CYNTHIA DU PLESSIS
Company and Role:
AIG (American International Group South Africa Limited) as their Branch Administrator
How did you start in the industry?
I was born in East London where I matriculated and was looking for a job when I put my name down at the employment agencies and the first job that came up was in insurance.
As many of us know when you are asked the question of how you ended up in insurance, it is usually by default and grows on you to the extent that it becomes part of your life.
I started off my career at Mutual & Federal Insurance Company, East London in 1988 where I began as a Personal Lines Underwriter, before transferring to their Cape Town branch in 1994.
I was promoted to a Personal Lines Business Development Consultant and then to Assistant Manager of the Personal Lines Marketing Department.
An opportunity arose to multi skill and expand my knowledge and I chose to learn the Commercial and Corporate side of the business as a Business Development Consultant for a brief period.
I was then offered a further growth opportunity as Assistant Manager of the Hospital Cash Plan Department.
My insurance career unfortunately ended when I was retrenched after 20 years and I never thought that I would be part of the insurance industry again, until the wonderful opportunity arose to join Lindsay Evard and her team at AIG as their Branch Administrator. From the day I started it felt like I was back home and part of the insurance family all over again..
Hobbies, people and pets you love:
My hobbies are Walking, Hiking, River Rafting, Animal Welfare and IT. I love the outdoors and think it is so important with our busy lives to take the time to “Stop and Smell the Roses” and appreciate the beautiful city we live in.
All my family live in East London, as I was only the only one who decided to spread my wings and venture to the Cape. I got married and then sadly lost my husband at a young age after a battle with cancer 5 years ago.
I spend time with my brother in-law and sister in-law who also love the outdoors and take frequent trips up the West Coast to visit the family in Langebaan, Vredenburg and Saldanha Bay.
I have 2 African Grey parrots, Bon Jovi and Poli who are my absolute life and keep me going. Bon Jovi was my “surprise” birthday gift and Poli is my very special little girl who I took in 13 years ago and has so much love to give. I spend all my spare time with them as they bring so much joy to your life that you realise what is life without the love of an animal who asks for nothing in return except your love, care and protection.
Moto/quote you live by:
"Take any opportunity that you are presented with and learn it to the best of your ability."