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Michael is an actuary with broad pricing, reserving, and capital experience across different products and global markets. Starting his journey at IAG and RACQ, Michael loved the technical focus but sought a deeper connection to customers and make a greater impact in the insurance industry. 

Following postgraduate studies abroad, Michael returned to accidentally take a temporary role in travel insurance. In it, however, discovered a captivating niche that reinvigorated his passion for the industry. It was here that Michael learned the importance of customer-centricity and data-driven innovation. 

The love for the niche, and the value actuaries can provide in it, allowed Michael to take a range of diverse roles during his 7 years at Cover-More Travel Insurance, Zurich Insurance’s Global Travel Insurance Arm most recently as General Manager for Strategic Underwriting for AUNZ 

Today, Michael is the Chief Underwriting Officer at PassportCard Australia, a travel insurance specialist insurtech. Combining his technical expertise, passion for customer-centricity, and innovative mindset, he looks to continue to make a meaningful impact in the industry, safeguarding travellers around the globe through a unique real-time claims processing proposition. 

Michael is also deeply involved in the Actuaries Institute of Australia, volunteering on the Data Science Practice Committee, Anti-Discrimination Practice Committee and the International Committee, as well as authoring and contributing to a number of research presentations. 

In this interview, Michael shares his reflections about:

• What prompted his move into management roles,
• The hardest part of becoming a people leader,
• How his view of leadership roles has changed since becoming a leader,
• The importance of connecting with people outside the actuarial team,
• What all actuaries need to be mindful about when it comes to AI, and
• His top tip for actuaries stepping into their first management roles.

Read Julia’s new book "Aspiring Actuarial Leaders: The Modern Manager’s Toolkit"

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