Finding Artistry in Insurance – Meet NZI’s Lisa Christensen

Lisa's entry into the insurance industry came somewhat unexpectedly – “Straight out of high school, I took a job working with State Insurance, primarily as an opportunity to save some money to attend Auckland’s Whitecliffe Art College,” she recalls.??

This first role in customer service laid a solid foundation for her future. "It was a great training opportunity for me and a really good introduction to the insurance market," she says.??

After four years with State, she moved to Crombie Lockwood (now Gallagher) for 11 years as a commercial broker and group relationship manager. Lisa then went on to hold various insurance management roles within banks, broking and insurer entities, including two years working in the Gold Coast.??

“What began as a temporary job for me after finishing high school has become a 30-plus year career,” she says. “My insurance career revolves around my genuine passion for helping others and a commitment to personal and professional growth.”?

Helping when it matters most?

In January this year, Lisa was presented with the opportunity to start in a new role with NZI, as National Broker Partner Manager.??

In this role, Lisa is responsible for managing and strengthening external relationships with some of NZI’s key broker partners. "In a nutshell, I’m the national point of contact for key partners with NZI, with a focus on understanding what our partner’s needs are and how we can align our shared goals and deliver on these.”?

She finds immense satisfaction and joy in her work, especially the strategic partnership management element. "It’s a great feeling working closely with businesses at a management level to develop new and innovative ways of delivering a tailored service along with maximising value from partnership activities like broker events and broker professional development days."?

Building strong relationships in the insurance industry has always been a key driver for Lisa. "I love the fact that we’re here to provide support for customers at a time when it matters most for them," she says. “I’m immensely proud of the work all of us do in the sector to keep people, businesses, and our communities safe.”?

Witnessing insurance evolution in action?

Reflecting on the evolution of the insurance industry, Lisa notes there has been significant advancements in recent times. "The regulatory environment has changed significantly”, citing the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Act 2019 and the Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment Act 2021 as key recent developments. She also highlights the industry’s progression from focusing on protecting physical assets to now considering protection for brands, data and liabilities such as cyber.?

Having recently been part of NZI’s 165-year milestone celebrations, Lisa feels privileged to be on an NZI journey that is about adapting to the changing needs of customers. “The agility we’ve shown as a business to implement various risk-assurance solutions like Electrical Inspections and Fleet Fit, shows how ahead of the game we are when it comes to safeguarding our communities.??

A love of lifelong learning??

With a love of professional development driving her, Lisa’s impressive array of qualifications include a Senior Associate & Diploma in Financial Services from The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF), a Level 5 Certificate in Financial Services General Insurance, and even an Advanced Certificate in Teaching English to Foreign Languages, which has served her well during her travels.?

Health and wellness are also important elements in Lisa’s life. She holds a certificate in the Foundations of Nutrition and is a trained body therapist in Ortho-Bionomy . "I spend a fair amount of time focused on self-improvement, particularly when it comes to health and wellbeing,” she shares. “I also thoroughly enjoy running, dining out, movies and exploring new places.”?

To maintain a good work-life balance in such a busy and varied role, Lisa says healthy lifestyle, a positive mindset, and spending time with family and friends is vital. "Plus, a lot of laughter and a dash of wine here and there also helps!" she adds with a smile.?

“Travelling is another passion of mine and I’ve been very fortunate to have explored many parts of the world, including a three-month stint in Africa in 2012 where I volunteered at a wild cat rescue / breeding centre and taught English to various school classes, including special needs students,” she shares. “Many friends, brokers and clients supported me over this journey via a fundraising blog used to raise funds to buy schoolbooks and desks (as some children were schooled on dirt floors), food and mosquito nets for orphanages, and life-saving medication for wild cats.??

“Seeing the joy that these simple fundraising initiatives brought to so many people’s lives still warm my heart today,” she remembers fondly.?

“In my other travels, I also spent a few months touring Europe when I was in my mid-twenties, and I’m heading to the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain this year to join my son, Simon, who has taken a year sabbatical from his career to travel Europe over 2024 – I’m really looking forward to spending time with him overseas and exploring the islands!”??

The cornerstone of life?

To keep her grounded, Lisa is deeply connected to her origins. "I’m proud to say that Taranaki is my hometown – I spent 30 years living there and absolutely love the region," she shares. “I always jump at the chance to head back whenever time allows!”?

Family is also the cornerstone of Lisa's life. "My family are my rock; I absolutely adore spending time with them on the family farm. Most of my close friends and family are spread across Aotearoa New Zealand, so you’ll often find me making the most of weekends visiting them. With longer holidays, I’ll make the most of opportunities to head across to the Gold Coast to enjoy spending time in the sun with a large network of close friends.”?

When asked about her proudest achievement, Lisa says there’s one thing that stands head and shoulders above it all – “My most satisfying and rewarding achievement is how I raised my amazing son while being a solo mum and working full-time forging a great career.”?

Lisa’s story is testament to the unexpected paths life can take and the success that can come simply from embracing opportunities. From dreaming of art school to becoming a key figure in the insurance industry, her journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to her family and career.