Description: As actuaries continue to advance their careers, the ability to communicate becomes more and more important. In particular, developing strong presentation skills becomes a critical success factor. Actuaries need to be able to stand in front of large and small groups and deliver information in an interesting and compelling way. Like many other skills that don't necessarily come naturally, developing strong presentation skills takes practice and preparation.

Description: Actuaries advancing in their careers, leadership and influencing skills is essential. This webcast illustrates the challenges and methods of influencing in organizations using excerpts from a cinematic case study about a newly promoted senior manager in a large insurance corporation.

Description: A diverse panel of health actuaries will be available to answer any attendee questions. An ACA question, we have it covered! A valuation question, we will find a solution. A professionalism issue, we will make a ruling! A regulatory concern, we will help guide the way!! No question is off limits! There are no stupid questions!

Description: 'Rethinking Bias in Communication: Persuasion for Actuaries' will delve into the art of persuasion and the science of belief change. Drawing from contemporary works like 'How Minds Change' and 'Think Again,' this session will equip actuaries with tools to recognize and deal with cognitive biases present in communication, and foster a culture of continuous learning and open-mindedness. Attendees will leave with working knowledge of some of the psychological forces at play in decision-making and communication, strategies for engaging in more productive dialogues, and tools to facilitate belief changes in themselves and others.

Description: Historically for coinsurance deals some appointed actuaries have only concerned themselves with the reinsurer counterparty risk and in certain cases have ignored 100% coinsurance business in their asset adequacy analyses (AAA). Recently there have been regulatory discussions about concerns relating to asset intensive reinsurance and how these deals may be exposing policyholders to additional risk. Presenters will discuss the recent draft APF 2024-3 and issue brief 'Asset-Intensive Reinsurance Ceded Offshore From U.S. Life Insurers (With Focus on Bermuda)', potential impact to AAA, and modeling considerations.

Description: This session is an in-depth interview of Amanda Hug and Micheline Dionne, president of the SOA and past-president of the International Actuarial Association (IAA), respectively. SOA is the largest professional society for the actuarial profession, and the IAA represents actuaries from over 100 countries. We’ll touch on topics such as AI, the future of work for actuaries, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), among others. At the conclusion of the session, the attendees would be able to get a better understanding of the strategic directions of both organizations and how each plans to navigate its perceived challenges and opportunities. Interviewees: Amanda Hug, FSA, MAAA, Director at WTW, incoming president of the SOA Micheline Dionne, FCIA, Past-President of International Actuarial Association (IAA) Interviewer: Jing Lang, FSA, FCIA, President of Deepwork Academy and host of the Be Brilliant with Jing Lang podcast.

Description: This session will explore the considerations and best practices for developing AI tools that are useful, safe, and transparent for actuarial work. While large language models (LLMs) offer exciting possibilities, it is crucial to understand when and how to use them effectively. The session will cover key concepts of LLMs and case studies on developing AI tools for retrieval-augmented generation and summary creation of actuarial documents. Attendees will learn about the importance of designing workflows that nudge users towards safe and effective processes. By the end of the session, participants will gain insights into the responsible use of LLMs in actuarial practice and learn how to leverage their potential to support professional growth.

Description: Join this discussion on Valuation topics from both a GAAP and Statutory basis with a spin on how to communicate them to a non-Actuarial and leadership audience. It will include, but certainly not limited to, discussion on IBNR analysis, PAD and its purpose, Wallstreet metrics such as Days in Claims Payable and Medical Claims Payable Growth vs Premium and Membership Growth. The key here is to not only educate on the Valuation processes and metrics, but also to show the best ways to communicate them so that a less technical audience can interpret the impact and make better strategic decisions. It is also to show the importance of the Valuation reserves on the balance sheet and income statements in regards to a Public company and how WallStreet interprets the numbers.

Description: SOA education is continually evolving to meet the current and future needs of candidates, members, employers, and the public. Learn from presenters as they review recent changes, in particular the recently announced 2025 evolution of the FSA pathway, and preview what is to come. At the conclusion of the session, you'll be able to identify current and planned changes in SOA pre-qualification education.

Description: The webcast addresses the four stages of effective leadership, and the three main drivers of effective leadership. It provides several metrics for assessment. Use of these ideas allows any leader in a leader-subordinate situation to raise the level of the subordinate to mastery level. The material in the discussion is based on an article in Stepping Stones (Sep 2023), "Are you an Empowering Leader", by Russell Jay Hendel.