Full Name: Lisa LeGrand Gregory
Position: Managing partner, Fragomen Africa
Main Activity of the Company: Fragomen Africa is a corporate immigration consultancy supporting the immigration needs of clients doing business in sub-Saharan Africa
Date and Place of Birth: January 9, Arizona, US
Education: BA (political science and French literature), University of Arizona, 1991; Juris Doctor, University of Arizona College of Law, 1994; LLM (international trade law), University of Arizona College of Law, 1995
First Job: In the legal field, my first job was as a clerk of the court for two standing panels under the North American Free Trade Agreement antidumping provisions
Career History Prior to Current Position: I have about 20 years' experience in the corporate immigration field. Before taking on the role of managing partner in Johannesburg, and later Kenya, I was able to establish and initially manage the Fragomen (Canada) Co office, in Toronto
Size of First Pay Packet: Barely enough to afford new living-room furniture for our house
First Job with Present Group: Associate immigration lawyer in our New York office
Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated
Number of People under Your Leadership: In the South African office, just under 50
Management Style: Leadership and teaching by example
Personal Best Achievement: The one that means the most to me is the ability to help my family on multiple levels
Professional Best Achievement: Becoming a partner of Fragomen Worldwide
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: My father, Michael LeGrand
Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Lance Kaplan, managing partner for the global business at Fragomen Worldwide
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Martin Luther King Jr. He was a great minister, humanitarian, activist and civil rights leader
Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Bill and Melinda Gates, based on their charity work with their foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Philosophy of Life: My philosophy in life is driven and grounded in my Catholic faith
Biggest Ever Opportunity: The opportunity to work in sub-Saharan Africa
Biggest Ever Disappointment: Missing the opportunity to say goodbye to my brother before he died
Hope for the Future: That my children and the children of future generations have the opportunity to achieve their own personal and professional goals, with health, happiness and peace in their lives
Favourite Reading: Trashy slasher novels and the Economist
Favourite TV Programme: Big Bang Theory
Favourite Food/Drink: Mexican food and margaritas/Diet Dr Pepper
Favourite Music: All kinds of rock music
Favourite Sport: Any sport my sons play – at the moment, rowing, American football and wrestling
Favourite Website: Macy’s – for great shopping!
Hobbies: Going to the movies, eating out with friends and family, reading and swimming
Car: My favourite car that I ever owned was a convertible Ford Mustang – I loved to speed.
Pets: A Rhodesian ridgeback named Brutus
Miscellaneous Dislikes: Mushrooms and inefficiency
Favourite Other South African Company: Holmes Brothers
Favourite Foreign Company: Many
Married: To John Gregory, since May 25, 1996
Children: Aidan, 17; Cale, 1
Clubs: Arizona State Bar, American Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association