CEO Stories: An agent for change

A DIFFERENT FUTURE

Growing up with a back brace, Stacy Lewis didn’t envision a career as a golfer – let alone one that would make her the first woman in 20 years to win the LPGA triple crown. Always academically oriented, she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in finance and accounting – a background she says has prepared her well for the unexpected “job” of being a professional athlete. While she has a group of trusted advisors around her, she still derives a level of security from plotting her financial picture in Excel.

PAY GAP

Lewis says she doesn’t envision a time when there will be parity in purses for male and female golfers in her career. She pays tribute to Venus Williams for helping to close the gap in tennis by pointing out that men and women were playing at the same facility at the same time. A new mother, she is especially outspoken about the challenges of combining motherhood and sports.

MUTUAL SUPPORT

Lewis also credits the European Tour and her sponsors (a group Stephens is proud to be part of) for the opportunity to promote the sport among women and to raise awareness around issues like the pay gap and playing conditions. She points out that the relationship between athlete and sponsor isn’t about promotion but the recognition how each can help the other. For example, KPMG decision to pay her the entire sponsorship fee when she was out on maternity leave sent a powerful message about their genuine support.