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 an actuary who received disappointing news from his boss, and what he should do in reaction to it

Description: Tracy Choka is managing director and regional head business management at Swiss Re. Tracy has spent her career in L&H reinsurance, working across multiple areas that include pricing, valuation, operations, client solutions, deal development, and mortality and underwriting research. In her tenure, Tracy has headed Applied Research and Development, Products, and since 2014, Business Management for U.S., Canada and Latin America.Tracy shares her thoughts on how the pandemic has accelerated trends in underwriting and the challenges - and the silver lining- in managing professional relationships during COVID-19

Description: In this session Chris Lombardi FSA, MAAA, CERA discusses insights form the book “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier, focusing on effective techniques for facilitating conversations during manager meetings. The goal is to encourage genuine curiosity and active listening, allowing the other person to steer the conversation’s direction. Key questions, such as “What’s on your mind?” and “And what else?” are highlighted to promote meaningful dialogue, discover underlying issues, and help individuals improve personally and professionally through self-awareness and proactive decision-making. Contributors Chris Lombardi FSA, MAAA, CERA, Anthony Champi, FSA MAA, Jing Lang, FSA, FCIA, FLMI, MAA, Jon Forster ASA, MAAA

Description: In this video Anthony Champi, FSA MAAA takes you through the journey from an Individual contributor to a leader of people. Anthony is a Director of Actuarial at Prudential Financial. He has over 15 years experience in actuarial work and is a member of the Society of Actuaries Professional Development Curriculum and Content Creation Council. He emphasizes the importance of developing leadership skills in the actuarial field, regardless of one’s position on the organizational chart. He highlights key differences between individual contributors and leaders of people, including the shift in accountability from personal deliverables to team deliverables and the need to continuous learning and setting expectations as a leader.

Description: This video is presented by Chris Lombardi FSA, MAAA, CERA who is an Associate Director at Willis Towers Watson. Chris has been an actuarial consultant for over a decade serving a variety of clients. Chris has a passion for managing and mentoring and outside of work is a wrestling coach. In this video Chris passionately discusses his approach to people development within a professional context, drawing parallels between coaching individuals and training high-level athletes. He emphasizes the importance of clarity, action, belief in oneself, and building trust are objectives in his coaching philosophy. Contributors Chris Lombardi, FSA, MAAA CERA, Anthony Champi FSA, MAAA, Jing Lang, FSA, FCIA, FLMI, MAAA, Jon Forster ASA, MAAA

Description: In this video Jeanie emphasizes the importance of setting meaningful and exciting goals, aligning them with one’s purpose, and breaking them down into smaller, achievable steps. Stokke draws parallels between her experiences in golf and actuarial work, highlighting the significance of making informed decisions, measuring risk, and finding the right balance between being a maximizer and a satisficer. She expresses her enthusiasm for her current role, emphasizing the value of collaboration and using life skills to succeed. Contributors : Jeanne Cho Stokke FSA, MAAA Jon Forster ASA, MAAA

Description: The article summarizes what it takes to be a good leader and coach in a business organization.

Description: In the following video Tenesia McGruder discusses communication and relationship building. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills, outlining oral and written communication, listening, brand building, and networking. Tenesia underlines the significance of understanding the audience and the value of clear, concise messages in oral and written communication. She also highlights the importance of listening, personal brand building, and offers practical networking tips for building professional connections. Contributors: Tenesia McGruder, FSA, MAAA, Rachel Marsiglio, FSA, MAAA, Diyi Zhoa, ASA, MAAA, Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA

Description: Andy Rallis delivers his speech at the presidential luncheon of the SOA 2019 SOA Annual Meeting & Exhibit in Toronto.