Finding Purpose Through Mentorship: Ylaney Ramlall's Journey in the Non-Life Insurance Industry Retiree Repurposing Programme
Ylaney Ramlall
When Santam Re's CEO, Sory Diamonde, nominated Ylaney Ramlall for the non-life insurance industry Retiree Repurposing Programme (RRP), she saw it as a transformative opportunity.
Launched by the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) in partnership with the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA) and Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA), to address the non-life insurance industry’s critical skill gaps, the RRP pairs seasoned retirees with emerging professionals, fostering mentorship and skills transfer across generations.
“This was exactly what I’d been looking for,” says Ylaney, whose passion for mentorship runs deep. “There’s something powerful about sharing your journey with someone committed to helping you grow.” As a Client Relationship Manager at Santam Re, she embraced the RRP’s structured approach to skill-building and self-discovery.
The RRP, launched three years ago and was built to develop a technically skilled, resilient workforce in the non-life insurance industry. The programme’s unique “mirror” approach encourages mentees to reflect critically on their technical and leadership decisions, which Ylaney found invaluable for her professional growth and personal purpose.
Gaining Resilience and Self-Insight
Professionals in the insurance industry often face complex technical and leadership or management challenges, and the mentorship helped Ylaney approach these obstacles with a fresh perspective. Through the RRP, she developed adaptability and a clearer sense of her career direction.
“Mentorship has taught me to view challenges as growth opportunities,” she reflects. “Each obstacle allows you to push beyond your limits, enhance your adaptability, and gain a deeper understanding of thew work and yourself.” With her newfound clarity, Ylaney approaches her role at Santam Re with increased confidence and accountability, bringing her authentic self to work and making meaningful contributions to her team.
Mentorship, she now understands, isn’t solely about acquiring new skills—it’s about shaping one’s future. Together, she and her mentor, Rian Mouton, identified steps to achieve her career aspirations. “Growth isn’t a single moment; it’s a holistic process,” she shares. Working with Rian helped her clarify her ambitions and stay accountable to herself and her team.
The program’s impact on her leadership development has been profound. “Some of the most transformative moments came when I was vulnerable enough to ask Rian for guidance,” she recalls. “Mentorship has given me confidence in my ability to choose the right way forward, especially when facing difficult situations.” This experience strengthened her commitment to ethical success.
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Although Ylaney holds three degrees, she sees the RRP as one of her most valuable learning experiences. “Rian bridged the gap between theory and practice, helping me apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios,” she explains. This combination of personal guidance and industry knowledge has sharpened her reinsurance skills and expanded her as a well-rounded professional.
The Importance of Vulnerability and Openness
Reflecting on her RRP experience, Ylaney advises future participants to embrace vulnerability. “I tend to want control, so letting go was challenging—but absolutely worth it,” she says. She emphasises that true growth requires openness with one’s mentor: “If they don’t know your starting point, how can they guide your growth?”
The programme’s quarterly group sessions also enriched her journey. Connecting with fellow mentees allowed her to witness the diversity of RRP experiences, reinforcing her belief that mentorship is a shared commitment to long-term success.
Her experience has given her a fresh perspective on the insurance sector. “The insurance industry is a dynamic field with immense potential,” she explains. “The RRP confirmed that with the right skills and mindset, the sector offers long-term growth, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on society.”
For Ylaney, the RRP has become more than just professional development—it has been a journey of discovery, filled with unexpected insights and growth.
Ylaney's story shows how the RRP mentorship programme transforms a career path into something meaningful, creating a professional with enhanced skills, a clearer purpose, and a renewed passion for her work in the insurance industry.
If you are an interested mentee and mentor for the next RRP cohort please register here or send enquiries to [email protected]
