The 2023 Women Leaders in Consulting: Dr. Beverley Adams

As Consulting Director and Practice Head at Marsh Advisory UK, Dr. Beverley Adams leads a buzzing team of modelers, strategy consultants, engineers, surveyors and GIS experts, who deliver ESG and sustainability consulting and innovation activities, climate and catastrophe resilience solutions, and remote sensing services to businesses, captives/insurers and governments globally.

As a people person, Bev loves her role directing large multidisciplinary engagements and is always exploring "the so what factor," emphasizing the "importance of action – not just talk" and seeking to "join the dots". She is passionate about driving climate change best practice at moments that matter for clients, including fast evolving nature-based solutions which leverages a professional interest dating back to her Government-sponsored Ph.D. in saltmarsh restoration.

Bev Chairs the Green Finance Institute's Natural Flood Management initiative and a founding member of the DEFRA Flood Resilience Roundtable where, alongside her residential work with Flood Re to implement resilience scoring and certification, she continues to drive the business adoption pathway. Before joining Marsh McLennan in 2012 Bev led the World Bank's NCRMP cyclone risk management development program and has Ph.D. and MSc. degrees from University College London (UCL), where she also earned a first Class BSc. degree in Geography.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

It's really challenging to select one specific achievement; I have two that are tied for first place. Professionally, it's helping my wonderful clients and colleagues become fluent in the languages of sustainability, climate and resilience – a game changing investment in the future of people, planet and prosperity. On the personal side, I'm a divorced Mum. It's critical to me to support my 16-year-old son Joel as he wrestles with exams, ADHD, and college to become an empathetic and inspiring super star, critical thinker and friend.

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

Have the serenity to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Also, know thyself (and your blind spots), hone your expertise, stand tall and believe in yourself.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

Seek mentors – either within your business or externally – kind yet critical thinkers who you respect and feel comfortable leaning on for wisdom and advice as you grow and learn. Be open to lifelong learning and know that you will evolve as an individual – we all do. The 25-year-old you will be quite different from the 35, 45 or 55-year-old you. Have fun and be pragmatic as you work through the daily challenges and bumps along the road – you can have it all.

What does this recognition mean to you?

I was unaware of Marsh submitting my nomination, so was surprised, delighted and proud to be recognized. Each day I wake up motivated to change the world and I'm honored to receive this award, which I would like to dedicate to my family and Marsh team – particularly my colleague George – for your passion, critical thinking and fun-loving, glorious Technicolor approach to life.