Becoming a Fellow

What first sparked your ambition to pursue Fellowship and was there a defining moment when you knew you were ready? 

For me, it was admiring other Fellows, especially women – seeing their impact sparked a desire to follow in their footsteps. The defining moment was when I realised that my significant leadership experience, unique perspective and influence were valuable, not just locally, but globally. It ignited an immediate desire to apply, share my story and contribute to shaping the profession's future.

Pursuing Fellowship was about paving the way for others, especially in Africa and showcasing the continent’s potential on a global scale. It was about demonstrating that we too can lead, innovate and drive change.

On a lighter note, I knew I was ready to be a Fellow when I saw the 50th anniversary campaign – it was like the universe said, "Hey, it's time, level up.”

How has becoming a Fellow changed the way you see yourself as a professional and leader?

Now, I see myself as more than just a professional – I’m a catalyst for change, inspiring others and pushing boundaries.  Fellowship has opened doors to global networks and opportunities, broadening my perspective. I'm constantly on a treadmill of learning, unlearning and relearning – it's a win-win for me, my organisation and the people we serve.

What do you value most about being a Fellow of IIRSM, beyond the post-nominals, and why does it matter?

I value the credibility and respect that comes with being a Fellow. It's a stamp of excellence that opens doors and keeps my seat at the table with other leaders. But what really matters is the opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of risk management, both locally and globally. I'm also proud to be among the still relatively small percentile of women Fellows; it motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and inspiring other women to aim high. Being part of this community means I'm part of a collective effort to drive change and promote diversity in the profession.

What is the biggest myth about the Fellowship application process that you would like to debunk?

The biggest myth I would debunk is that you need to be a perfectionist and have an exhaustive evidence file from the get-go when filling in statements of professional competence.

Truth is, your application gets reviewed and if it's not quite there, you will get support to top it up and meet the requirements. So, do not let fear of not being "perfect" hold you back – just apply.

One crucial element that I appreciate about IIRSM is their support and open-door policy – if one is struggling or needs accommodations, they encourage you to reach out. It's all about making the process fair and accessible, so don't hesitate to ask for what you need.

Complete this sentence: “I’m a Fellow, but I’m also…”

… on a mission to inspire others, especially women and girls

… a firm believer that diversity fuels innovation and growth.

… extremely passionate about exploring lived experiences of women Fellows, how they manoeuvre through systemic barriers that do not just disappear simply because they have achieved the pinnacle Fellowship.

How do you see Fellowship contributing to greater diversity, inclusion, and representation across the profession?

By increasing the number of Fellows from underrepresented groups, we create role models and leaders who reflect the communities we serve. It's not just about ticking boxes, it’s about bringing diverse perspectives to the table, driving innovation and making our profession more relatable and accessible. Plus, when you see someone like you in a leadership position, it gives you the confidence to aim high.

From your experience, what makes a Fellowship application truly stand out — and what advice would you give to someone considering applying?

When people ask how I became a Fellow, I keep it simple: I applied and the most awesome part is, you can too – you just need to take the leap.

Embarking on the Fellowship journey is a transformative experience, and one of the most crucial stages is the application process. The process is not a quick form-fill, it is a comprehensive and reflective endeavour that showcases an individual's commitment to exceeding professional standards. Beyond your academic and professional achievements and experience, the application process provides a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, accomplishments and the impact you have made. You must provide examples of how you meet five technical and six leadership competence areas. The key to making a lasting impression lies in your ability to share impactful stories on the competence areas of your choice that resonate with the Fellowship Assessment Panel, which is responsible for review and approval.

Find out more and become a Fellow