In this edition of “Conversations with…” we sat down with Lisa Cruz in our Surety Department, to learn more about her career and her life outside of work.
What is your favorite part about your role at Cavignac?
My favorite part about my role at Cavignac is being part of a team and agency that is extremely knowledgeable. Everyone who works here is an expert in their respective fields and I enjoy learning from my colleagues on a daily basis. I also appreciate that our agency encourages continuing education and wants everyone to be the best at what they do.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust in the timing of your life. Not everyone is on the same path or timeline. It’s okay to do things at your own pace. It’s also perfectly fine to start over or try new things, no matter how old you are.
What part of your career has challenged you the most?
The most challenging part of my career has been switching industries. I started out in insurance by working on the carrier side in a different field. When I joined Cavignac, I began working in the surety industry and quickly had to learn this niche market. To make things a little more difficult, I started right before the pandemic. I was able to train and learn in the office pre-pandemic for a month, but the majority of my training was done virtually while working from home. I was lucky to have some pretty great trainers who helped me develop and get up to speed quickly.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family. My daughter is 15 months old and it’s so fun being able to experience everything through her eyes. My family and in-laws all live in San Diego so we get together pretty often. It brings me joy to see my daughter spend time with her grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Who has been a role model for you in your life and career and why?
My role model is my grandpa. He was born and raised in a small town in the Philippines. He immigrated to Canada with my grandma and their 4 kids (including my mom). He worked in accounting and eventually became the Controller of a well-known car dealership. He loved his job so much and kept working until he turned 80 years old. He has an incredible work ethic, which has passed down to each generation. He inspires me to work hard and enjoy the little things. His motto is “Live a simple life and be happy.”
What do you look forward to in 2023, both personally and professionally?
This year I look forward to watching my daughter become the little person that she’s meant to be and all the fun things she gets to experience for the first time.
I am also excited about learning more about the surety industry and growing professionally as I work toward my Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB) designation.
