HM Risk Group

Expat Women'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: I do still have a lot of clients in the US, but I live now in Bahrain about 80% of the time. I moved about ten months ago and I absolutely love it. I think it has been easier to develop business here than in the States for insurance – which is generally a male–dominated field. 

Expat Women: Are you saying that it is more male–dominated in the US than 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!

Expat Women:  Have you met many other expat women starting in businesses in Bahrain? If yes, in what fields or industries?

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?

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

Ashley: It is a beautiful country and the people of the country are wonderful and helpful. The weather in the summer is a little difficult to bear, but is absolutely wonderful in winter. Bahrain is one of the more conservative of the GCC states and it is less forgiving when it comes to our American dress as opposed to Dubai. Otherwise, I love it here!

Expat Women: Ashley, thank you very much and we wish you great business success.

March 2009