Leading the Future of the Actuarial Profession
I recently attended the SOA Conference in Austin, Texas, which provided a fantastic opportunity to meet passionate individuals and learn from industry leaders. A highlight of the event was an interactive session with four of North America’s leading Chief Actuaries and executives: Richard Lambert (Prudential), Tanya Manning (Buck Consultants), Jianhau Yu (Priority Health), and Mike Kaster (Willis Re).
At Oliver James, we are committed to building great futures with people. For those seeking elite career opportunities in the insurance and financial sectors, becoming a Chief Actuary is a significant milestone. Our actuarial jobs experts have synthesized the core takeaways from these industry leaders to help you navigate your journey to the top.
Prioritize Your Technical Credentials
To lead a team effectively, you must secure their trust and confidence in your strategic and technical abilities.
- Achieve Fellowship: You should aim to gain your Fellowship as soon as possible.
- Maintain Authority: Leading without the right credentials can put you in a vulnerable position.
- Hone Your Skills: Once qualified, shift your focus to developing a well rounded skill set.
Master the Art of Communication and Listening
As a Trusted Expert, you must articulate complex ideas with clarity and accessibility.
- Simplify the Technical: It is vital to communicate technical information succinctly to non-technical audiences like CEOs, CFOs, and Board members.
- Listen First: Following our OJ Charter, we believe in devoting interest to secure understanding.
- Foster Engagement: Listening to your stakeholders is just as important as the data you present.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Reaching the top requires you to operate outside of your comfort zone.
- Embrace Risk: Take opportunities that provide international experience or offer insights into other business functions, such as financial roles.
- Build Resilience: These experiences develop confidence and the resilience needed when risks do not go according to plan.
- Seek Guidance: Do not hesitate to ask for advice from consultants, peers, and your team.
Adopt a Strategic Perspective
To progress in actuarial careers, you must think at a higher level.+1
- Understand Goals: Put yourself in your manager’s position to understand their specific goals.
- Deliver Value: Identify how you can provide business information that helps them achieve those objectives.
- Navigate Politics: Build professional relationships by understanding your peers’ agendas before meetings.
Commit to Continuous Learning
Standing out from the crowd requires a commitment to continual development.
- Advanced Education: Consider options like a PhD, MBA, or additional college courses.
- Global Reach: Learning a new language or volunteering within organizations like the SOA can enhance your profile.
- Personal Growth: Continually growing is part of our vision at Oliver James.
There is no single right way to achieve your goal. While you will make mistakes, the ability to learn and bounce back is what defines a leader. Find a leadership style that feels authentic, build respect, and love what you do.
To discover how our tailored solutions can support your career growth, explore our latest actuarial jobs, visit our actuarial discipline page, or contact our team of specialists today.
