at ACE Limited By Beverley Causey-Smith Question: What is your work title and exactly what do you do? Answer: "I am Director of Communications at ACE Limited, the Bermuda-based holding company for the ACE Group of Companies.

" I joined ACE in 1997 with the responsibility of establishing the company's communications department.

"I am responsible for establishing and managing internal and external communications for ACE Limited.

"This includes media relations, advertising, brand management and web site development and management, as well as employee communications.

"I am also responsible for crisis communications and this involves providing information and possible response to the media on anything that is considered out of the norm that might result in negative press coverage for ACE - from the lobbying initiative undertaken during 2000 by US-based insurance companies to unexpected developments in the market.

"I also provide guidance and input for the communications programmes of ACE's subsidiary companies - ACE Bermuda, ACE Tempest Re, ACE USA, ACE International, ACE Global Markets and ACE Financial Services.'' Question: How did you get where you are today? Answer: "I've been incredibly lucky with the opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I also have worked very hard with complete commitment to the responsibilities that I've been given and the organisations that I've worked for.'' Question: What is your educational background? Special training, and degrees? Answer: "I have a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Theatre, from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.

"I've had professional development training in strategic communications, including media relations and advertising. I've also had professional development training in management skills.'' Question: When did you decide to become a business person? Any mentors along the way? Answer: "I never consciously made the decision to enter business (you can see by my undergraduate degrees that they weren't focused on business!) I've always been involved in some form of communications and this involvement evolved into a business career.

"As I was growing up, my mentor was always my father, David Critchley, who passed away in 1993. My dad was always interested and always listened. He was a compassionate man with great empathy, so any compassion and empathy that I might have came from him.

"Since I've been involved in business, my mentors have generally been my immediate supervisors, who have all been talented and wise individuals.

"At the Department of Tourism, this was Peter Smith, Director of Marketing; at BIBA, it was the Chairmen I reported to, including in particular Cummings Zuill; and at ACE, I've been exceptionally lucky to work closely with Brian Duperreault, Chairman of ACE Limited and Don Kramer, Vice Chairman of ACE Limited. I report to Don and I've learned an enormous amount from him.'' Question: What's the best advice you have received in the scope of work or life in general? Answer: "One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is to learn to ask the right questions. It's also important to listen carefully. A lot of people don't listen well.'' Question: Which achievements do you value the most? Answer: "My two daughters, Katie and Molly, give me my greatest sense of pride. They aren't my achievements alone, as their fathers are influential in their lives and are significant parts of why they are such special, unique individuals.'' Question: What is your proudest achievement? Answer: "From a business perspective, I'm really proud of the work that the communications team at ACE has done in branding the company and helping to establish it as a global organisation.'' Question: How would you describe yourself in 10 words or less? Answer: "I love my family and my work, in that order.'' Question: What qualities about yourself have enhanced your business success? Answer: "I think it's my passion for my job and my commitment to do the best that I can.

" I really love what I do and care that it's done the best that it can be.'' Question: Who are your role models? Are you a role model for business women? Answer: "This was an interesting question to answer. In thinking about it, I realised that most of my role models have been men, because most of the time I have worked with and for men. This is probably a sad comment on the presence of women at senior levels of the work force.

"Having said that, Brian Duperreault is an exemplary role model who embodies the business acumen and interpersonal skills of a great leader.

"I don't know if I'm a role model for business women.'' Question: Where do you see yourself in the next decade? Answer: "Can't think that far ahead! I hope I'm still at ACE, helping to tell the world that it's the best company around.''