Sheila Wristberg is a remarkable individual who transitioned from a career with one of the top accounting firm, Price Waterhouse, in Ghana, where she spent nearly 5 years, to become the CEO of a leading insurance brokerage firm called IRisk Management Limited in 2018.
Having served as the CEO of IRisk for 6 years now, Sheila’s journey with the company began when she joined as a non-executive board member for 8 months. At the time of her entry into the company, IRisk had been operating for only 3 months, and the need for effective leadership was apparent. Sheila, with her background in accounting and audit, swiftly brought her business-oriented approach to streamline operations, leveraging her experience from a highly automated and systemized environment at Price Waterhouse.
Reflecting on her position as one of the few female CEOs in the insurance brokerage industry in Ghana, Sheila acknowledges the gender disparity prevalent in the sector. Despite this, she sees her role as an opportunity to represent underrepresented groups, emphasizing that her success isn’t just about herself but about paving the way for other female and young leaders. She stresses the importance of leadership and inclusivity, aiming to inspire and empower others.
Under Sheila’s leadership, IRisk Management Limited achieved notable success, ranking as the fifth brokerage firm in Ghana by 2021. When asked about encouraging more women to join the insurance field, Sheila advocates for women to actively pursue opportunities for advancement within their organizations rather than waiting for them to be handed to them.
Addressing the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace, Sheila emphasizes the importance of clear company policies and comprehensive training to ensure everyone understands their rights and responsibilities in such situations.
Sheila also highlights the vast opportunities present in the insurance industry in Ghana and Africa, particularly in areas such as cyber insurance and agriculture insurance, where coverage gaps exist.
In her leisure time, Sheila enjoys unwinding by riding her motorbike, finding relaxation in the open road.
