Influential Women in Hamilton: Shanna Lespere
What stands out most is the breadth and depth of opportunities available, paired with a culture that truly supports growth, according to Shanna Lespere of the BMA.
Shanna Lespere, deputy chief executive officer at the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), provides executive leadership across operations (including finance, corporate affairs, human resources and IT), policy and international affairs, and regulatory strategy. Over two decades at the BMA, she has held several senior roles spanning insurance supervision, licensing, international affairs and operations.
Before joining the Authority, She was vice president at Aon Insurance Managers and began her career at PwC Bermuda. A chartered professional accountant and fellow of CPA Bermuda, she also holds a chartered director designation and is a certified coach. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to regulatory excellence and professional development.
What first attracted you to the BMA?
What drew me to the BMA from a career perspective was the exceptional breadth and depth of experience that I would gain, as it is a rare opportunity. The organisation offers a unique vantage point to understand the market from a broader perspective. It has been a rewarding journey — one that has deepened my technical expertise across multiple areas, challenged me intellectually and given me the privilege of contributing to the evolution of both Bermuda and the BMA as they stand today.
Has anyone inspired you in your career or acted as a mentor?
Many people have inspired me. I have watched their careers carefully and learnt lessons about what to do and what not to do. One person was particularly instrumental in my career early on when I worked at Aon, and her name is Gina Stevens. She was my manager at the time, while she held herself and the team to exceptionally high standards, she led with genuine kindness and support. I have never forgotten the lessons that she taught me in terms of service-driven leadership, and I hope that one day others will be able to say the same about me.
Tell me about your ambitions
Setting goals and tracking my progress has always been a guiding principle for me. I believe, without a clear North Star—both professionally and personally—it is difficult to align your values with your aspirations. What motivates me most is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting and nurturing the growth of the BMA’s workforce.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
It would be navigating the BMA through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, which stands out as a defining moment. It tested me in every respect and gave me the opportunity to draw on the full range of my professional and personal skill sets. I fully recognised the critical importance of the BMA maintaining its mandate—not only for the stability of Bermuda’s financial services sector, but also for the resilience of the broader Bermudian economy.
Has the BMA made progress in terms of diversity and inclusion since you've entered it?
I believe it has. We have more than 40 nationalities within the BMA and are a microcosm of Bermuda and the wider world. We are not perfect, and so like others, we still have further work to do in this area.
We developed and cascaded a BMA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) statement to formally articulate values that have long been embedded in our culture. It is important to ensure everyone is aligned and clear on the direction we are taking. In late 2024, we provided all BMA staff and board members with access to a curated DEI training to deepen awareness and understanding of this vital topic. Our ongoing goal is to draw talent from the broadest possible pool and to ensure our culture and practices continue to reflect our values and priorities.
Have you yourself encountered any challenges relating to diversity and inclusion?
For many years, I was often the only woman—and the youngest voice—in the boardroom. The journey was not always easy, but it reinforced the importance of consistently demonstrating deep technical competence. As women, we are not often given a second chance, so I have always made it a priority to be exceptionally well-prepared and professional in every setting.
Would you encourage other women to consider joining the BMA?
Without question, I would encourage women—and anyone— when considering their next career move to explore opportunities at the BMA. It presents a rare opportunity to stretch your capabilities while contributing meaningfully to Bermuda’s progress. It is a dynamic and supportive environment, cultivating continuous learning and professional development.
“Our ongoing goal is to draw talent from the broadest possible pool and to ensure our culture and practices continue to reflect our values and priorities.”
Why is the BMA a good place to work?
What stands out most is the breadth of opportunities combined with a culture that genuinely fosters growth and wellbeing. It is an environment that encourages continual evolution. I also truly value the camaraderie among colleagues—we challenge, support and inspire one another to be our best selves, both at the BMA and in service of Bermuda.
Why is Bermuda a great place to be in?
Bermuda is a truly special place. As we like to say, it’s “Bermuda-ful”—not only for its stunning natural beauty, but also for the warmth and hospitality of its people. Though modest in size, the depth of talent on the island has enabled us to achieve remarkable achievements—especially in the financial services industry.
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