Leaders’ showcase: Sophia Greaves
The lawyer heading the re/insurance team at leading law firm Conyers worked in London and Hong Kong before returning to Bermuda.
Sophia Greaves recently took over the leadership of leading law firm Conyers where she has been a highly regarded re/insurance lawyer since 2010. She worked in London and Hong Kong before returning to Bermuda.
Give us a snapshot of your career to date.
I am a Director and Head of the Insurance & Reinsurance practice in the Bermuda Office of Conyers Dill & Pearman Limited. I started my career at a law firm in London, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert LLP, where I trained as a trainee solicitor and qualified as an Associate in the Reinsurance and Commercial Risk department. During my time at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, I worked in both London and Hong Kong, where I acted in a broad range of (re)insurance commercial litigation proceedings. My time at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert was transformative. Working in two of the world’s leading financial centres was an invaluable personal and professional experience. Eventually, I was keen to return to Bermuda, was recruited by Conyers in 2010 and embarked on my career at the firm. I was promoted to a Director at Conyers in 2016 and appointed to the role of Head of the Insurance & Reinsurance practice effective January 1, 2024.
What attracted you to re/insurance within the legal profession?
Being born and raised in Bermuda usually means that one has a great deal of exposure to the re/insurance ecosystem. However, a career in re/insurance within law was not an obvious path when I first enrolled in law school. It was my time at Barlow Lyde & Gilbert that really solidified my desire to specialise in transactional and regulatory re/insurance law. I was and still am fascinated by the fact that our infrastructure and the way in which we, as individuals, engage with the world around us, is premised on a system of interactions, agreements, contracts and transactions, ultimately based on trust. In many respects, the legal and re/insurance sectors underpin that system of trust, particularly in the corporate and commercial world.
Who inspired you or acted as a mentor in your career?
My mother, Linda Greaves, has inspired me throughout my career and has and continues to be instrumental to my success. She worked in re/insurance for decades before retiring five years ago. She set an incredible example during her working years by juggling the demands of a senior role in international business as a wife and mother. She has counselled me through almost every challenge and opportunity that I have been presented in both my personal and professional life. My mother has also instilled in me the right measure of tenacity and reason. Possessing both qualities has been a vital toolkit in navigating the corporate world.
Do you feel the legal and re/insurance sectors have made progress in terms of diversity and inclusion since you became a lawyer?
Absolutely. In particular, there is a noticeable difference in terms of the increased representation of women and people of colour in leadership positions within the legal and re/insurance sectors. Diversity in leadership tends to translate into attracting a more diverse talent pool, which I think has been the case in Bermuda’s international business sector. Individuals are drawn to industries where they feel they are represented because where there is representation, there is a perception of opportunity.
Do you feel this sector is especially attuned to diversity and inclusion?
Based on my observations, the sector is generally attuned to diversity and inclusion; however, equity remains a challenge. While the international business sector may aspire to be diverse, inclusive and equitable, at its core, the demands placed on individuals and the manner in which they are expected to meet those demands, does not always lend itself to diversity, inclusivity or equity.
Is there anything you would like to improve or change?
Some organisations create the perception of diversity, inclusion and equity instead of actually effecting positive outcomes for their stakeholders. We, as leaders, are all busy leading very demanding professional and personal lives. However, we must still find the time to prioritize ensuring colleagues feel comfortable in their own skin. We have to encourage taking the time to mentor and sponsor colleagues through prevailing systemic and structural inequities rather than leaving them stranded and expecting them, regardless of their context, to still perform at target levels. We don’t all start from the same point in this industry and along the way, there is a well-trodden path for some but not necessarily for others. Effective leadership works collectively, collaboratively and intentionally to, as far as possible, regularise this position.
Are these sectors great to work in?
Yes, very much so. A career in law and/or re/insurance requires one to work hard and to be meaningfully dedicated to their chosen field. However, the fun lies in the fact that these industries are constantly evolving, always relevant and extremely dynamic. The sectors offer a great deal of exposure to some of the brightest minds in international business both locally and through overseas clients /counterparties. The result is a diverse and highly stimulating career. No two days are alike, but every day is challenging and rewarding.
Why is Bermuda a great place to be?
Bermuda is (still) another world. It manages to balance its reputation as both an island paradise and one of the world’s leading international business hubs. It has retained its charm (I hope this never changes) but has evolved into a highly respected re/insurance marketplace. The mix of local and expat human capital and expertise on the island means that we have a skilled and culturally diverse community. I feel very fortunate to have been born in Bermuda, raised here and now working in Bermuda at a Tier 1 firm within a thriving industry.
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