Description: Part 2 of two-part series of interviews with former SmallCo section chairs exploring their experience with the section, the future of SmallCo, and final thoughts.

Description: This is the second article in the “Process of Innovation” series, and it is focused on the process of generating and vetting promising ideas for introducing new lines of business, new processes, new products, or a new business.

Description: Vision and objectives and projects for the International Section.

Description: Read the June 2020 issue of Innovators & Entrepreneurs published by Entrepreneurial and Innovation Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: Volunteer Orientation Handbook contains high level organizational information about volunteering at the SOA. It is a reference manual for use by volunteers.

Description: The insurance industry is in a constant state of transformation. As organizations adapt to the effects of COVID-19, undergo modernization efforts and implement new technologies, soft or “human” skills are becoming key differentiators for success. Skills such as communication, empathy, storytelling, leadership, problem-solving and more are separating the good from the great actuaries. Those who possess these skillsets can better translate data and most efficiently leverage systems and teams. At the same time, by taking a human approach to modernization efforts, leaders will be able to best engage and motivate their workforces, while building teams that will excel in the future of work.

Description: Read the January 2020 issue of International News published by the International Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: The true value of any leader is measured by how much they are able to accomplish through the work of their team. Actuaries in leadership roles are no different. But, to get the most out of your teams, leaders must first focus on building a high-performance culture. One that rewards measurable success and challenges everyone to reach farther all the time. There is no easy path to building a high-performance culture, but the benefits of a leader’s efforts will pay substantial dividends for the team, the leader, and the company. This series of articles is intended to educate leaders of large and small groups on how to build a high-performance culture and achieve outstanding results.

Description: Candace Woods, the chief actuary of Prudential, shared her career trajectory and lessons learned for work and life.

Description: Our ability to think and act quickly serves us well on a day-to-day basis. When we're faced with long-term, impactful decisions, we need to think differently. The very behaviors that enable us to react quickly to our daily work can make us jump to the wrong conclusion when exploring new topics. Cognitive biases--systematic tendencies to derivate from rational calculations--can hinder our abilities to conduct open dialogue and process new and different opinions. A 'de-bias' strategic decision-making process can help take bias out of meetings and lead to better outcomes. The presenters will provide behavioral tools and insights to attendees who need to participate or lead discussions that are part of a big-bet decision.