Interviewer: Who is Madam Esther?
Esther: I’m Esther Armah, currently leading the Reinsurance and Anti-Money Laundering Division at the National Insurance Commission in Ghana. My roots trace back to the vibrant Eastern region. I’ve dedicated my life’s work to the insurance sector for over two decades. Beyond my professional life, I am a devoted wife and a mother to a spirited daughter.
Career journey and professional milestones.
Interviewer: Can you walk us through your Career Journey?
Esther: My journey has been singularly tied to the insurance sector, with a special focus on regulation. Despite my initial reluctance to personal plans post-university, fate, guided by my family’s concerns and an uncle’s assistance, led me to the NIC. Each client’s story, each unresolved claim, ignited in me a deeper passion and commitment to this field. Ascending from an entry-level officer to senior roles wasn’t merely a climb; it was a metamorphosis, fueled by rigorous studies, professionalism, and the real-world impact of our regulatory work. My initial role managing motor insurance stickers, though seemingly mundane, laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of accountability and precision in our industry. From handling motor stickers to engaging in intricate policy matters, I ascended from a senior officer position, propelled by continuous learning, professional exams, and an intrinsic drive to address insurance challenges.
Interviewer: Can you share a significant career accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
Esther: Reflecting on my career, the transformative experience in The Gambia stands out—a rigorous academic sojourn that was both a trial by fire and a pinnacle of achievement. The course runs from January to December. Every week you have one exam or the other. Amidst a melting pot of peers, the intense curriculum tested our limits. In fact, at one point, I actually packed my bags, and was coming back home. It was so stressful. Yet, the challenge culminated in a triumph not just for myself but for my roommate as well, as we emerged as the top achievers, we got nine out of the 10 prizes an accolade that resonated far beyond the classroom and into the heart of the Gambian press. This experience wasn’t just about personal accolades; it was a testament to the resilience and potential of women in our field.
Leadership and Challenges
Interviewer: How would you describe your leadership style and approach?
Esther: Leadership, to me, is an exquisite blend of openness and structure. It’s about fostering an environment where every voice can be heard and every concern valued, yet within a framework that ensures our collective mission never wavers. My philosophy centers on mutual respect—creating a space where personal and professional boundaries coexist harmoniously, ensuring our focus remains steadfast on our shared goals.
Interviewer: What are some challenges you have faced as a leader in the insurance industry?
Esther: Leading a male-dominated team has been an exercise in balance—balancing firmness with empathy, authority with approachability. My experience has been largely positive, marked by mutual respect and shared goals. The challenge lies not in commanding respect but in maintaining an environment where respect is naturally reciprocated, ensuring a collective drive towards excellence and integrity.
Perspectives on Gender Equality and empowerment
Interviewer: How do you perceive the current state of gender equality and diversity in the insurance industry?
Esther: When I first embarked on this journey, female leadership in our sector was a rarity. Today, we witness women steering major corporations, breaking ceilings that once seemed impenetrable. This shift isn’t merely about numbers; it’s a narrative change, signaling a future where gender is an attribute, not a barrier. Yet, there’s more ground to cover, more biases to dismantle, and more opportunities to create for the aspiring women who follow. I think that we should be judged on what we can do and not because of who we are.
Interviewer: How can organisations and leaders better support the advancement of women in the insurance industry?
Esther: Empowerment begins with mentorship. It’s about creating platforms for learning and growth, not in isolation, but integrated into our daily operations. We must cultivate an environment where young women are encouraged to seek knowledge, ask questions, and aspire beyond conventional limits. It’s about paving a way where success is measured by merit and tenacity, not gender. So, I encourage all my staff, including the national service personnel that come to serve in my office, to read. Fortunately, everything is on the Internet.
Future Aspirations and goals
Interviewer: How do you envision contributing to the advancement of women in the insurance industry moving forward?
Esther: My commitment is to be more than a leader; I aim to be a catalyst for change, nurturing a future where women in insurance don’t just survive but thrive. Through mentorship, advocacy, and by example, I plan to dismantle the subtle barriers that still exist, ensuring that the path forward is less arduous for the women who walk it after me.
Interviewer: What legacy would you like to leave behind in your career?
Esther: Legacy, for me, is defined by the empowerment and autonomy of my team. I envision a future where my absence is unfelt, not due to insignificance but because I have successfully instilled confidence, competence, and independence in my staff. My aspiration is to leave a department that operates seamlessly, a testament to a culture of self-sufficiency, mutual support, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
This initiative is brought to you by GIZ’s Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) programme. These interview series aims to empower young women in finance, promote gender equality and inclusivity, and encourage women to pursue leadership roles in their workplaces. The interviewer for this initiative is – Fatima Gberbie, Communications Specialist with PFS-GIZ Ghana.