Temwa Nyirenda's journey: an introspective look

In the latest The Insurance Apprentice Podcast episode, Temwa Nyirenda, the TIA 2024 winner, shared his journey from self-doubt to triumph.

In this article, Temwa builds on this discussion, offering an introspective look at overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing self-belief.

As Temwa reflects on his personal growth, he also underscores the broader lessons shared with industry experts during the podcast, blending individual resilience with collective industry evolution.

Who am i to be?

After winning the title of The Insurance Apprentice, I’ve often heard two things: "I knew you would win" and "How did you do it?" While my usual response is, "I knew I could do it too," the truth is far more complex. The biggest disbeliever in myself was me, struggling with the imposter syndrome that many of us face at some point in life. Ironically, it wasn’t winning that helped me overcome this internal battle; it was the journey itself.

Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t enter the competition expecting to win. I was motivated by a colleague who believed in my talents far more than I did. Her encouragement sparked a curiosity in me, wondering just how far I could make it. As an introvert, I feared that more extroverted contestants would overshadow me. My confidence was shaky, and this fear only grew as I met the other contestants. During the first elimination round, I was overwhelmed by the sheer talent in the room, and imposter syndrome hit me hard. As I listened to each contestant introduce themselves, I couldn’t see who the winner might be, but I was convinced that I would be the loser.

I competed in that first round feeling shy and out of place, carried only by the strength of my voice, not my belief in myself. I was gripped by self-doubt and even promised myself that if I were eliminated, I would never return. The cold comfort of solitude felt like a refuge. By the end of that day, I had only one thought: I should never have entered. I didn’t expect to make it through, and I certainly didn’t expect to be among the top 20.

I was stunned when the results came out and I saw that I had made it to the next round. The congratulatory email was not just an invitation to continue; it was also the death knell for my self-doubt. I realized that my earlier lack of belief in myself had been a mistake. The industry veterans who judged us saw something in me, and I couldn’t dismiss that. As I read the email over and over, I felt a surge of self-belief that I had never experienced before.

From that point on, I focused on a single question: "Who am I not to be?" This question, inspired by Marianne Williamson’s powerful writing, became my mantra. It served as both a sword and a shield, helping me fend off any lingering doubts. With this newfound confidence, I approached the next round determined to present the best version of myself. This was no longer just a competition to see how far I could go; it had become a journey of self-discovery.

As I competed, I came to understand that the true victory was not about winning the title but about overcoming the judge that no one talks about—our inner critic. I realized that whether we judge ourselves to be worthy or unworthy, both will be true. This insight was more valuable to me than any title.

The top 10 round was where I embraced the idea of failing forward. I welcomed failure, not as a setback but as a teacher. Each failure brought with it a lesson, and each lesson was a step forward. I didn’t fear defeat; I feared a hollow victory, one that offered nothing but a temporary sense of achievement without growth. I drew strength from Theodore Roosevelt’s words in The Man in the Arena: "If he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly."

The Insurance Apprentice was never about the destination; it was always about the journey and the lessons along the way. Initially, I believed that only the bold, confident, and strong could win, but I learned that the true victory was for those of us who dared to break out of our shells, to let our true talents shine. This change in perspective, more than anything, helped me reach the end.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the competition was witnessing the journeys of my fellow contestants. We learned from each other, leveraging each other's strengths and weaknesses, forming bonds that extend far beyond the show. These connections are the real prize, a miracle that would never have been found in the cold corners of caution.

In summary, the competition offered an adventure that many might never have the courage to embark on because they’ve already judged themselves incapable. The lessons I gained from this experience are treasures I might have only found over a lifetime, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

To you, dear readers, I lend you my sword and shield. In your own journey, I urge you to ask yourself, "Who are you not to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?"

Individual and collective progress

During the podcast, Temwa, along with #TIA contestant Rhein Schnetler, and industry expert Muzi Dladla, Executive Manager of Stakeholder Management at Sasria SOC Ltd, explored the evolving landscape of catastrophe insurance and the importance of collaborative advantage in navigating these challenges. Together, their discussions highlight how personal growth and industry evolution are intertwined, offering a comprehensive view of both individual and collective progress. Read Muzi’s article on collaborative advantage here. One of the topics was the role of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in achieving success. Rhein’s insights reinforce the argument that success comes from a blend of strong personal attributes and the ability to communicate and connect with others. You can read his article here.

PS: The episode Podcast cast can be viewed here.