Amy Laverock
Global Health and Benefits Strategic Solutions Leader
Mercer L.L.C.
New York
Age: 36

Amy Laverock has racked up numerous accomplishments in her 15 years with Mercer L.L.C., including helping to grow regional consulting revenues by about 200% while she was based in Singapore from 2007 to 2010. Currently, she is responsible for Mercer’s global benefits management offering, which combines local Mercer/Marsh Inc. benefits brokering capabilities with international benefits specialists who provide clients with strategic advice and global coordination.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?

My main piece of advice would be to live abroad. I’m extremely fortunate that my mentors and leaders really encouraged me to get some global experience. I have lived in Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States. Working in the emerging markets has been the most rewarding because you can really make a big difference if you can withstand the pace and all the day-to-day challenges. International experience has really given me a broad perspective.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED IN YOUR LIFE?

Be resilient. In any leadership role, you really need to stay positive and be able to bounce back quickly from failure. I’m not the kind of person who gets shocked easily or dwells on issues or has difficulty making decisions. I’m continually working at this, trying to maintain focus and be balanced. Have compassion and gratitude, and also stay physically fit. All of these things really make you more resilient.

WHAT’S THE BEST-KEPT SECRET ABOUT WORKING IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?

The types of risks you come across are very interesting. In the employee benefits field, you have longevity risk and market risk. I’m very motivated by the need businesses have to address workforce risks. The industry really needs to innovate here. It has come a long way, but there still is a lot to do in terms of quantifying the impact physical and mental health have on business results.

WHAT’S THE NEXT MAJOR CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS SECTOR?

It is coming up with solutions that work in different countries to maximize the effectiveness of health care. While insurance is one potential solution, we have a long way to go until people have access to the right health care resources at the right price and are really motivated to make the right health and lifestyle decisions.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELIEVE STRESS?

It definitely is a work in progress. I recently moved to New York, and I really like looking at the different neighborhoods. I also run and practice yoga.

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET VICE?

I probably have two: listening to live jazz and looking at impressionist art.

WHAT SKILL HAS BEEN AN UNEXPECTED AID TO YOUR CAREER?

I am very adaptable. Over my career, I have had to adapt from a very sophisticated market to emerging markets, from a slow pace to a very fast pace. I really thrive on ambiguity and chaos, which I think helps me.

WHAT’S AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Travel is my passion. I have seen a lot of the world, but there are a few places high on my list. Places in the South Pacific, Peru and the Galapagos Islands would be very high on my list.

2012 Women to Watch Home