Yvette Connor
Posted On: Dec. 1, 2013 12:00 AM CST
Managing Director,Risk Management Advisory and Insurance Services
Alvarez & Marsal
Denver
Age: 45
Yvette Connor is managing director of risk management advisory and insurance services at New York-based international consultant Alvarez & Marsal, a position she assumed in November. Before that, Ms. Connor served as managing director-director of client engagement at Marsh Inc. in Denver, a position she held for three years. At Marsh, she led the deployment of Marsh 3D to help clients achieve a more strategic, relevant and valued role within their organizations. Before joining Marsh, Ms. Connor was director of risk management at Vulcan Inc. At Vulcan, she was responsible for developing a new risk management department and systemwide functionality within a diverse, private global company. Ms. Connor was charged with implementing effective systemwide best practices for risk identification, quantification, optimization, and execution to address risk factors throughout the various majority-owned profit and nonprofit affiliates.
What's your advice for women entering this field?
Don't be afraid to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. Try things that you are unsure about, and challenge yourself to learn and adapt.
What attracted you to this industry?
The opportunity to diagnose and resolve key business issues. The risk and insurance landscape is so rich with opportunities to dive into approaches for risk identification, risk quantification and performance improvement opportunities. I view risk management as a way to enhance organizational performance.
What aspects of your job give you the greatest sense of accomplishment?
The complexity of tackling “how do we succeed” by evaluating areas that may contribute to less-than-positive results.
What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career?
Don't be afraid to abandon subject matter expertise in pursuit of a less technical but more strategic leadership opportunity.
Outside family, what woman has been your role model?
Sally Krawcheck. Frankly, she is a powerful example of what it looks like to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. I am a Power Circle member of her organization (85 Broads) and a big fan of her resiliency and positive attitude. I am planning to lead an 85 Broads jam session about managing and implementing change in 2014.
What's at the top of your bucket list and why?
Another marathon — I am due.
What's your secret vice?
McDonald's French fries. No one does them better.