“When I look back I shudder to think that if I did not push through, I would not have had the privilege of leading a female dominated organisation.”

Fonto, general manager of Stratum Benefits is living proof hereof. Working in the male dominated short-term insurance industry, Fonto has risen to the top very quickly. Being the only woman in a meeting does not intimidate her in the least, not anymore. Despite her young age, she is comfortable about her position in the business world and her knowledge of the industry. The industry has come to know and respect her and the business landscape for woman has changed. Men have begun to accept that woman have taken their position at the head of companies.

T Fonto feels that her age (24) is more of a

hindrance than that of her gender. “Being quite young in a serious decision making position, I sometimes have to work at making people believe in my decisions, they will hear me but not listen. I have had to prove myself through making good decisions”. One such an example is when Fonto wanted to change the corporate colours to black and orange, contrary to industry norms. Many had doubts, but Fonto knew it would appeal to the target market. The new brand was a success and Stratum Benefits often receives compliments on the website.

98 Management Today | August 2011

he days in which being a woman can be used an excuse not to achieve goals are over. Chanique

However, Fonto does not shy away from

taking feedback and advice from business advisors or brokers that are close to the target market. She is aware that there are people with more experience.

Despite her age, Fonto has a lot of business experience. She started working when she was 12. Her first job was at a bike shop, preparing her for a male dominated industry. Fonto later moved to a real estate office, being responsible for office administration and showing houses on weekends. This resulted in a full time position as soon as she matriculated, while holding a second job as a waitress. Her next position was that of a personal assistant at Indequity, which specialised insurance experience led to her current position at Stratum Benefits. When the GM of Indequity went to Stratum, she insisted that they appoint Fonto as well. They offered her the position of broker consultant, managing a national footprint. At 19 she was fully independent.

In 2006, Stratum Benefits had to cope with a court case between Guard Risk and the medical council. About 60% of the brokers were reluctant to market the gap cover product. What sustained the company were the existing relationships built before the court case. Guard Risk