Team
Movers and shakers
Submitted by Michaela on Wed, 2011-12-07 16:32Content:
Ian Koen has recently changed roles at MUA. She was a Short Term Insurance Underwriter and she is now a Manager Broker Consultant for MUA Johannesburg and Pretoria Branches. Find out more about Ian and her new position:
What is your previous experience before being appointed as the MUA Manager Broker Consultant for the Johannesburg and Pretoria branches?
I have been in the insurance industry since 1989 starting out at Liberty Life for more than 6 years. Following this I joined a Brokerage in 1996 when Liberty Life administration office in Ermelo closed down, where I did life insurance, medical aid and began my short term insurance journey which involved short term insurance underwriting at a Brokerage for personal lines and commercial lines and the occasional claims handling.
What are your roles and responsibilities as the Manager Broker Consultant?
My new role as a Manager Broker Consultant entails building relations with existing brokers and making contact with dormant brokers for possible future business. Most importantly I ensure brokers continue supporting MUA while trying to get more business from brokers by providing support for them whenever they need it.
How did your previous industry experience assist you in this role?
Being in a brokerage environment made me aware of what a client expects from a broker and his insurance company as well as what a broker requires from insurance companies to give the best service to his client effectively.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
People believe in the concept of “I’m happy with what I have” and the biggest challenge would be to get them out of that groove, and start looking at ALL available options in the marketplace.
What is your advice to people wanting work in the broker consulting field?
NO challenge is too big. People have minds, and minds can be changed – just have your own mind set on the right goals!
What is your favorite way to relax after work?
Aerobics
What is your personal motto?
Maximum living each day….forget yesterday, concentrate on today.
Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever – Walt Disney
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Five minutes with Cheryl van den Berg, Assistant Manager: Technical Underwriting at MUA Cape Town
Submitted by Michaela on Wed, 2011-12-07 16:20Content:
What is your previous industry experience before being appointed as the MUA Assistant Manager: Technical Underwriting for the Cape Town branch?
I started in the Insurance Industry in 1979, with U.N.S.B.I.C (Union National South British Insurance Co.) in Durban. I have Personal, Commercial, Marine, Travel & Claims experience. I have held the positions of Head of Department, Commercial & Personal Underwriting, as well as Underwriting Manager for 4 years, prior to my move to the Cape just over 3 years ago.
What are your roles and responsibilities as the Assistant Manager: Technical Underwriting?
I have various roles within my position, but the key objectives are to conduct audits on staff working under my supervision; keep track of loss ratios / growth on all scheme brokers; handle entire renewal process; liaise with the Compliance Manager in regard to FAIS requirements and up-dates; quality control; releasing claims payments; submitting quarterly reports to the Regional Manager; but especially to focus on profitability within the Company being maintained in order to achieve the required loss ratio set by Compass. This is being carried out on a continuous basis by filtering out multi-claimants and performing reactive underwriting where necessary.
How did your previous industry experience assist you in this role?
It has helped me to become confident and remain calm in problematic situations, as there is always a solution.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
To ensure that all staff members comply with the latest legislation in regard to FAIS requirements. In addition to make staff members aware of the importance of the relevant exams and the consequences of not complying.
What is your advice to people wanting work in the Technical Underwriting field of insurance?
Have a passion for your work, as it is an extremely interesting occupation to get involved in. Be prepared to write exams, but with the knowledge that this will help you succeed within your profession.
What is your favorite way to relax after work?
I don’t really relax, but I suppose it would be doing crosswords.
What is your personal motto?
My personal motto is to “Always Give Of Your Best”. For me there is no better feeling than to know that you have done your best.
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Five minutes with…. Sharlini Pillay, Senior Claims Administrator at MUA KwaZulu-Natal
Submitted by Michaela on Tue, 2011-10-25 10:35Content:
What is your previous experience before being appointed as the MUA Senior Claims Administrator for the KZN branch?
I was a Domestic Administrative Manager at a broker’s office called The Leigh Group (Missionary Medical and General Brokers).
What are your roles and responsibilities as the Senior Claims Manager?
As a Senior Claims Administrator I register claims within the Alpha split; brainstorm with my colleagues to find solutions to problems; administer the releasing of payments on claims; refer repudiation files to management to discuss further and assist the department when the manager is not in.
How did your previous industry experience assist you in this role?
My past experience has given me the necessary leadership qualities; enabled me to think outside the box; and most importantly allows me to empathise with our clients as I too was a broker.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
I love challenges and tackling them head on so they are not a problem for me.
What is your advice to people wanting work in the claims department?
Those wanting a role in the claims department must be level headed; have an inquiring mind, must have good listening and communication skills; a good memory; they must be ask for help when needed; and last but not least have the determination to succeed.
What is your favorite way to relax after work?
Exercise or Yoga
What is your personal motto?
