Women In Marketing 2024 Edition ft. Andiswa Nyembe from 1Life Insurance

In our latest Women In Marketing segment, we spoke with Andiswa Nyembe, Communications Manager at 1Life Insurance. Hailing from Newcastle, Andiswa shared insights into her upbringing and her early passion for writing. She discussed the transformative impact of AI in the insurance industry, highlighting its benefits while also addressing challenges like data privacy and ethical considerations.

Personal Background:

Thanks for taking the time to participate in our ‘Women In Marketing’ feature. Where were you born, and what childhood memories stand out for you?

I was born in Durban but raised in a small town in KZN called Newcastle.

The childhood memories that stand out for me mostly revolve around my mom, who has since passed. She was a nurse, and with my dad working between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, she managed six kids in Newcastle independently during the week. Reflecting on those days, I realised how much of a superwoman she was.

Mornings were often a rush. My older brother would ensure we had breakfast or packed lunches when Mom had to leave early or work night shifts. She could rarely attend school events due to the immense pressure of managing everything, and as a child, I held a slight grudge against that. But as I grew older, I understood the heavy load she carried and appreciated the times she managed to be there.

Despite the challenges, she was incredibly resilient. I cherish the memories of the effort she put into the little things, such as our birthdays, playing skipping, doing our hair, and making heartwarming meals. The smell of millies she prepared when we were about to watch wrestling as a family still lingers in my mind.

When I was in grade 8, she left to work overseas. Yes, she was chasing her dreams of working abroad, but it was also a sacrifice for her family to ensure we had the best life possible. My dad’s support during this time was amazing (I could write a whole separate essay on what a fantastic father my dad is, but that’s a story for another day).

I understand her better now that I have two little girls and am a working mom. Balancing work, parenting, and household duties is no easy feat; my admiration for her has only grown. I realise now how intentional she was about being a present parent. She was hands-on, and her dedication and love were evident in everything she did. My mom was indeed a remarkable woman, and her legacy of resilience and love continues to inspire me every day.

Describe your high school and college years. You were the coolest one, right?

Not at all! And it’s funny how people assume that the Marketing crowd would fall into this group.

I floated somewhere in the middle of the social spectrum. I could chill with the cool kids and the not-so-popular crowd without issues. This experience taught me the value of adaptability and inclusivity, skills that have been invaluable in my adult and working life. Connecting with different people, understanding diverse perspectives, and navigating various social dynamics have made me a more empathetic and effective communicator.

What’s your favourite meal that you wouldn’t share with anyone?

Steamed bread and lamb curry with a side of coke on the rocks! Do not speak to me or touch me when I am having this meal. Happy dance, just thinking of it.

What would be your plans for a sudden $10 million windfall if you were to receive it tomorrow?

Oh God…if only! I would buy a new house with an enormous playroom for all the kids when they come over, buy a family home in Gauteng, open a trust fund for my girls, pay off any debts I have as well as any debt my siblings have, buy my dad a farm, take my family on holiday every year, sponsor ten underprivileged girls’ education from grade 8 to university, including housing and food…and of course, take myself shopping! We will see the rest as life happens.

Can you share an interesting fact or hidden talent not found on your LinkedIn profile? Previous Women in Marketing candidate Kate MacWilliam says she can sing, while Nosipho Ginindza is an absolute sneakerhead!

I want to learn shooting and am currently looking into training academies.  

Career and Work:

How do you typically start your day, and are you #TeamCoffee, #TeamTea, or both?

First, I wake my four-year-old and get her stuff ready for school. While her nanny gets her ready, I make coffee and take a shower myself. I drop my girl at school, return, make breakfast, head to the study/office, and start my workday.

What inspired you to pursue a career in marketing? Didn’t the “I want to become a doctor” bug bite you?

Honestly, the doctor bug never bit me! I think I always had a knack for the marketing space, even as a kid, though I didn’t quite know what that would look like. I remember playing house and pretending we worked in an ad agency, just like on Generations. Sometimes, I’d make doll-sized newspapers and sell them to friends for 5 cents. I even wrote a book about HIV/AIDS when I was around 9 or 10, which my dad printed out for me. So, my inspiration came indirectly from the media and my innate love for writing.

Many industries had to create systems overnight that would enable their respective workforces to work from home due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s your perspective on remote and hybrid work, and how have you dealt with its challenges? Do you have a preference?

