Ashley Hunter
HM Risk Group

ExpatWomen's Interview with Ashley


Expat Women: Ashley, how did an African American woman from Texas, classically–trained in violin and vocals, with an undergraduate degree in music, come to be working in insurance in Bahrain?

Ashley: Well, after my undergraduate degree, I completed a graduate degree in Management and Marketing, then fell into insurance because it was the only industry willing to pay liberal arts majors an outrageous salary for a non–desk position. So, my professional background is insurance in the US. As for Bahrain, that was never planned. I was doing business with AIG and I became really good friends with one of the Vice President's over in Bahrain. After his encouragement, and after I had talked to a business development office, I decided Bahrain was the best place for me, so I started my HM Risk Group insurance business here in Bahrain.

Ashley: Insurance is a male–dominated field and especially in the areas that I specialize in – construction, development and energy.  In the States, I am constantly trying to explain myself over and over, yet lose most of my deals to men because they feel more comfortable with a man because of the industry. There was some apprehension when I started in Bahrain, because they are one of the stricter GCC states but, once I started doing business I have had no problems getting business, conducting meetings and most importantly closing deals!  It is really about who you know in Bahrain and I have been blessed to have met some very influential business people in Bahrain, which has helped!

Ashley: Unfortunately, I have not met any other women who are starting businesses in Bahrain but I have met women who work in the area who own businesses in the States.

Expat Women: From your experience, what five tips would you give to expat women thinking of starting a business abroad?

Ashley:

1. Find a local partner who is willing to show you the ropes. It is much easier to get all of the necessary paperwork completed if you have local assistance.

2. Be patient. I am American so I am use to getting things done yesterday. Things in other countries take time and usually it is more of a matter of trying to get to know you better personally.

3. Don't get bullied. It is easy to get bullied into doing things that you do not really want to do with your business because you think there is not another way. Stick to your guns and your gut instinct.

4. Do not take "NO" for an answer. I heard tons of "no's" when I was trying to start my business and lots of "we have never done it that way before". If you believe in it, continue to persue it because it is only a matter of time before you find someone who is willing to give you a chance, and

5. Take a risk. I am glad that I did not listen to everyone around me, if I had I would have never made my first trip over to the Middle East. I read once on a bumper sticker, "Safe women don't make history!" I try to live by that every day.

Expat Women: Lastly, what is it like to live in Bahrain?