FORTY Under 40: Danielle Lawrence
Danielle Lawrence, senior manager, assurance, PwC.
Lawrence began her journey with PwC Bermuda’s captive team in 2014 after gaining valuable experience as an intern with the firm for three consecutive summers through its HeadStart Student programme. Since formally joining the team, she quickly advanced from associate to senior manager, playing a key part in leading PwC Bermuda’s dedicated captive insurance group.
She has worked with a wide array of insurance companies. Her experience spans single-parent captives, group and association captives as well as segregated cell companies. In addition, she has developed expertise working with large property and casualty (P&C) and life (re)insurance companies, further broadening her industry knowledge.
Lawrence’s accomplishments have been recognised through several industry accolades. She was honoured as a Bermudian Magazine Rising Star awardee in 2021 and also named to Captive Review’s “Ones to Watch” list in 2022.
Looking back at your journey over the past year, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and how has becoming a FORTY Under 40 finalist influenced your perspective on that achievement?
One of my proudest achievements has been the continued growth and development of PwC Bermuda’s dedicated captive team. We have invested significant time and resources into supporting our associates and managers, ensuring that we consistently deliver the highest quality audits to our clients. This commitment to excellence has strengthened our team and enhanced our reputation for reliability and professionalism.
In addition to internal team development, I have continued to be actively engaged in the broader industry. Over the past year, I had the opportunity to moderate and speak on three panels at major risk and captive events in Bermuda. Being invited to participate in these platforms is both an honour and a reminder of my established presence within the captive industry. The fact that industry peers think of me for panel discussions is testament to my capabilities and standing.
Making the FORTY Under 40 list is a significant accomplishment for me. This recognition not only solidifies my place within the captive industry but also serves as motivation to continue striving for excellence and contributing to the industry’s ongoing growth and innovation.
What key challenge did you face in your work this year? How did you overcome it and what did it teach you about leadership at this stage of your career?
I have prioritised reducing my stress levels for personal reasons. This decision required me to reassess my work practices, as relying on extended overtime was no longer a sustainable option. Adjusting my mindset proved challenging given my proactive nature, particularly during peak deadlines. To address this, I placed greater emphasis on delegating tasks and leveraging my team’s strengths and expertise to achieve our objectives. This approach allowed me to reduce my workload while ensuring that audit deadlines and client expectations were met efficiently through effective teamwork and collaboration.
Recognising the power of delegation and collaboration has fundamentally shifted my leadership approach, allowing me to cultivate an environment where team members feel supported and valued for their unique contributions. By focusing on fostering trust and open communication, I have witnessed first-hand how empowering others not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the collective capability of our team. This experience has reaffirmed my belief that true leadership lies in inspiring others to achieve their best, ultimately driving sustainable success and resilience within our organisation.
Empowering others not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the collective capability of our team.
In what ways have you tried to push innovation or rethink traditional approaches within your sector, and what impact has that had on your team or organisation?
Through close collaboration with my manager team, we have focused on refining and streamlining our approach to captive audits wherever possible. Our primary objective has been to deliver audits of the highest quality in a manner that is both efficient and effective.
By consistently evaluating our processes and documentation, we have fostered a culture of continuous improvement. This mindset has empowered the team to devise innovative solutions that enhance the completion of audits and optimise our overall workflow.
How do you see your role evolving over the next three to five years, and what initiatives are you most excited to pursue as you continue to grow professionally?
In the coming year, I am eager to step into a more prominent leadership position within our captive team. My primary goal is to develop the strengths of our group further, ensuring we maintain our status as the leading dedicated captive team in Bermuda. I am committed to fostering an environment where each team member can grow and contribute meaningfully, reinforcing our reputation for excellence.
Additionally, I look forward to deepening my engagement within the industry by continuing my participation in key events and panel discussions. I am enthusiastic about seeking new opportunities to increase my involvement wherever possible, as this not only supports my personal and professional growth but also strengthens our team's presence and influence within the broader captive industry.
Many of the FORTY Under 40 winners are recognised for both business success and broader impact – how do you balance professional excellence with contributions to your community or industry landscape?
Balancing professional excellence with meaningful contributions to the industry requires intentional effort and thoughtful prioritisation. I strive to integrate my commitment to high-quality work with a genuine desire to give back to the captive industry, actively seeking opportunities where my expertise can support broader industry advancement. Whether it’s mentoring emerging talent, collaborating on industry panels or sharing insights at events, I make it a priority to contribute in ways that foster collective growth.
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