Laurie Orchard
Posted On: Dec. 5, 2010 12:00 AM CST
Vp, Operations and Strategy
XL Group P.L.C.
Hamilton, Bermuda
Age: 38
It's not surprising that Laurie Orchard is a triathlete, given the endurance it must require to handle the broad scope of her responsibilities at XL Group P.L.C. After being named vp, operations and strategy at Hamilton, Bermuda-based XL's reinsurance unit XL Re Ltd. in October, her focus includes XL's worldwide operations. "My day-to-day life now is predominately in strategy," she said, as she is responsible for oversight, coordination and problem-solving related to XL's strategy. She is immediate past president of the Bermuda Insurance Institute and former president of the Bermuda Chapter of the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society. Ms. Orchard continues to spearhead projects in Bermuda that aim to raise the profile of the insurance market, including volunteer efforts to help educate students on the island about the profession and the people who work in it.
WHAT'S THE BEST PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU RECEIVED?
Be above reproach, and always conduct yourself with honesty, integrity and strong principles. I have always lived by this advice, but until the recent economic downturn and behavior that led to the demise of previously successful financial institutions, I didn't realize how powerful and important acting in this way really is.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN ENTERING THIS FIELD?
Focus your efforts on an area that makes use of your strengths, so your contribution is unique and meaningful. Do something that you're passionate about, and decide what success means for you. Following what others are doing is not likely to be fulfilling if their definition of success isn't the same as yours. Your career plan should reflect your own interests and should further develop and utilize the skills that define you. Pursue the things that make the most sense for your own goals and personal situation, and don't get caught up in other people's business.
OUTSIDE OF WORK AND FAMILY, WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?
I'm a triathlete, and have admired Lance Armstrong since his teenage years as a tenacious triathlon sensation. His will to survive, to recreate himself and push towards boundaries that most human beings don't have the strength to even consider, is inspiring. He has risen above scandal, skepticism and life-threatening disease and emerged a stronger person. He strives not just for himself, but for the benefit of so many others. His tireless work effort and belief in himself are qualities I highly value.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?
A high school teacher or coach. I've been lucky to coach and mentor people in many capacities since my teens, and find it so inspiring when I'm able to make people see things differently or try doing things in a different way. Change is the instigator of progress, and it's exciting to me to see people move outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves towards greater things.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE?
"The Thomas Crown Affair." Despite the fact that you know something is amiss the entire time, it's a fun, clever adventure.
WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE YOU'VE BEEN?
Cusco, Peru. I was lucky to take a six-month sabbatical with my husband, Myles, in 2000 and we spent a month of our time in Peru. Despite its remote, rugged location, Cusco is a very spiritual, inspiring place. It's a city rich in history, known as the original Incan empire and has been reinvented multiple times. Many of the original foundations that date back to 1100 still stand in its sacred sites, which is simply amazing when you consider that they've stood the test of earthquakes, weather and humans in conflict. We stayed with a Peruvian shaman and his wife, and experienced the power of rich tradition and strong belief in the interconnectedness that exists among all of us.
WHAT DO YOU PREFER AND WHY: PHONE OR E-MAIL?
I prefer the phone. It's much more conducive to building relationships and reaching mutual understanding than electronic means. Although e-mail has become the preferred method of conversing in our fast-paced industry, the rapid response to e-mails that is generally expected is becoming more and more difficult. We're hard-wired to answer a ringing telephone, to make an immediate connection. When we engage in meaningful dialogue, the benefits far outweigh the risks of corresponding by e-mail.