 • 26 min
Join us in this episode of In Focus with Insight as Head of Insight Life Solutions, Pamela Hellig, sits down with Stefanus van der Linde, the Product Owner for Funeral business at MMH. Stefanus shares his insights into the funeral cover market, explaining the key differences between funeral cover and life cover, and unpacking the trends and challenges faced by insurers offering these products and their clientele.
Going hand-in-hand with his passion for the market he serves and solving societal problems, is Stefanus’ leadership journey. He also delves into the importance of company culture, collaboration, and creating a psychologically safe work environment. Stefanus' reflections on leadership, team motivation, and the parallels with South Africa's economic landscape provide valuable lessons for both industry professionals and aspiring leaders.
Don't miss this conversation that connects the dots between funeral insurance, leadership, and societal challenges in South Africa.
Connect with Stefanus van der Linde on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanus-van-der-linde-042689325/
🔗 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightactuaries
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Going hand-in-hand with his passion for the market he serves and solving societal problems, is Stefanus’ leadership journey. He also delves into the importance of company culture, collaboration, and creating a psychologically safe work environment. Stefanus' reflections on leadership, team motivation, and the parallels with South Africa's economic landscape provide valuable lessons for both industry professionals and aspiring leaders.
Don't miss this conversation that connects the dots between funeral insurance, leadership, and societal challenges in South Africa.
Connect with Stefanus van der Linde on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanus-van-der-linde-042689325/
🔗 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insightactuaries
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
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FAQ
How many episodes does In Focus with Insight have?
In Focus with Insight currently has 30 episodes available.
What topics does In Focus with Insight cover?
The podcast is about News, Tech News and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on In Focus with Insight?
The episode title 'Transforming Healthcare: Patient-Centered Care | BHF Conference 2023 | Episode 2' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on In Focus with Insight?
The average episode length on In Focus with Insight is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of In Focus with Insight released?
Episodes of In Focus with Insight are typically released every 16 days.
When was the first episode of In Focus with Insight?
The first episode of In Focus with Insight was released on Jul 21, 2023.
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