I’ve been working with Grace since November 2024. I first heard of her through recommendations from peers in the market, and after speaking with her at a conference, I immediately felt like she just understood me. That first conversation was a turning point, and I knew right away that I wanted to work with her.
At the time, I had just transitioned into insurance pricing, a completely new field for me. The learning curve was steep, and I often felt overwhelmed by everything from navigating underwriter relationships to understanding internal dynamics and team politics. I was searching for guidance from someone who could offer both practical advice and genuine insight.
Grace delivered exactly that. She helped me tackle everyday challenges with clear, actionable strategies, whether it was organising my workflow, approaching meetings with confidence, or building stronger relationships. What truly sets her apart is her holistic approach: she doesn’t just address the immediate problem, but helps you see the bigger picture and develop lasting confidence. Over time, I’ve noticed a real shift in my mindset. My confidence has grown, and the imposter syndrome I once struggled with has started to fade.
Grace is kind-hearted, approachable, and genuinely invested in her clients’ success. She has a remarkable ability to break down complex challenges and provide clarity when it’s needed most. I also know several mutual friends who speak just as highly of her.
What truly distinguishes Grace is not just her expertise, but her genuine care for the people she works with. She listens deeply, understands the broader context, and empowers you to find solutions that feel right for you. I’m truly grateful for her support, and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a coach who combines wisdom, empathy, and practical strategies.
About
Hello, I’m Grace
Actuary, coach and mentor. I split my time between London and Bermuda.
Nearly fifteen years an actuary. A people person all along.
I have been working as an actuary for nearly fifteen years, across the London, Lloyd’s and Bermuda reinsurance markets. I have mostly held pricing roles, with reserving and mixed roles along the way, and my experience spans Marine, Casualty, Property and most Specialty lines. I have delivered or been involved in a wide range of projects, from the Lloyd’s SBF to pricing model development, elements of new underwriting systems, and PPO and Ogden discount rate work.
I understand the technical side of the role, and I apply myself to it as my role demands. But it isn’t where my strengths lie. I am a people-focused ambivert with a deep desire to help people find purpose and show up as their true selves. I enjoy offering a new or different perspective.
Throughout my career I have been coaching and mentoring friends and people in my professional network. Helping other actuaries overcome challenges and setbacks, or simply find the motivation and ideas that lead to change and better outcomes, is what I want to do properly. So here I am.
My story
I haven’t had an easy ride in actuarial. That’s rather the point.
I set my sights on this career while still at school, in around 2007. A mathematics degree was a challenge for me, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to come out with a first, which I did, through sheer hard work rather than natural talent. I was often one of only a handful of women among my peers, and, as a less technical person in that group with a keen interest in art, design and fashion, I often felt like an outsider.
I started work in 2012 with big preconceptions about what it meant to ‘be an actuary’. The reality couldn’t have been more different. My first employer had an unhealthy relationship between underwriting and actuarial and little interest in the pricing function, which made it hard to see the value in what I was delivering. I worked for brilliant, hyper-intelligent people who often didn’t have strong management skills. When that is all you know, it quickly becomes your normal, and it does a lot of damage to your confidence. Imposter syndrome was never far behind. I even considered leaving for architecture, but didn’t feel I had the confidence or the stability to start again.
Switching roles was one of the best decisions I ever made. I moved to a small arm of a big company, found a manager who invested in me, and learned that small environments suit my personality. It taught me that fit really does matter, and that the daunting jump really is worth it, despite the fear. It also showed me where my strengths lie as an actuary. I am a solutions-oriented problem solver, but the problems I solve are ones of translation: working out what our non-actuarial colleagues actually need, communicating it clearly, and delivering to scope.
The exams were never a joy. I got stuck on a single exam for several sittings, which stalled my qualification for about two years. In hindsight I was burned out from school and university without ever having allowed myself a proper break. I eventually qualified, and was relieved to put the exams behind me.
In 2023 my family and I moved to Bermuda, where I took a pricing role in reinsurance and was promoted to Vice-President in 2024. It was an intense period, personally and professionally, and it changed me. I found the confidence to bring my whole self to work, to stop caring what others thought of me, and to be truly myself. That was the deepest change I needed before I could begin the next stage of my career.
That next stage is this. I’ve been where you are now, several times over. I get it, and I can level with you. Let’s put two brains together, formulate a plan, and get you living the best life possible.
Testimonials
What clients say
When I first met Grace, in 2017, I was an intern starting out on my career journey. Looking back, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude to Grace for the time she’s taken to mentor, support and guide me over the years.
Grace is an admirable friend and leader, whose warmth and kindness truly stand out. She is authentic, nurturing and above all, genuinely wants the best for others. I have confided in Grace numerous times, seeking her advice in all aspects of my life including my career and personal relationships. I admire her continuous pursuit of growth, her ability to both create and seize opportunities and her approach to dealing with life’s challenges. She has a wonderful network of capable and inspiring people around her, each of whom speaks volumes about the type of person she is.
Through Grace’s extensive network, I was also introduced to two regular mentors, both inspiring women further along in their careers, who continue to guide and support me. As a woman entering a predominantly male-dominated industry, this has been invaluable. I now feel like I’ve found not only my path, but also my community, purpose, and a sense of belonging in the market.
More recently, when I approached Grace about exploring new roles, she raised my profile across the industry, both through her network of fellow actuaries and her strong relationships with specialist recruiters. She connected me with a role opening, initially just to give me interview experience, strengthen my negotiation position, and broaden my options. But I ended up securing the role, and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
This opportunity allowed me to take a major step forward in both seniority and financial progression. After five years in insurance, I’m now in a role that truly reflects where I want to be, and I credit Grace with helping me get here.
Along with all the guidance and support Grace is sure to provide, you’re guaranteed a fun time and a good laugh too. I couldn’t recommend Grace more. She’ll certainly show you how to make the most of what life has to offer!
Working with Grace during my final years of senior school was a turning point in my career journey. At the time, I was considering a career as an actuary but felt unsure about whether it was the right path for me. Grace took the time to understand my interests and aspirations, and then went a step further, connecting me with professionals in her network so I could gain real-world experience across a range of roles within the insurance industry.
These opportunities were incredibly valuable. Not only did they give me insight into the day-to-day realities of different careers, but they also helped me identify where my true strengths and interests lie. Through thoughtful conversations and hands-on experiences she arranged, I was able to make a much more informed decision about my future.
Thanks to Grace’s guidance, I chose a degree that truly aligns with my long-term goals, and I’ve never looked back. Her support, insight, and commitment made all the difference.
Now at the end of university, graduating with a first class degree, I am looking forward to engaging with Grace with respect to the career options ahead of me.
Shall we talk?
Book an initial session and see how we get on. The first hour is free, and if it’s not for you, I’ll refund half of the rest.