My guest for Episode 80 is Simon Rees, FIA, Chief Actuary, Americas at AXA XL. The theme for the episode is 𝗘𝘅𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀. Simon and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Satellite launches, aerospace, and cyber risks ✅ CAT bonds, insurance-linked securities, and alternative capital ✅ Political risk and credit bonds ✅ Professional liability for emerging technologies ✅ Excess and surplus lines of business ✅ Nature, coverage, and unique considerations for non-standard risks ✅ Lloyd’s of...

My guest for Episode 79 is Kalpana Shah, FIA, President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟴. Kalpana and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The importance of resilience for people in leadership positions ✅ Her inspiration behind running for IFoA President ✅ IFoA key strategic initiatives ✅ Her views on the actuarial profession ✅ The role of actuaries in the decision-making process ✅ Skills actuaries need to become...

My guest for Episode 78 is William Mahfood, Chairman at Wisynco Group Ltd. The theme for the episode is 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮. William and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Wisynco’s distribution and manufacturing operations ✅ The importance of having a sound risk management culture ✅ Key risk management considerations in a diverse business ✅ Sourcing talent, retaining employees, and maintaining personal touch ✅ Cash management and security risk mitigation ✅ Ensuring production meets...

My guest for Episode 77 is Steve Prince, FCIA, Partner at RSM Canada and President of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA). The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟳. Steve and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ CIA purpose, credentials, and strategic initiatives ✅ How actuaries in Canada participated in the pandemic response ✅ His roles in marketing, product development, and consulting ✅ The importance of presentation skills ✅ The most important leadership...

My guest for Episode 76 is Eric Siegel, Ph. D., Founder of Machine Learning Week and author of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙄 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠: 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝘼𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩. The theme for the episode is 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮. Eric and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The inspiration behind his new book ✅ The missing link between technology and business ✅ The automation paradox and its relevance to predictive analytics ✅ The reason few models get deployed into production ✅ The six steps...

My guest for Episode 75 is Tim Rozar, FSA, MAAA, CERA, Senior Vice President at Reinsurance Group of America and President and Chair of the Society of Actuaries. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟲. Tim and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The keys to building a rewarding career ✅ Being strategic in developing skills ✅ His inspiration behind running for SOA President ✅ Manufacturing serendipity and how it aligns with SOA strategy ✅ Global relevance for the...

My guest for Episode 74 is Charles Cowling, FIA, Chief Actuary at Mercer and President of the International Actuarial Association. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟱. Charles and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The purpose of the International Actuarial Association ✅ Sharing knowledge and expertise globally ✅ Sharing support in education and professionalism ✅ Engaging with supernational organizations and governments ✅ United Nations sustainable development...

My guest for Episode 73 is Stephen Mildenhall, FCAS, CERA, CSPA, CCRMP, Author and Retired Actuary. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮. Stephen and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Working in advanced analytics and publishing research ✅ The relationship between minimum bias and generalized linear models ✅ Pricing and risk management use cases for actuaries ✅ Allocating risk margin vs. allocating capital ✅ The relevance of aggregate distributions in actuarial...

My guest for Episode 72 is Dan Carroll, FIA, Owner and Chief Technology Officer at Xcentuate Management Solutions. The theme for the episode is 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆. Dan and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The role of a Chief Technology Officer ✅ Using technology to transform customer experience ✅ Transitioning from actuarial to the operational side of business ✅ Essential elements of productivity for analytical thinkers ✅ Opportunities to improve productivity in insurance and risk...

My guest for Episode 71 is Sherry Huang, ACAS, Chief Actuary at New Energy Risk. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆. Sherry and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ How her company interfaces with the energy sector as a Managing General Agent (MGA) ✅ Technologies, challenges, and solutions in the energy sector ✅ Techno-economic modeling, risk modeling, and pricing analysis ✅ How actuaries transform risk into opportunity in the energy sector ✅ Opportunities for actuaries to add...

My guest for Episode 70 is The Honourable Daisy McFarlane-Coke, OJ, CD, BA, MA, FIA, ASA, Founder of Coke & Associates. The theme for the episode is 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆. Daisy and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Her motivation behind pursuing actuarial science ✅ Her journey to becoming a qualified actuary ✅ Her time at UK Govt Actuary Dept and Norwich Union ✅ Keeping current on actuarial science before the Information Age ✅ Blazing a trail for actuaries in the Caribbean ✅ Her Appointed Govt...

My guest for Episode 69 is Janet Sharp, FSA, MAAA, CERA, Appointed Actuary at Sagicor Life Jamaica. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗻. Janet and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Her international student experience at Wharton and Georgia State University ✅ Pursuing actuarial fellowship in a developing nation ✅ The insurance and risk management landscape in the Caribbean ✅ How actuaries add value in the region ✅ Appointed Actuary duties in Jamaica and Cayman ✅...

My guest for Episode 68 is Arthur Randolph II, FCAS, MAAA, CPCU, ARM, ARe., Principal and Consulting Actuary at Pinnacle Actuarial Resources. The theme for the episode is 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆. Art and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The recent wave of US insurer insolvencies ✅ The impact of underwriting performance on capacity ✅ Florida and California homeowners insurance markets ✅ The impact of the plaintiff’s bar and media on insurance ✅ Fraud and litigation abuse in Florida homeowners...

