Getting to know Lida Heaven
Markel International, London
Meet Lida Heaven, Underwriter for political risk. Lida tells us about the best book she's ever read, what she loves most about her job and gives some great advice to those new in the market. See the below interview.
What skills have you found vital to your job?
Over the past year, adaptability and resilience. Balancing the demands of childcare and work during a pandemic has been a military operation, but very rewarding when it all comes together.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I am always learning about something new. We deal with such a broad range of countries, sectors and projects that no two days are the same.
For someone joining the market now, what advice would you give them.
Make the most of opportunities to learn new skills and develop your knowledge across different areas of insurance. The industry doesn’t work in siloes, so having claims, underwriting, actuarial experience for example is really valuable. Do not be afraid to speak up and offer ideas; the market is changing now more than ever and a fresh perspective can go a long way.
What is the best book you have ever read?
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. It is a sprawling book about the highs and lows of an American family, which is very honestly written. It is one of the few books that had me in tears by the end!
What languages do you know how to speak or are there any language would you like to be fluent in?
My parents are from Iran, so I grew up in a bilingual Farsi and English speaking family. It takes so much time to master a new language, but it’s amazing when you get there. I would love to be fluent in French or Spanish.
How do your services free the performance of our clients?
We have developed a real partnership with our clients. This collaborative approach ensures that we can continue to provide political risk products that are truly relevant for their changing business needs and enables our clients to grow their portfolios.
Lida Heaven
Underwriter for Political Risk - London
ENDS
Our trade credit, political risk and surety team offers deep knowledge of commercial counterparty and country risks across a wide variety of trade sectors and markets. We know that trade risks are among the most complex, and our A+ rating means we’re trusted the world over to really understand them. Click here to view our TCPRS Products.
About Markel International:
Markel International is a division of Markel Corporation, a US-based holding company trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MKL). Markel International writes insurance and reinsurance business through six divisions and through offices across the UK, Europe, Canada, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Markel International’s insuring entities include Syndicate 3000, Markel International Insurance Company Limited, Markel Insurance SE., and Markel Resseguradora do Brasil S.A.
Its UK national markets business also provides legal and professional fees insurance cover as well as legal and tax consultancy services.