Description: This is the editor letter for this issue. It summarizes the contents of the articles in the newsletter and the theme of the issue.

Description: In the U.S. in the late 1980’s, the Internal Revenue Service was taking steps to try to institute explicit boundaries for the actuarial assumptions being used in 'funding' valuations to determine the appropriate contribution levels for small pension plans. This article was written in the context of that environment, to defend the rights of actuaries to their professional judgement. The courts eventually supported this perspective.

Description: The core of actuarial work involves assessing the present value of future liabilities. This requires us to make assumptions about the future. The future is inherently uncertain. Communicating that uncertainty to others is a major challenge for actuaries.

Description: Discusses the workshops given at two Spring Meetings in 2004 on promoting yourself, which demonstrated practical techniques for self-promotion.

Description: The objective of this statement of principles is to articulate the current understanding of the significant principles that form the scientific framework underlying all areas of actuarial practice. The intended audience includes practicing actuaries, researchers and others, such as representatives of standard-setting organizations. This articulation is not immutable and should be revised if changes arise in our understanding of the key concepts and phenomena relevant to actuarial science, or if a better expression of the ideas is developed. This statement is the culmination of an effort that begin with the October 1991 draft by the SOA Committee on Actuarial Principles entitled “Principles of Actuarial Science. After incorporating numerous comments, that statement was published in Transactions of the Society of Actuaries XLIV, 1992.

Description: Leadership writing contest entry for Admirable Leader category. Lessons in the importance of speaking up from Alexander Hamilton.

Description: Author of Content won "Best Quote" category of L&D writing contest. Looks at the source of courage both in history and in his own professional life. Valuable to better understand how to face moments in leadership that could inspire fear and trembling. Discusses ways to improve courage when called to lead.

Description: This article is about how times are changing and we must adapt and keep up as individuals, professionals, and companies

Description: This article addresses how to best use body language to one's advantage

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