Description: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation involving a business decision. This issue’s case study involved a recently promoted chief actuary receiving pressure to make a downward reserve adjustment at year end.

Description: Develop a better understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the financial services and risk management industry, with a focus on actuaries. Panelists will address topics such as industry-wide diversity efforts, as well as current challenges facing diverse groups. Come listen to these panelists share perspectives on attracting, fostering, retaining and increasing diverse actuarial talent, in addition to the SOA’s DEI goals in the coming years.

Description: This article is about the little things that impact your personal brand, and how that personal brand helps you influence others.

Description: Generation Z was born between 1997 and 2012. They represent 25% of the world’s population and will make up 27% of the workforce by 2025. While they may be young, Gen Z bring important characteristics to the actuarial profession. They possess a deep understanding of emerging technology and digital platforms, having grown up in a world characterized by rapid innovation and limitless connectivity. In addition to their technical know-how, Gen Z also demonstrates strong EQ and interpersonal skills, such as adaptability, inclusiveness, social consciousness, and resilience, which equip them to navigate complex challenges and drive positive change in the workplace.

Description: Self-management is your ability to use awareness of your emotions to stay flexible and direct your behavior positively. When you understand what you are feeling, you can effectively choose how to react. Knowing your individual tendencies can help you prepare for future events by consciously deciding to change or adjust your behavior when certain situations occur. The article shares strategies, examples and personal insights to illustrate how to develop the skill of self-management.

Description: This article is an overview of the SOA Leadership & Development Section Council's current projects, recent accomplishments and some immediate focal points of the Leadership & Development Section Council's efforts.

Description: A real life situation is posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision, and readers are invited to submit the irresponses to "What Would You Do?" This issue’s case study involved a staff performance issue faced by an actuary new to management.

Description: A real life situation is posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision, and readers are invited to submit their responses to "What Would You Do?" This case study involved an actuary struggling with being moved from a job she loved to one she didn't, without any prior consultation.

Description: In this article, we aim to outline the advantages of smaller programs and gather opinions on the challenges these programs face in their efforts to emphasize these strengths. For our purposes, we define small actuarial programs as those with a relatively low student enrollment count. The following are three key advantages of small programs, which are similar to those of small colleges:(a) Enhanced benefits from small class size; (b) Adaptable curriculum; (c) Increased opportunities for each student. A variety of similar other issues are also discussed with recommendations, challenges, and invitations for further dialogue.

Description: The authors reflect on the 2023 SOA ImpACT Conference. They share some of the networking opportunities, and give overviews of the general sessions as well as some of the breakout sessions. They discuss reasons for attending an in-person meeting beyond getting continuing professional development credits.