The shift to remote and hybrid work due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a massive change for many industries. Both remote and hybrid work have significant advantages and some challenges. 

One of the biggest perks is its flexibility, allowing for a better work-life balance. Many people find they are more productive without the distractions of an office environment, though this can vary greatly depending on individual work styles and home environments. Both employees and employers can save on costs related to commuting (FUEL!!), office space, and other expenses. However, maintaining clear and effective communication can be more challenging without face-to-face interactions, making tools like video conferencing and instant messaging essential. 

Working remotely often creates a sense of isolation, so finding ways to stay connected with colleagues is essential. It can also be more challenging to separate work from personal life when your home is your office, so setting clear boundaries and having a dedicated workspace can help. I enjoy the hybrid model the most as it offers the best of both worlds: the flexibility of remote work and the social interaction and collaboration opportunities of being in the office. 

AI is the hot topic of the day, most specifically, generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini. How do you address the challenges you face in your day-to-day responsibilities? Any specific tools you’d like to plug us with? 

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are indeed making waves, and addressing the challenges they bring involves continuous learning, ethical considerations, and leveraging user feedback. I’m particularly fascinated by how AI transforms the insurance sector, from automating claims processing to enhancing risk assessment. This interest has become a focus of my MBA research study, where I’m exploring the factors influencing AI adoption within this space. 

AI offers numerous benefits in the insurance industry, such as improved efficiency, increased accuracy, cost reduction, and enhanced customer experience. For example, AI can automate routine tasks like claims processing, which speeds up the process and reduces human error. However, there are concerns about data privacy, job displacement, and ethical use.  These challenges can be counteracted by implementing robust data security measures, fostering transparency, and ensuring an organisational climate centred around continuous education and upskilling for the workforce.

Outside of insurance, it’s interesting to see how AI drives innovation in Africa in areas like agriculture, healthcare, and financial services, helping bridge gaps and improve accessibility. For instance, in Kenya, AI is being used to predict crop diseases and optimise farming practices, while in South Africa, AI is enhancing healthcare delivery through predictive analytics and personalised treatment plans. In fact, according to a Philips Future Health Index 2024 report, South African healthcare leaders are ahead of the global average in implementing AI for clinical decision support, with over 60% using it for treatment planning, in-hospital patient monitoring, and preventative care, compared to 37%, 43%, and 36% globally, respectively.

On the fun side of AI, there are some exciting developments in areas like photography and social media.

AI has revolutionised photography by making advanced editing tools accessible to everyone. Apps like Adobe Photoshop now feature AI-powered tools that allow users to add or remove elements from photos seamlessly. AI can also enhance image quality, correct lighting, and generate new images based on text descriptions.

Supawork’s free AI headshot generator is another remarkable tool for creating professional-quality headshots quickly and easily. It eliminates the need for a photographer, making it perfect for the budget-conscious (ME!) or busy end user. The cover image for this article was made using Supawork, highlighting its impressive capabilities. 

Furthermore, AI transforms social media by improving user experiences and content creation. For instance, AI-driven filters and effects on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat can turn ordinary selfies into artistic portraits or fun animations. AI also helps curate personalised content feeds, making social media interactions more engaging and relevant. And speaking of making things interesting, AI in Microsoft Teams is a great example! The makeup filter feature is perfect for those impromptu camera-on moments, helping the messy-bunned, natural skin beauties feel more confident and camera-ready at any time.

These applications highlight how AI is a tool for efficiency and productivity and a source of creativity and entertainment. It’s an exciting time to explore how AI enhances our daily lives.

But remember… “with great power comes great responsibility”!

According to the WEF, the pandemic caused a 4.2% reduction in women’s employment compared to 3% of men (from 2019 to 2020). How can organisations better support women and mothers, especially in light of the pandemic’s impact on women in the workplace?

As a working mom with two girls under 5, the pandemic has highlighted the need for better support for women in the workplace. Flexible work arrangements and remote work options have been lifesavers, allowing me to balance my job and family responsibilities more effectively. Subsidised childcare would greatly ease the financial burden of finding quality care for my kids. Generous parental leave policies for both parents are essential, as they promote a more equitable sharing of childcare duties. Mental health support, like counselling services and stress management programs, is crucial for managing the additional pressures we face. 

