2006 Women to Watch: Lisa Wall
Posted On: Oct. 8, 2006 12:00 AM CST
Senior Vp-Account Executive, Risk Management
Lockton Cos. Inc.
Kansas City, Mo.
Age: 40
Lisa Wall began her career as an auditor at KPMG in 1988, before moving to a unit of Seafield Capital Corp. where she eventually became corporate internal auditor and risk manager. She joined Lockton in 1997 and currently she is a leader in Lockton’s risk management team that focuses on providing clients with guidance on risk financing and the accounting and tax treatment of risk transactions. She is also chair of Lockton’s captives practice where she developed the brokerage’s proprietary captive financial forecasting model and consults with clients on the formation and implementation of captive programs.
Q: If you had the ability to change one thing about the industry what would it be?
A: "This is a great industry. Our work helps the global economy prosper. But the industry isn’t well understood. To some, insurance seems like a black box. We need more transparency in the industry, so we can strengthen trust with clients, regulators and public officials."
Q: What advice would you give young women entering the industry today?
A: "Understand what motivates you, and find work that matches your motivation. As a wife and a mother and a professional, the toughest part of life is finding the right balance."
Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your career and why?
A: "I can say without a doubt that Jack Lockton had the greatest influence on my career. When I joined Lockton nine years ago, I was a competent accountant with some specific expertise about insurance. Jack demanded that we work hard to understand our clients’ business, to walk in their shoes. He taught me how to listen carefully to clients, grasp their issues and offer solutions. His support for my professional development helped me bloom."