Delouise Marais

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."