Description: Adapted from Chapter 1 of the book "Awake at Work" by Michael Carroll, the article discusses the ongoing dilemma the actuary faces in determining the appropriate amount of effort and analysis to put into a given actuarial assignment being juggled with several competing priorities.

Description: This article defines "elevator pitch" and why one is needed. A great elevator pitch is an indispensable competitive advantage that will accelerate your career progress. A poor one can leave you toiling in anonymity.

Description: This article gives suggestions for overcoming the design and presentation challenges of the 60-second personal networking or branding pitch.

Description: This article is a comprehensive outline of the steps involved in a successful job search, specifically for actuaries seeking new opportunities. Drawing on my many years of experience placing actuaries, this article assists in managing the potential pitfalls of the process from the time you decide to start investigating new opportunities, until you have accepted an offer.

Description: Based on a decades-long study, honesty is the most important quality in a leader. This article addresses ways to establish trust with their co-workers.

Description: In the Leadership & Development Section’s Leadership Inspiration Contest, entrants were asked to tell us what inspired them to be a better actuarial leader. This is Fraser Smart's entry from the “Defining Moment/Event” category.

Description: Business leadership lessons from non-business leaders: interpersonal skills and people management

Description: This article focuses on how a manager should focus on 'influencing' to get their team to be as high-performing as possible.

Description: Actuaries must be able to present compelling arguments to win over their audience. For the first time, they may be managing a staff looking for direction, making recommendations to senior leaders, or trying to persuade non-actuarial colleagues who see the world differently. This series of articles is intended to educate young actuarial professionals on key business influencing skills that will be beneficial in the near term as well as throughout their careers. Part 1 is focused on leading and influencing a team.

Description: The author, a career counselor, notes that ‘during your career, career search, home life, etc., you will often be faced with a plethora of possible actions and requests far beyond what you can, should or are currently willing to handle.’ The author goes on to provide advice in the art of saying no, in a positive manner that will help you achieve your goals. From ‘The Stepping Stone’ issue number 43.