Furthermore, access to career development opportunities, such as mentorship programs and leadership training, can help address gender disparities in senior roles. Equitable healthcare benefits catering to women’s needs are also crucial for our well-being. Lastly, having supportive communities, like Employee Resource Groups for women, can provide a sense of belonging and support.

Even though the pandemic has been over for some time, its effects linger, and our lessons can be invaluable for future scenario planning. Implementing these measures can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women and mothers, helping to mitigate the long-term impacts of occurrences such as the pandemic on our careers.

2024 and Beyond:

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self?

Never let things you cannot control control you. You only have one shot at this life thing; fill it with only the things and people that make you happy.

What are your personal or professional goals and aspirations for the future? 

Personal Goals: For the future, my personal goals are to finish my studies, make tons of money, and spoil my girls! I also want to challenge myself to try something new at least once a month. It could be anything from trying a new dish, engaging in a new activity, or obtaining a new skill. It’s all about stepping out of my comfort zone and growing.

Professional Goals: In the ever-evolving marketing field, staying relevant is crucial. Technologies are constantly changing, and job stability can sometimes feel threatened. My professional goals are to keep myself updated and adaptable in the face of these changes. Additionally, I aim to partner with more platforms like naughtybanana to share personal and professional stories. It would be a fantastic way to connect with a broader audience and continue learning and growing from other people’s experiences. Some of the ladies covered in your other instalments are doing amazing things. Without reading these through platforms such as yours, their stories and lessons would remain hidden gems. So thank you for this!

Who are some of your sheroes?

Firstly, it would be my mother.

Secondly, it would be Malala Yousafzai because of her incredible bravery and unwavering commitment to education. Despite facing life-threatening danger, she stood up for the right of girls to receive an education. Her resilience and dedication to this cause, even after the assassination attempt, inspire me deeply. Malala’s story reminds me that one person’s courage can spark global change and that education is a powerful tool for transforming lives.

Malala’s story is significant for women and little girls because it shows them that their voices matter and that they can make a difference, no matter their age or circumstances. It encourages them to pursue their dreams and fight for their rights, even in adversity. Her journey is a powerful reminder that education is a fundamental right and a key to unlocking opportunities and achieving equality.

What are you currently reading, and how do you consume your content?

I’m diving into ‘The Young Entrepreneur’s Playbook: Using Failure as a Shortcut to Success’ by Lindile Xoko. It’s an insightful guide for anyone starting and growing a business. The book highlights the importance of quickly implementing ideas and learning from failures to achieve success.

Lindile shares his wisdom on business growth, resilience, adaptability, and mindfulness. It’s all about helping entrepreneurs define their path to success and swiftly turn their ideas into reality. It’s been a genuinely motivating read, especially considering my studies and exposure to a few small business owners trying to make it big! Being able to contribute to their journeys would be rewarding.

And, of course, I am a paperback girly!

You wake up one day, and before you know it, you are nearing retirement. What would you like your professional legacy to be? Furthermore, what do your colleagues and superiors admire about you the most?

As I approach retirement, I want my professional legacy to be one of innovation and impact in marketing and communications. I hope to be remembered as someone who consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and strategy, delivering campaigns that achieved business goals and resonated deeply with audiences. My legacy would include mentoring the next generation of marketers, particularly within communications, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

Some of my colleagues and superiors have highlighted that they admire my ability to blend analytical thinking with creative flair, ensuring our strategies are data-driven and imaginative. They apparently appreciate my communication skills and ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. Additionally, my dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered is something they hold in high regard. My resilience and adaptability in the face of change are also qualities they have shared.

We are always looking for amazing Women In Marketing to profile. Who would you like us to get in touch with? 

Mpho Ntuane.

Share a unique message for young professionals in the marketing industry.

As you start this journey, keep your curiosity alive and stay on top of the latest trends and tech. Be genuine in everything you do—authenticity connects with people. Use data to get to know your audience and guide your decisions, but don’t forget that creativity will make you stand out. Networking is essential, so build strong relationships with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. Be flexible and ready to adapt when things change because challenges often bring new opportunities. Always act with integrity; ethical marketing builds trust and long-term success. Remember, marketing is more than just selling—it’s about storytelling, creating experiences, and making a real impact. Keep pushing the envelope, and enjoy every moment of the ride!

Thank you for your time, Andiswa. We hope this interview will inspire future leaders and other Women in Marketing. How can people follow you and your company on social media? 

LinkedIn is your best bet. I am looking forward to building great connections! 

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