Strive for excellence no matter what you are doing!
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Five minutes with…. Miranda van Rooyen, Claims Manager at MUA KwaZulu-Natal
Submitted by Michaela on Tue, 2011-09-20 05:39Content:
1. What is your previous experience before being appointed as the MUA Claims Manager for the KZN branch?
I worked in both Underwriting and Claims departments for Prestasi, Statsure and Alexander Forbes.
2. What are your roles and responsibilities as the Claims Manager?
Ensuring that the team is happy and motivated together with ensuring fast, efficient and accurate claims settlement.
3. How did your previous industry experience assist you in this role?
Having the knowledge and experience of an underwriter, combined with the claims experience, for the length of time I have has made my role a pleasure.
4. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
Always keeping the balance; for me it is not about me it is about the team, the broker and the client.
5. What is your advice to people wanting work in the claims department?
You have to be strong, fast and accurate. If you do not have these qualities I would suggest not going to the claims department.
6. What is your favorite way to relax after work?
Relaxing on the couch, watching Caesar Milan the Dog Whisper on the telly… do I have to mention the glass of red wine?
7. What is your personal motto?
Live in the now
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Movers and Shakers
Submitted by Michaela on Tue, 2011-09-20 05:33Image/Video:
Image
Short description:
MUA would like to welcome the new additions to the MUA family and wish MUA team members who have changed roles at MUA the best of luck in their new positions.
Content:
MUA would like to welcome the new additions to the MUA family and wish MUA team members who have changed roles at MUA the best of luck in their new positions.
Imelda Hendricks
Imelda Hendricks role at MUA Cape Town has changed from Underwriting Title Underwriter to Claims Administrator In her new role her responsibilities entail liaising with brokers and assessors about the claim submitted and ensuring fair settlement of these claims. She will also advise brokers on general issues relating to claims and the underlying cover. When asked why she has moved from the underwriting department to the claims department she says the move is just one step on my career map. She has joined the department to gain experience and leverage her existing skills. Upon completion of her qualification, she believes the experience gained in the department will assist her in achieving my career objectives. Her plans for the future include advancement, whether it will be within the company or industry at large. Imelda’s favouritequote is by Maya Angelou; “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said and did, but will never forget how you made them feel.”
Owen Kearney
Owen Kearney at MUA Cape Town has made a move from the underwriting department to become a broker consultant for the Northern Suburbs and Boland area. In his new role Owen aims to promote MUA’s name in the market and to contribute to the growth of the MUA business. His plans in his new role include meeting as many brokers as possible and brining in high quantities of good business for the company. Owen is very excited about his new position and says; “It is a new challenge for me and I’m the sort of person who likes new challenges. I strive to do my best in whatever challenge I am faced with. I also want to grow within MUA.”
Other movers and shakers who have shown high dedication to their role and deserve some recognition for their hard work in the MUA Cape Town branch this month include:
Juanita Basson
Juanita Basson, who was previously temping in loading quotes, will become a permanent staff member and will take over Imelda’s portfolios as an underwriter.
Elmien Uys
Elmien Uys, who was also a temp handling testing on the motor rates, will take progress to take over Owen’s underwriting portfolio.
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5 minutes with…. Lizelle Truter, Underwriting Manager
Submitted by Michaela on Wed, 2011-07-06 12:06Content:
1. Tell us about your position as Underwriting Manager at MUA
I joined MUA in November of last year as the Underwriting Manager. I have a great team of underwriters and we have grown together over the last couple of months, made some changes in our department, moved the office around and have now started to settle in nicely into our new roles.
2. What are your roles and responsibilities as the Underwriting Manager MUA?
I have various responsibilities, but my main role is to lead and support my team in their duties. I assist with the quote desk, support the Western and Eastern Cape Regional Manager in her duties and ensure that we maintain good underwriting standards as far as possible.
3. How did you get to this point?
You don’t have to be mad to work in this industry, but it sure helps… Seriously though – I have had some brilliant mentors in my life and they have helped me to develop my natural talents and have taught me to develop the skills I previously didn’t have. I also love to learn new things and that has stood me in good stead.
4. How did your previous industry experience assist you in this role?
I have managed to spend some time in most areas of our business, but most of my career has been spent in various claims positions and I feel that claims always gives you a good background for underwriting: It makes you more aware of the risks that are out there and you know what “danger” signs to look out for. You also learn very quickly to trust your “gut instinct”.
5. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
Maintaining service excellence: not dropping the ball when it comes to providing service to our brokers and clients. Keeping the team morale high and making sure we get the rating correct and underwrite correctly.
6. Would you recommend a career in insurance to young people?
Absolutely yes, it is a career with so many diverse paths that you can follow – claims, training, underwriting, accounting, assessing and sales. It is brilliant!
