To coincide with International Women’s Day, we’re launching a new interview series: In Conversation With… shining a light on the women helping to lead and shape the future of C&C.
Through a series of candid conversations, we’ll hear about the career journeys, leadership philosophies and personal experiences that have influenced their paths, offering insights for the next generation of leaders.
In our first conversation, we spoke to Alisha Lawton, Compliance Director, about her career, her approach to leadership, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Having spent more than 16 years in the insurance industry, with five of those at C&C, Alisha has developed a reputation for clear thinking, calm leadership and a strong belief that good governance should enable businesses rather than restrict them. But, as she explains, the path that brought her to this point has been shaped as much by personal values and life experiences as by professional ambition.
A Career Driven by Curiosity
Looking back on her career, Alisha says one thing has consistently driven her forward: curiosity.
“I’ve always been drawn to the why behind decisions,” she explains. “Why things are done in a certain way, and how they could potentially be improved.”
That mindset led her towards compliance, a discipline where questioning processes and ensuring strong governance are fundamental to protecting the business, staff and ultimately, clients.
“It’s a high-pressure environment,” she says. “Regulation changes, priorities shift, and the commercial landscape is always evolving. A big part of the role is balancing different risks and making clear, balanced decisions under pressure.”
Throughout her career, Alisha says she has been fortunate to work with many supportive and inspiring people. Experiences where leadership fell short also proved valuable, reinforcing the importance of treating people with respect and staying true to your values.
“I used to think success was defined by titles,” she reflects. “But over time, I realised it isn’t about that. What matters most to me is staying humble and kind and treating people well.”
Finding the Right Motivation
It’s no surprise, then, that Alisha joined C&C, motivated by a desire to work somewhere that aligned with her values and gave her renewed purpose.
“For me, motivation comes from responsibility and doing the right thing,” she says. “Supporting the people around me and being someone my children can look up to.”
A personal experience also shaped that perspective. After the birth of her second daughter, Alisha experienced postnatal depression. The support she received during that period had a lasting impact.
“It reinforced how important it is to look out for one another and to have open conversations about mental health,” she says. “It made me passionate about helping to create environments where people feel supported.”
That ethos continues to influence the way she approaches leadership and the culture she hopes to help build within the organisation.
Leadership Built on Trust
Ask Alisha what a typical day in compliance looks like and she laughs.
“There really isn’t one,” she says. “Every day is different.”
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With regulatory change, operational priorities and business growth all happening simultaneously, her role requires constant balance and adaptability.
“It’s about staying calm, exercising good judgement and communicating clearly,” she explains. “Sometimes that means presenting things one way to the board and another way to colleagues across the business.”
For Alisha, leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about trust.
“What I value most about my role is that people feel they can come to me,” she says. “If someone feels comfortable asking for guidance when something isn’t straightforward, that’s when you know you’re doing something right.”
She also believes that experience brings an important realisation – that your voice belongs in the room.
“Earlier in my career, I felt like I had to be beyond exceptionally prepared to speak up,” she says. “But over time, I realised that my voice and opinion had a right to be there. I had a right to take up space and airtime in that room.”
Advice for Future Leaders
When asked what advice she would give to someone aspiring to a leadership role, Alisha’s response is immediate.
“Don’t wait until you feel ready.”
She believes growth happens just before you feel comfortable.
“If something feels a little bit scary, it’s usually a sign you’re stretching in the right direction,” she says. “Some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from saying yes when I felt slightly out of my depth.”
She also encourages people- particularly women – to reach out to mentors and role models.
“Ask questions. Put your hand up. Take up space,” she says. “Confidence tends to follow the decision, not the other way around.”
Life Beyond Compliance
Outside of work, Alisha has a wide range of interests, some of them unexpected. She trains and competes in Strongwoman events, and last year she wing-walked over the Cotswolds! But she also values quieter pursuits.
“I enjoy playing the piano, drawing, going on adventures with my children and going to the theatre,” she says.
And if you hadn’t already picked it up, she is also deeply curious about people.
“If someone’s standing on their own in a queue or sitting alone somewhere, there’s a good chance I’ll end up talking to them,” she laughs. “You can learn so much from people’s stories and perspectives.”
It’s a curiosity that has clearly shaped both her leadership style and her outlook on life. And when asked who has influenced her most, the answer comes without hesitation.
“My grandad,” she says. “I go and visit him every week and listen to his stories. He tells me the same ones sometimes – but I still love hearing them. You can learn so much about the world by listening.”
And finally, we have three quickfire questions:
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
My Dad would always encourage me to go for it! But I’d also say the advice that I’ve learned myself: to take up space!
One skill every leader should develop?
To have kindness and humility.
A book, a podcast or a person who has influenced you?
My grandad, 100%. I also love Atomic Habits by James Clear. The idea that small, consistent actions shape who we become really resonates with me.
