Themba Baloyi, a founder and Executive Director of Discovery Insure, a motor insurance company launched in 2011, has been nominated as a 2015 Young Global Leader. He joined Discovery in 2001 spearheading numerous initiatives culminating in his focused drive in the launch of his 10-year vision, Discovery Insure.
A cost and management accountant by training, he holds an Executive MBA from Henley Business School.
“I used most of the models I had learnt on the Henley programme to prepare a robust business plan for the Discovery Holdings Board and after numerous attempts they finally gave me the go ahead,” Baloyi said.
“If the Henley MBA was rigid, I would have not been able to complete my MBA, let alone push through to the launch of Discovery Insure. I also found the applied learning, using the company as a case study, particularly useful and effective to provide an opportunity to reflect and make practical decisions.”
Jon Foster-Pedley, dean of Henley Business School Africa, said, “I've known Themba for over ten years. From the beginning he impressed me with his discipline and vision. I am sure he will move forward to make great contributions to South Africa.”
Adrian Gore, CEO of Discovery, recently announced Themba’s selection as a 2015 Young Global Leader. “This honour is bestowed by the World Economic Forum each year to recognise distinguished leaders under the age of 40, nominated from around the world. The reward is the recognition of professional accomplishment, commitment to society and inspiring leadership,” Gore said.
“As a Young Global Leader, Themba joins a unique global network of peers from diverse backgrounds and fields challenged to impact the global agenda, and commit their time and focus to empowering others. He is one of only three South Africans on the list of 2015 Young Global Leaders, which includes Elizabeth Holmes, Founder and CEO, Theranos (USA); and Brian Wong, Vice-President, Office of the Chairman, Alibaba.”
“Themba is an example of what can be achieved, through his vision, persistence and hard work, he was fundamental in conceiving Discovery Insure as an innovative adjacency to our local businesses. We can all be inspired by his example as an exemplar of our values and our desire to be a force for social good,” said Mr Gore.
Mr Baloyi is a member of the board in the following organisations: YPO-WPO Africa Regional Board, Henley Business School Academic and Advisory Board; South African Insurance Association (SAIA); South African Insurance Crime Bureau (SAICB); and Institute of Insurance South Africa (IISA). In 2003 he co-founded Black Insurance Professionals of Southern Africa (BIPSA). Mr Baloyi was awarded the Green Number in 2012 for completing Ten Comrades Marathons.
He is the initiator and Pretoria Chapter Chair of the Mentorship Programme for the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO), designed to guide potential future leaders to achieve greatness.
Mr Baloyi has strong beliefs around choosing to do an MBA, the value of an MBA and in particular the Henley MBA.
“In selecting an MBA one needs to have an understanding of one’s motives. It is a journey rather than just a destination and not simply a degree. One should study with the goal to implement and apply what has been learnt and this needs to go beyond the theoretical,” he said.
“Henley encourages students to use the tools they provide to make practical changes in their business. It allows its students to turn theory into practice. This is an inherent framework within the Henley courses. Assignments are based on your current business environment which enables students to apply learning, techniques, skills and knowledge to their work environment, achieving self-leadership and to work towards a tangible goal.”
“I met Professor Jon Forster-Pedley, the dean of Henley, when I was doing my Leadership Advancement Program at UCTGSB and I was exposed to action learning. I realised that learning is more intense and more valuable when you are applying it first-hand to your business.”
“In learning, there is sometimes too much theoretical and case study work. The Henley MBA and the action learning philosophy infuses your personal experiences with the case studies and what you have observed in the world, to facilitate better decision making.”