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2022 Women to Watch Awards Americas EMEA

Lisa Davis CEO, U.S. & Bermuda

Canopius USA

Chicago

With a new degree in risk management, with a concentration in actuarial science, Lisa Davis had to choose whether she wanted to be a trainee in underwriting or in actuarial. She chose underwriting.

“There are many things I like about what I do, but I love working with people, which is part of the reason I chose underwriting,” Ms. Davis said. “I like helping them find solutions to their problems — to take their challenges and look for resolutions.”

When she first started, she worked through brokers and with clients. She says of her current role, “I call myself chief firefighter and chief strategist. I’m trying to think about what’s next, but sometimes I need to put out a fire.”

Ms. Davis works to help other women in the sector.

“We’ve done a lot to promote women in the industry, but there is still much we can do,” she said. “I’ve done a lot to encourage women to reach their full potential — to be a good mom, if that’s what they choose to do, and a good employee.”

Based on her own experience, she said, being successful on the job has helped her be a better mother. On the flip side, she said, being a good mother has led to greater success in her work.

“There are people who think you can’t have it all,” she said. “I disagree with that because I have raised two daughters who have grown up to be successful. I try to encourage people to understand how to do it and how to find the right balance.”

Monique Retief, marketing manager at Canopius, said she has benefited from working with and getting to know Ms. Davis.

“Lisa is just amazing,” she said. “She leads with her heart, and this is why she is a great leader. If you speak to anyone within Canopius, they are proud to work with her and relish her counsel.”

She added: “I think I can speak for all of us at Canopius — we are lucky to have her!”