7. Do you have a personal motto?
Seize the Day
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5 minutes with … Delouise Marais, Regional Manager: Gauteng at MUA
Submitted by Michaela on Thu, 2011-03-31 00:00Content:
1. Tell us about your new appointment at MUA
High net worth individuals are looking for value that is not only unique but also priced appropriately. They are savvy shoppers looking for quality as well as an individual experience. There is an emotional connection when it comes to protecting the lifestyle they have worked so hard to create. MUA understand the needs of this target market with its flexible and pro active approach to risk management as well it's "one trauma" claims philosophy. I'm therefore very excited to join the MUA team.
2. What are your roles and responsibilities as the Regional Manager for Gauteng MUA?
I am first and foremost a firm believer in retaining talented staff and believe that you do this by creating a high performance culture. Everyone must be personally responsible for the success of the business. Teams must be empowered to make their own decisions on how they are to going to accomplish their goals. The teams' goals must be clearly linked to the company’s goals. Our areas of focus will be driving sustainable growth whilst still making both an underwriting as well as a business profit. We will also be focusing on our broker service and ultimately on the client experience. How do we make our client feel? I have no doubt that our team will achieve the short, medium and long term goals set by Christelle and the Board of Directors.
3. How did you get to this point?
I was fortunate enough to have strong leaders, co- workers and mentors in my professional insurance life - I attribute the achievement of "this point" to the people who've contributed so much to my development in my career.
4. How will your previous industry experience assist you in this role?
There is synergy between the roles of that of a brokerage and that of an underwriting manager - my role will remain the same when it gets to business fundamentals but changes when it gets to the semantics of business to consumer to that now of business to business service delivery. My experience in the high net worth market as well as my passion for service delivery will assist me in this role.
5. How do you plan to enhance the growth of the Gauteng MUA branch?
The insurance market in Gauteng is more than double that of Cape Town or that of KwaZulu-Natal. As the Gauteng team we realise the immense pressure we will be under to increase our market share within the MUA group. We will therefore follow a 3 pronged approach to driving growth - maintaining and growing relationships with our current brokers, building relationships with new brokers and building the MUA brand in Gauteng.
6. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
Staying attuned to our market’s needs. Technology is increasing at such a fast pace and there is a strong association with luxury and technology. Consumers buying patterns are changing due to technology as technology maximises time - most high net worth clients are cash rich but time poor. Our biggest challenge will therefore be to provide the service and experience that our brokers expect in order to keep their clients loyal.
7. Would you recommend a career in insurance to young people?
At first you never envisage a career in the insurance industry (most of us have entered this industry by default) but as my career has developed I have come to love this industry. I'm passionate about service and have seen over how much value insurance has added to people’s lives - when tragedy occurs there is a fine line between devastation and survival. I would recommend a career in insurance to any young person who is willing to sacrifice long hours and hard work as it is very rewarding when a client says thank you.
8. Do you have a personal motto?
Yes, I believe that true leadership is about intent - if your intent is honourable you will be successful in achieving your goals. Mike Jones said "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent."
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5 minutes with … Sandra Beirowski, Claims Manager at MUA
Submitted by byrnie on Mon, 2011-02-28 00:00Content:
Tell us about your role at MUA
I manage the Cape Town claims department for both motor and home policies. I am actively involved in all aspects of claims and personally deal with all large claims including all thefts and written off vehicles .
How did you get to this point?
I have been employed by MUA for nine years and when the claims manager position became available I applied and was successful. MUA strives to promote and uplift their staff and I am fortunate to have benefited from this policy.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in your position?
To continually strive to build and maintain a growing relationship with our brokers and maintain the high service levels to which our clients have become accustomed to..
Would you recommend a career in insurance to young people?
Definitely yes, it is a fast growing industry with various facets to suit most job seekers
Do you have a personal motto?
Work hard, play hard
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5 minutes with … June Chapman, Underwriting Manager
Submitted by Guest on Tue, 2010-11-30 00:00Content:
Tell us about your role at MUA
I am the Underwriting Manager at MUA and enjoy working together with my Underwriting Team and meeting the day to day challenges that we are presented with. Decision making is of prime importance to the success of the business which makes every day extremely interesting and enjoyable at the office.
How did you get to this point?
I have been part of the short term industry for more than 30 years and have eagerly worked my way up, having held a senior and management position for most of my career. I respect others and always find the best in people.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges for brokers at the moment?
Remaining compliant with all the latest legislative changes is one of the biggest challenges, as well as the threat posed by the direct market and the larger administrative houses on their business. Staying relevant in a rapidly changing environment is a challenge for everyone in this industry.
Would you recommend a career in insurance to young people?
Most definitely, with a proviso that you have to be prepared to work hard and study to remain FAIS compliant.
Do you have a personal motto?
Hard work and dedication can never be ignored.
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