FROM THE
CEO ’ S DESK
Around the time that this ( fifth ) edition of The Professional is distributed to our professional members , our financial results for 2021 will also be distributed . In the past financial year , our 80 th , we came full circle . Just like when PPS was founded amid the Second World War , our members faced a challenging environment to work and live in . That said , 2021 was not just a story of challenges , but also one of growth – top line revenue growth , balance sheet growth , claims growth . It is , therefore , appropriate that the theme for this edition is “ growth ”.
At PPS claims growth has been astonishing in 2021 , as is to be expected in a pandemic year . If PPS was a stock company with shareholders , this would have been very bad news for those shareholders . However , at PPS we do not have outside shareholders whose interests we need to protect . We are a company where our core purpose is to look after the financial security of our members . In a pandemic , our first job is to ensure our members are well taken care of , changing claims protocols if we need to . Once we have done this , excess profit , if any , are returned to members . Except for the expenses of running the business , all money is ultimately returned to members .
“ People who change the world for the better , in their businesses and professional lives , are almost always the optimists – they see the opportunities where others see challenges .”
A mentor of mine once asked me : “ Have you ever seen a pessimist that was truly successful ?” People who change the world for the better , in their businesses and professional lives , are almost always the optimists – they see the opportunities where others see challenges . It is good advice to surround oneself with those who see the silver linings in life . Browsing through the articles and contributions in this edition , there is an optimistic thread that runs through many of them .
I again trust that you will find this edition of The Professional enjoyable and value adding . May you experience much personal growth in 2022 !
PPS Group Executive
Izak Smit
7