In a world where some are skeptical about starting a business due to fear of the unknown, some are taking the bull by the horn, venturing into unfamiliar territories. Today, these second set of people are glad they took that bold step. One of such individuals is Adrian Gore, a successful South African businessman, and a giant in the global health sector.
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In case you don’t know, this great personality is the founder and group chief executive of Discovery Limited. Gore is also the Chairman of the South African Chapter of Endeavor – a global non-profit organisation focused on empowering high growth entrepreneurs.
Now, follow me closely as I walk you through the success journey of this business guru.
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Adrian Gore Background
Adrian was born on 16th May 1964 in South Africa. He graduated from Wits University where he obtained Bachelor of Applied Science (BASC, Actuarial Science). In addition, he is a fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries (Edinburgh), an associate of the Society of Actuaries (Chicago). Gore is also a member of
the American Academy of Actuaries.
Gore tied the knot with his wife, Lauren Gore in 1987 and their marriage is blessed with three children. He is a fitness lover, he jogs the 6 miles between home and work.
Adrian Gore Business Career
Adrian worked with Liberty Life for several years. Thereafter, he approached Laurie Dippenaar, a co-founder of Rand Merchant Bank for seed funding.
Fortunately, he got the funding and founded the South Africa medical insurer, Discovery Limited. Also, Gore is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Health Advisory Board.
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Adrian Gore And Discovery Limited
Adrian Gore founded Discovery Ltd in 1992. Basically, the company engages in long and short-term insurance, asset management, savings, investment and employee benefits through its various brands.
Currently, the group has subsidiaries in South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, China and Australia. The company is listed on JSE. The goal of Discovery is to make people healthier and enhance their lives.
Since its establishment in 1992, Discovery Ltd has evolved into a diversified and multinational financial services group. It has provided insurance cover for more than 200,000 companies and close to 2 million people.
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Companies Owned by Discovery Ltd
Here are some of the companies under Discovery Ltd
Discovery Life
This company is located in Sandton, South Africa. Basically, the firm offers life and long term insurance products in South Africa
Discovery Health
A not-for-profit organisation engaged in medical insurance products in Sandton, South Africa
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Discovery Insure
A company offering household, motor vehicle and other short-term risk insurance in Sandton, South Africa
Vitality Health
This firm offers personal medical insurance products. It’s a subsidiary located in London, United Kingdom.
Vitality Life
A firm offering personal life and long term insurance products in the United Kingdom.
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Vitality Corporate Services
A firm engaged in general insurance product to both individuals and groups in London, United Kingdom.
The Vitality Group
Discovery Ltd owns 75% stake in the company. Basically, the company is involved in the provision of insurance products to both individuals and groups in Chicago, United States.
AIA Vitality Group
Discovery Ltd owns 50% stake in the company. The firm also offer insurance products to both individual and groups. It’s located in Singapore.
Also, AIA Vitality Group is a joint venture with the AIA Group Limited.
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Humana Vitality
Discovery Ltd owns 25% of this firm. Humana Vitality offers insurance products to groups and individuals in the United States. Besides that, the firm is a subsidiary of the New York Stock Exchange-listed company, Humana.
Ping An Health
Discovery Ltd is a 25% shareholder. Through Ping A Health, medical insurance products are made available to the inhabitants of China.
Discovery Life Investment Services
This is a subsidiary of Discovery Ltd offering unit trust in Sandton, South Africa.
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Adrian Gore Net Worth
As of December 2011, Forbes listed him among Africa’s 40 Richest with an estimated net worth of $280 million. In 2015, Forbes named him among Africa’s 50 richest with a net worth of $480 million.
Adrian Gore Awards And Recognitions
- Best Entrepreneur, Ernst & Young, 1998
- South Africa’s leading CEO, annual Moneyweb CEO of the year awards, 2004
- Investec Award for considerable contribution in a career/profession, 2008
- Business Leader of the year, Sunday Times, 2010
- Manex Award, University of the Witwatersrand Business School, 2013
- Forum of Health Award, Mckinsey Geneva, 2015
- All Africa Business leader of the year, CNBC Africa, 2016
- Visionary Innovation Leadership Award for Africa, Frost & Sullivan, 2017
- Honorary Doctorate in Economics, University of the Witwatersrand
- Rotary club of Johannesburg’s Achiever of the Year Award, 2019
- LinkedIn Top Voices 2019: Finance & Economy
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Adrian Gore Quotes
“We have never ever been first to market, we have always been more of a disrupter, the behavioural model that we have has a great value in the banking space.”
“I believe leaders are positive and optimistic – this doesn’t mean they walk around with a smile and never see obstacles or challenges.”
“Leaders have an innate belief that they can find a way. They have a positive disposition and, therefore, invariably make better decision.”
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“Leaders make time to dream, think big and then set goals to get there. They have a sense of urgency and innate understanding that time is limited and therefore act accordingly.”
“The more you learn, the more your capacity to learn increases. Successful leaders are persistent.”
“Attitude drives fundamentals, not the other way around.”
“Dreams are not only about money, but also about leaving a legacy and what you want to achieve in life.”
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Entrepreneurial Lessons From Adrian Gore
Contribute To The Economy
Adrian is known for repeatedly making the call for positive leadership to liberate South Africa’s potential. Through this, he has been able to help South Africans find their leadership prowess.
Gore understands that if the leadership of a country is sound, it will affect the economy positively. Also, the leader’s decisions will help the citizens function at their best.
Therefore, in your little way as an entrepreneur, contribute to the economy that has helped your business thrive. Corporate social responsibility is not just about giving out money or building infrastructures.
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Expand Your Reach
Discovery Ltd started in South Africa but Adrian did not just stop there. He looked out for other markets in need of his services and he established branches there.
Today, Discovery Ltd is not only in South Africa, it is also well represented in the United Kingdom, the United States and China among others.
A business owner must always look for avenues to penetrate new markets. The goal of every entrepreneur should be to maximize profit and expand its reach.
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Be An Authority In Your Industry
Whenever you talk about health insurance in South Africa and beyond, Adrian Gore cannot take the back seat. This is because he has worked hard to make himself an authority in the industry.
In like manner, a business owner must endeavor to know everything about the industry he is playing in. This knowledge will help such an entrepreneur stand tall amidst competition. Also, it will help him make sound decisions that will make him a trusted authority in the industry.
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