The journey to becoming a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII) is not one of shortcuts or checkboxes. It is a path marked by rigorous learning, professional consistency, and a deep, enduring commitment to the insurance profession. For Irshad Choolun, this journey began quietly in Southern Africa, far from the corporate towers and global forums where he operates today.

Raised and schooled in Botswana, Irshad’s path was shaped not by privilege, but by persistence. Surrounded by modest infrastructure but high academic expectations, he developed the habits of discipline, independent thinking, and a thirst for knowledge that would later define his professional ethos.

His formal academic foundation was laid at the University of Cape Town, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science—a rigorous discipline that perfectly aligned with his analytical mindset. But degrees alone don’t build Fellows. What followed was over a decade of experience, across roles that demanded technical skill, cross-border adaptability, and increasingly, leadership.

Along the way, Irshad added to his credentials—earning the Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) designation from the USA, and continuously engaging in professional development through CII pathways. But for him, the FCII was never just a title—it represented a philosophy of excellence, responsibility, and lifelong learning.

That same commitment extends beyond his job title. As Council Member and Chair of the Education Committee at the Insurance Institute of Mauritius (a CII UK -affiliated body), Irshad now helps shape the very system that once shaped him—championing access to quality education and mentoring emerging professionals across the region.

Achieving FCII is a significant milestone. But for Irshad, it’s also a reflection of the values he has upheld throughout his journey: technical excellence, ethical leadership, and a belief that insurance is not just a career—it’s a force for financial resilience and regional development.

From the classrooms of Gaborone to the Fellowship designation in London, Irshad’s story is a reminder that the most meaningful credentials are not just earned—they are lived.