My guest for Episode 67 is Stephanie Espy, Executive Director of STEM Gems, CEO of Math SP Coaching, and Appointed Director on the CAS Board of Directors. She is the No. 1 LinkedIn Top Voice in Education. The theme for the episode is 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠. Steph and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Her inspiration behind pursuing a STEM career ✅ Enabling factors for a STEM career journey ✅ The keys to navigating college admission ✅ Her experience as an engineering student at MIT ✅ Her...

My guest for Episode 66 is Jeremy Keating, FIA, Director at PriceWriter. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮. Jeremy and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Transitioning from underwriting to actuarial ✅ The most pressing challenges for clients doing pricing work ✅ The nine-step method for successful general insurance pricing ✅ How to structure a modern pricing organization ✅ Key strategic considerations for pricing leaders today ✅ Bridging the gap between quantitative...

My guest for Episode 65 is Bob Miccolis, FCAS, MAAA, FCA, Managing Principal at Miccolis Consulting and Past President at the Casualty Actuarial Society. The theme for the episode is 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀. Bob and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Captives and their role as an alternative risk transfer mechanism ✅ Differences between captives, self-insurance, and traditional insurance ✅ When to utilize captives instead of traditional insurance ✅ Single owner, group, micro, and onshore/offshore...

My guest for Episode 64 is Alejandro Ortega, FCAS, MAAA, former Chief Actuary and Exam Seminar Instructor. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮. Alejandro and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ FIDES, the largest insurance conference in Latin America ✅ The insurance market in Latin America ✅ Living and working in Latin America ✅ Actuarial practice in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia ✅ Key reserving differences between the US and Latin America ✅ Stochastic...

My guest for Episode 63 is Jennifer Middough, FCAS, MAAA, Chief Pricing Actuary - Liberty Mutual Re - U.S. at Liberty Specialty Markets. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮. Jennifer and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Key stakeholders for reinsurance actuaries ✅ Key messaging to be an effective reinsurance actuary ✅ Analysis, interpretation, and communication with thin data ✅ Explaining the gap between reinsurance loss experience and pricing ✅ Concepts...

My guest for Episode 62 is Jared Strock, FSA, MAAA, CERA, Principal and Consulting Actuary at Telos Actuarial. The theme for the episode is 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲. Jared and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Medicare Parts A, B, C and D structure and benefits ✅ Medicare origins, projected growth, initiatives and reforms ✅ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ✅ Medicare Supplement (Medigap) private plans ✅ Value-based care and its impact on healthcare costs ✅ The status of the Medicare...

My guest for Episode 61 is Ezekiel Macharia, FIA, Managing Director and Chief Actuary at Kenbright. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮. Ezekiel and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The insurance and risk management landscape in Africa ✅ Opportunities for innovation and transformation in Africa ✅ How challenges are being addressed in the region ✅ Appointed Actuary duties in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania ✅ Leading an actuarial and financial advisory services firm in Africa ✅...

My guest for Episode 60 is Matt Duke, ACAS, ARe, MAAA, Head of Pricing - US Middle Market at AXA XL. The theme for the episode is 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆. Matt and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The foundations of an effective strategy ✅ How actuaries can become strategic problem solvers ✅ Considerations for supporting business decision making ✅ Lessons learned from strategic failures ✅ Navigating career moves to capture the upside of risk ✅ His motivation behind pursuing a top tier MBA program If...

My guest for Episode 59 is Shane Barnes, FCAS, Global Head of Pricing at Lemonade. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵. Shane and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The state of the insurtech market ✅ Transitioning from data science to insurtech ✅ How actuaries add value in insurtech ✅ Actuaries in insurtech compared to insurance ✅ Navigating the insurtech landscape ✅ Opportunities for actuaries who work in insurtech ✅ The value of historical data relative to smart...

My guest for Episode 58 is John Harney, FIA, CERA, Senior Consultant at Aon. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. John and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ How actuaries add value in pensions ✅ Defined Benefit (DB) Plans and Defined Contribution (DC) Plans ✅ How shift from DB to DC plans impacts the demand for actuaries ✅ Underlying drivers of liability block transfers ✅ Redirection of pension scheme funds into private equity in the UK ✅ The gender gap in pensions in the...

My guest for Episode 57 is Sherry Chan, FSA, EA, MAAA, Chief Strategy Officer at Atidot. The theme for the episode is 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Sherry and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ The Chief Strategy Officer role ✅ Elevating awareness of actuaries outside of the insurance industry ✅ Repackaging and transferring actuarial skills ✅ Creating opportunities to add value beyond traditional deliverables ✅ Designing a career path to maximize opportunities ✅ The inverted triangle and its relevance for...

My guest for Episode 56 is Jon Forster, ASA, MAAA, Professional Development Learning and Content Design Director at the the Society of Actuaries. The theme for the episode is 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. Jon and I explore the following topics:⁣ ✅ Eliminating barriers to actuarial training and development ✅ Training and development opportunities that affect advancement ✅ The most relevant leadership skills for actuaries ✅ Resources to develop “skills outside of the numbers” ✅...