Description: Can we learn anything about business success, or better yet about life, from the world of politics? One would presume not, given the seeming vast gulf between these realms. Yet perhaps this personal tale of a challenge I undertook decades ago might shed some light on how independent actuaries (and entrepreneurs in other corners of business) might adopt a refreshing perspective that advances, or even transforms, their current actuarial practice’s trajectory.

Description: This paper delves in the four pillars that support the professional exercise of an actuarial mathematician: operating, teaching, consulting and researching.

Description: Do you struggle with confidence presenting your ideas in front of others? You are not alone. The good news is that confidence can be learned. Rob Salafia, executive coach at MIT Sloan School of Management and author of the book, Leading From Your Best Self (McGraw-Hill) will guide you through a science based, positive psychology approach for you to fortify yourself and discover your four keys to confidence. Rob utilizes his 20 + years in the performing arts to help business leaders project a positive presence, connect authentically with others, and incorporate the skill of storytelling to create meaning and momentum.

Description: Effective strategic planning can have a profound effect on the development of your team and the growth and direction of your actuarial organization. This article shares the elements that will set you up for success before the meeting even begins.

Description: Can quiet actuaries inspire others and get things done just as well as their louder, more social colleagues? This isn’t just a question that plagues quiet actuaries, of course. For the over half of us that identify as quiet people and wish to lead, it’s easy to second guess and doubt ourselves. This doubt sometimes holds us back from reaching for that promotion, or starting that new organization. Some quiet actuaries may try to adapt extravert behaviors, however those efforts can be draining and short-lived. This article shows how quiet actuaries can authentically lead and leverage their strengths.

Description: In a world filled with tweets, ever-breaking news, thousands of TV channels and millions of podcasts, is there any point to toiling away at an article? Or seeking a journal or magazine willing to publish it? It would seem that no one is likely to read about your hard-earned wisdom in this jam-packed world, much less be influenced or educated by it. Yet many of the reasons that have always propelled actuaries and their companies to take the time and trouble to publish an article (or two or more) still ring true today, ensuring that those of us who do make the effort will surely reap business development benefits. The likely competitive edge is just that strong. What competitive edge am I talking about? This article explains four reasons how and why this is so, especially when measured against competitors who would never even bother with this remarkable tactic.

Description: When responding to RFPs, it's not just about the technical specs or hard facts. You have to have finesse to persuade and convince, and really capture the attention of the evaluators. This article will help you do just that.

Description: Aneesha Deshpande tries to make a case for Writing as a way for individuals, particularly at larger organizations to drive impactful change.

Description: Commentary about the articles published in the current issue.