Description: Latest in series of articles exploring the adaptation of Buddhist philosophy to actuarial practice. This installment examines the challenges for actuaries in dealing with pain points in actuarial work, and how to best manage these forces so that the work remains aligned with professional standards.

Description: This article is the result of the Leadership & Development book club on Dare Lead. The article talks about major themes in the book and relates them to other podcasts and authors thought on those themes.

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: The latest in a series of articles connecting the principles of Zen Buddhism to the working world of actuaries. This issue focuses on techniques for cultivating a gratitude mindset under all types of conditions - even stressful ones, in order to maintain equilibrium and harmony for a more productive workday.

Description: We discuss a high-level overview with practical steps on how to be a great manager. We describe 14 real-life traits of a truly impactful manager that can be used to successfully guide a team that includes staff who are at any level of their career. The results should help create a dynamic, empowered and engaged team

Description: The October/November 2015 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: Executive Coach Marcel Schwantes demonstrated that applying daily practices of Servant Leadership is really the best way to engage workers to perform at a high level, which will improve the bottom line. Here Schwantes returns to kick-off a six part series that delves deep into the best practices of what a servant leader is, and does.

Description: The August/September 2014 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: The February/March 2014 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: The December 2013/January 2014 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: The April/May 2013 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: Even if you are analytic and process oriented, you have the ability to be great at selling.

Description: Article discussing methods to manage conflict in the workplace or elsewhere.

Description: Presented at May 1986 Spring Meeting. This session discussion is about ways in which companies are responding to the need for a reduced product development time cycle: Actuarial staffing, Use of automation aids, Committee structures, Coordinating the company commitment, Market research, Use of consultants.

Description: This is a book review of 'Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices' by Peter F. Drucker, considered by some to be the high priest of management. The book is divided into three parts- The Tasks, The Manager and Top Management. The last named contains much food for thought, not just for top management but for the underlayer as well. The first two parts reveal Drucker’s knowledge of and insight into what is good management and what is not. Repeatedly, he makes his point by citing real cases and describing real companies. His occasional comments on the life insurance industry are pointed. The book is also noteworthy for giving us another law to stand alongside those of Parkinson, Murphy and Peter- Drucker’s Law: 'If one thing goes wrong, everything else will, and at the same time.'