Some careers can develop randomly, while others are built step by step, shaped by opportunity, guided by curiosity and a willingness to take on something new. For Shavisa Shavanapanya, her journey at Crawford reflects the latter – growing from an initial support role into leadership through experience, resilience and a commitment to learning.
After more than a decade with Crawford, Shavisa now leads a team of loss adjusters, balancing technical delivery with team development and guiding her colleagues through complex claims while continuing to build her own expertise in the process.
Shavisa joined Crawford 13 years ago, initially in a technical assistant role – something closer to a coordination and reporting function than a traditional personal assistant position. Over time, she developed a deeper understanding of claims handling, supported by hands-on experience and mentorship from colleagues who encouraged her to attend site inspections and to engage more directly with policy interpretation and loss analysis.
Shavisa says, “I believe that growth begins at the end of your comfort zone, and this mindset has continued to guide me throughout my career. Some of my most valuable opportunities and experiences came from situations where I initially felt uncertain or challenged. By being open to learning, adapting and stepping beyond what felt comfortable, I have been able to grow both professionally and personally. As a woman working in a highly technical environment, I have also learned that confidence is built through continuous learning, resilience and a willingness to take on new challenges.”
That mindset fueled Shavisa’s progression into loss adjusting, followed by promotion to assistant manager and, more recently, to her current role as an adjuster manager. Today, she leads a team of six, supporting them through the full claims process from site inspection and cost analysis through to policy review and final reporting for insurers.
A key part of Shavisa’s role is ensuring consistency and quality across the team’s work while helping her colleagues to build confidence in technical decision-making. For Shavisa, leadership means providing clear guidance while creating space for others to learn and develop in a technically demanding and detail-driven environment.
Although her academic background is in English Language rather than engineering, Shavisa is continuing to strengthen her technical knowledge – particularly in engineering-related claims, so she can support a team largely made up of engineers. Her focus is on developing both her technical understanding and broader professional skills in insurance and risk management.
Like many colleagues, Shavisa balances a busy working life with a significant daily commute, travelling around 35 kilometres from her home to Crawford’s office in Bangkok’s South Sathorn Road – a journey that can take up to two hours depending on traffic. Yet despite the demands, she remains focused on delivering for clients and supporting her team.
Outside of work, life centres around home. Shavisa lives with her husband and their three‑year‑old dog, a pug who she describes as a big part of her daily routine – always waiting excitedly for her return at the end of the day. When time allows, she enjoys travelling and has visited London several times, combining the trips with her interest in football as a keen Manchester United supporter.
Looking ahead, Shavisa’s priorities are clear: continuing to develop her technical capability, strengthening her leadership, and supporting her team to deliver high-quality work for clients.
Shavisa adds:
“I strive to lead by giving clear guidance and supporting my team through each stage of the claims process, while continuing to build my own technical knowledge and professional skills so I can better equip them and maintain their confidence in me.”
Her career path to date – moving from technical assistant to manager – reflects Crawford’s commitment to recruiting the best and developing talent from within.
