Lisa Carter Managing Director Clear Insurance and her team deal daily in risk management, so it is unsurprising that Lisa’s business experienced a relatively seamless transition during COVID-19. Clear Insurance‘s own business continuity enabled them to support clients across the various industries they service, including clubs & hospitality, manufacturing, construction, medical and professional services, to respond rapidly with risk identification and mitigation strategies to continue trading.
Lisa’s most recent industry recognition has included being awarded 2019 QBE Stephen Ball Memorial NIBA Award Winner, 2019 NIBA QLD Broker of the Year Winner, 2019 Australian Insurance Business AR of the year and 2019 Advisr Broker of the Year.
What are the Top 5 risks facing business owners and how can they mitigate them?
- Instability caused by government shut-downs and disruptions to trade.
- Cyber risk – hacks, social engineering fraud and storage.
- Skills shortage – lack of experienced staff.
- Supply chain disruption – materials and stock less accessible due to COVID-19.
- Legislative compliance – ongoing and increased compliance required across many facets of business.
Business owners can mitigate these risks by diversifying their business operations and growing alternative income streams, managing their cyber risk by engaging IT consultants and cyber security experts, invest in training and upskilling of existing staff members. Also, take advice from legal, HR and safety consultants to ensure your business is compliant with the appropriate legislation relevant to your industry.
How did you manage your team and business remotely during COVID-19?
We simply picked up our laptops and worked from home. It was a very easy transition for us as we enjoyed fully flexible working conditions ordinarily pre-COVID. Twice weekly zoom catch ups worked well for us all to keep in touch as a team.
What were some of the unexpected benefits your business experienced during COVID-19?
Business owners have become decidedly more risk aware. We have found conversations around managing and mitigating business risk far easier and more easily received with both existing and new clients alike. We have also found people more willing to interact electronically and had more online meetings during the shut down periods than ever before.
Why should businesses consider undertaking an independent risk review of their current risks and insurance profile?
Whilst insurance is very much a relationship business and business owners may have great relationships with their insurance advisors, it is sensible governance for business owners to undertake an independent risk review at a minimum of every three years to ensure that the risk advice that they are receiving is accurate and sound.
Your greatest challenge?
Silencing my internal critic and encouraging myself to take risks and push forward.
Most proud of?
From a personal perspective I am super proud of my three daughters who are all individually amazing girls. Professionally I am very proud of building the Clear Insurance business from a zero client base to successful, 10 year old practice. The highlight of my professional career to date was being named the Insurance Broker of the Year by the National Insurance Brokers Association in 2019, the first female to win the award.
Advice for future female leaders?
Lead your team with honesty, integrity and don’t be afraid to proudly share your achievements!
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