From Actuarial Precision To Creative Expression

By Anne Njoroge – PR & Communications Manager, Jubilee Holdings

Meet Catherine Mwangi, the Assistant Manager – Creative Design at Jubilee Holdings.

What sets Catherine apart is not just her expertise in design, but her unique career journey. Starting in actuarial science and claims payout, Catherine’s path took a creative turn when she decided to follow her passion for design.

Now, she is using her skills to bring ideas to life and create a meaningful impact at Jubilee Insurance. In this conversation, Catherine shares about her leap from numbers to creativity and how following her heart led her to unexpected but fulfilling places.

Her story is a reminder that when we embrace our true passions, the journey may take us to places we never imagined – but always to the right place.

Q: You started in actuarial science and claims payout, and now you are in creative design. How did that happen?

Catherine: (Pauses, smiles) Honestly, I didn’t see it coming! Numbers have always been my thing, and I enjoyed working in claims payout at Jubilee Health Insurance. But deep down, I had a creative side that kept calling. I used to explore design as a hobby – playing around with graphics, learning through YouTube, and helping friends with design projects. One day, an opportunity came up in the Marketing and Corporate Communications team, and I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” I thought it would be a short stint to try something new. But here we are, and it has turned into something much more exciting than I expected!

Q: That’s quite the switch! Was it scary moving from a structured actuarial role to a creative one?

Catherine: (chuckles softly) Oh, absolutely! Actuarial science is all about precision, calculations, and predictability, while design is fluid, expressive, and ever-changing. At first, I doubted myself – was I making the right decision? But I realized that both fields require problem-solving, just in different ways. The fear was there, but excitement took over.

Q: How did you teach yourself creative design?

Catherine: YouTube was my university! (laughs). I watched countless tutorials and practiced a lot. I experimented with tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe In Design which allowed me to explore different techniques and refine my skills. I also asked for feedback from mentors and experienced designers, which really helped. Over time, I built confidence and developed my own style.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Catherine: Seeing an idea come to life! Whether it’s a campaign, a brand refresh, or a digital ad, watching something I envisioned take shape and connect with people is incredibly fulfilling. Plus, I love collaborating with my team—creativity thrives in a shared space.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge in your career transition?

Catherine: (pauses thoughtfully) Imposter syndrome! Coming from an actuarial background, I sometimes felt like I wasn’t “qualified enough” to be a creative designer. But I learned that skill and passion matter more than titles. Once I embraced that, I started growing faster.

Q: You’re also a Rotaract member. How does that tie into your career?

Catherine: Rotaract is all about service and making a difference, which aligns with my passion for societal impact. I have worked on projects that blend creativity with social good – designing campaigns for community programs and using visuals to tell powerful stories. It is fulfilling to see design make a real impact.

Q: You also mentor young designers. What’s your biggest advice to them?

Catherine: Be fearless and stay curious. The best designers aren’t just skilled—they’re always learning, experimenting, and pushing boundaries. And don’t be afraid to start, even if you don’t have a design degree. Skills can be learned, but passion, attitude and consistency make the difference.

Q: Lastly, if your career journey was a movie, what would the title be?

Catherine: The Accidental Creative! (laughs). I never planned for this path, but sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them.