Spotlight on Elme Strauss
At Ami Underwriting Managers, we celebrate women who are making an impact in the insurance industry. Through She’s in Charge: We Rise by Lifting Each Other, we highlight the journeys of women who lead with purpose and strength. This month, we are proud to feature Elme Strauss, Portfolio Manager at Lombard Insurance Company (Ami’s shareholder and risk carrier).
A Career That Started with an Open Door
Like many in the industry, Elme didn’t plan on a career in insurance—it found her. After studying a degree Risk Management at the NWU of Potchefstroom, she landed an underwriting role in Construction Guarentees and took the opportunity with both hands.
At first, it wasn’t an obvious fit, but the industry kept drawing her in. Over time, she moved from underwriting to risk management, then into brand and marketing, and now works in portfolio management. Each step taught her something new and shaped her approach to work.
Her advice to young professionals is simple: “Never limit yourself. Insurance is full of opportunity. Learn as much as you can, find what excites you, and go after it.”
Facing Challenges with Confidence
When asked about obstacles, Elme focuses on self-doubt as the biggest one. She shares that she didn’t always believe she was good enough or smart enough for certain roles. It was the encouragement of strong leaders—two of them women—that helped her push past those doubts.
Her takeaway from those experiences? “Find people who believe in you and want to see you grow. And don’t underestimate your own ability to lead, no matter your job title.”
Proud Moments and Priorities
Elme’s biggest achievement isn’t tied to work—it’s her family. She speaks with pride about her two children and her husband, who has been her rock. Work is important, but family is at the centre of everything she does.
She doesn’t believe in the idea of perfect balance. Some days work takes over, other days family needs more attention, and that’s how life works. What matters is being present for both. “No guilt, no second guessing—just doing your best in each moment.”
The Future of Women in the Industry
Elme has seen more women move into leadership roles and take on executive positions, but she believes there is still room for more growth. The next step, she says, is women supporting each other.
“If you see potential in someone, help them grow. Take them with you on your journey.”
Her Personal Playbook
Elme’s approach to leadership is shaped by mentors, personal experiences, and her faith. She believes in continuous learning, building strong relationships, and always having trusted people to turn to for advice.
Here are a few principles she lives by:
- Know your work—Keep learning and stay prepared.
- Be yourself—You don’t need to change who you are to succeed.
- Build the right relationships—Having the right support makes a difference.
- Have trusted advisors—People who will give you honest feedback.
- Find a sponsor—Someone who speaks for you when you’re not in the room.
- Lead from where you are—You don’t need a title to make an impact.
- Play the long game—Success takes time. Keep going.
Looking Ahead
Elme is focused on growth—both personally and professionally. She wants to keep learning, take on new challenges, and encourage more women to step forward.
Her approach is simple: aim high, keep moving, and bring others along for the journey.
Thank you, Elme, for sharing your story. Your journey is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of lifting others along the way.
Stay tuned for more stories from women shaping the insurance industry in She’s in Charge: We Rise by Lifting Each Other.
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BIO: Ami Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd. Ami is an underwriting agency for Lombard Insurance Co, dedicated to providing bespoke insurance products in the personal lines space to our chosen market segments, namely affluent and the high net-worth, wealth market. www.ami.co.za