Description: This article is about how to develop vision statements, both corporate and individual.

Description: This article is about developing your professional skills, attitude, and networking ability and broadening your areas of expertise so that you stand out as an individual in the competitive marketplace.

Description: Executives often tell subject matter experts such as actuaries, “You should think more strategically!” But the executives never define what they mean by “thinking more strategically”. This article defines the skills actuaries need to be perceived as being more strategic. It will provide practical steps actuaries can take to gain more strategic influence and escape the trap of being perceived as only a subject matter expert who provides limited strategic value.

Description: This is original content that cites the value of networking within the workplace. It describes the benefits that accrue to the individual employee, as well as research findings on the positive impacts internal networking has for organizations. The article describes six specific skills that make internal networking effective. It also provides ideas for gaining proficiency in these skills in the natural course of daily work activity.

Description: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation involving communication (or lack thereof) between two young actuaries.

Description: This is the first installment of a two-part series that aims to provide valuable insights on how a new (re)insurance company can become an attractive destination for actuaries (Part I) and then how to retain them (Part II), thereby facilitating the company’s long-term growth.

Description: A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go from managing a team of 5 to almost losing my job to going back to an individual contributor role. I went through a rough period mentally, emotionally, and physically. In the midst of that experience, I got the opportunity to read "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" by John C. Maxwell. I credit this book to changing my life and setting me on the path to become a destroyer of self-limiting beliefs.

Description: What it takes to lead teams is significantly different from what it takes to excel as an individual contributor. A leader's first mistakes is to think they have to do the same things they did before just with more volume and greater speed. Leading a team requires a transition to new behaviors and mindset. This article attempts to give you a few ideas to make the transition from leading yourself to leading others

Description: What are the keys to creating the sort of actuarial career that leads to senior leadership roles? Is it to put more and more work into your technical skills, or to develop the 'soft skills' that make you standout among other actuaries? Learn one of the keys to self-marketing in a natural way, so you can make sure that opportunities find you.

Description: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision. This issue’s case study involved a career decision by a near FSA.