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New Fellow Daniel Bartlett shares his path from high school teacher to qualified actuary and his career highlights to date.

Daniel is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries Australia, working as a consultant at McGing Advisory & Actuarial. Working across broad financial services Daniel has experience working across traditional actuarial fields such as superannuation and wealth management, life insurance and friendly societies, while also having done a fair share of work in non-traditional actuarial fields. Daniel manages both quantitative technical projects such as modelling, valuations, remediations and unit pricing; while also managing qualitative projects including risk management and compliance reviews, systems and process reviews and migrations, product design advice, governance and board advisory services.

Previously, Daniel worked in insurance underwriting and claims management roles, and worked as a high school mathematics and history teacher. 

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys being active physically and socially, he enjoys playing sports and musical instruments as well as the occasional video game.

In this interview, Daniel shares: 

-         His pathway from high school teacher to actuary,

-         Some highlights from his actuarial career to date, and

-         His advice for actuaries pursuing Fellowship. 

- Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.

- Find out more about McGing Advisory & Actuarial. 

- Connect with Julia on LinkedIn. 

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Actuary and musician James McAtamney shares what he’s learned from music and growing up in a family business that has helped him build valuable skills that he’s transferred to the workplace.

“Just go and get involved in something. Get out of your day-to-day, go do something interesting. Who knows, you might love it!”, says James McAtamney.

In this interview, James shares: 
- How playing in orchestras and ensembles taught him to listen, blend, and balance dynamics rather than always being the loudest voice in the room
- How community theatre exposed him to authentic conversations and diverse perspectives that help him navigate workplace interactions with greater empathy, 
- How musical collaboration showed him when to step back and let others shine, creating space for quieter team members to contribute their insights,
- How authentic conversations outside corporate structures provide tools for more genuine workplace interactions, and
- How early immersion in family business operations builds resourcefulness and portfolio thinking for managing complex ventures.

“Teamwork means different things to different people. James reminds us that sometimes we need to just get out of the way and allow our colleagues to leverage their unique talents.”, says guest host Martin Mulcare. 

James McAtamney is an actuary and musician working as an independent senior advisor and entrepreneur in Australia and internationally. He is the Founder and Managing Director of McAtamney & Advisors, Principal of Vanguard Overwatch, and Co-Founder of Timbre Collective.

James has the rare combination of a creative and analytical mind. From an early age, he participated in theatre, music, and choral programs at school and in the community. He also learned the different jobs in his family’s (now second generation) fishing business that his parents founded and built from the ground up – peeling prawns, learning the bookkeeping, serving customers in the retail shop, right down to scrubbing the bins out! These early experiences instilled a strong work ethic and a community- and business-mindedness that are reflected today in James’ diverse business and creative portfolio and his approach to work.

James is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Actuarial Studies and Finance) from the University of New South Wales and an Associate Recital Diploma in Piano from Trinity College London.

Our guest host, Martin Mulcare, is a qualified actuary, experienced senior leader and a talented facilitator. He enjoys working with different types of people and he loves sharing ideas. Formerly the facilitator of the Professionalism Course, Martin is a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Ethics Centre and is the Chairman of the Board of The Growth Project.

- Connect with James on LinkedIn.   
- Connect with

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Actuary Bianka Grange shares what she’s learned from volunteering as a Primary Ethics teacher at her children’s school and how those skills have helped her in the workplace.

“Give yourself an opportunity to try something new, even if it feels a little bit scary, even if it feels like something that you're not gonna be very good at. You don't have to do it forever, you can just do it for a little bit of time. At the end of it, if you take a moment to reflect on it, you'll find that you've learned something”, says Bianka Grange.

In this interview, Bianka shares: 

-  How practising neutrality as a facilitator creates safe spaces for diverse perspectives,

-  How creating space between reaction and response improves workplace communication, and

-  How low-stakes presentation practice builds confidence for high-pressure moments.

“Not only does Bianka highlight the importance of self-reflection, she also provides some practical guidance on how to more regularly implement it.”, says guest host Martin Mulcare.

Bianka Grange is the Executive Manager for VERO SME Packages, where she leads a dynamic team focused on delivering insurance solutions for small and medium enterprises. She is an Associate of the Institute of Actuaries with 20 years’ experience in all things SME Packages – portfolio management, strategic performance, underwriting, product, pricing, and data & analytics. Her strong technical and operational management, coupled with a passion for people, make her an active and engaged leader who consistently leads from the front.

Bianka is known for her vibrant personality and her passion for volunteering. She is a Primary Ethics teacher who enjoys exploring both personal and professional ethics. She was the Co-Chair of the Actuaries Institute Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, leading the Associates Edition and contributing to the Associates Advisory Task Force. She firmly believes in being the change you wish to see and making meaningful progress in areas that personally matter.

Bianka brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does and if she’s not talking your ear off about SME Insurance, she’s enjoying time with her family and neighbours.

Our guest host, Martin Mulcare, is a qualified actuary, experienced senior leader and a talented facilitator. He enjoys working with different types of people and he loves sharing ideas. Formerly the facilitator of the Professionalism Course, Martin is a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Ethics Centre and is the Chairman of the Board of The Growth Project.

-          Connect with Bianka on LinkedIn.   

-          Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.   

Views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views of their places of work. 

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

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We Are Actuaries podcast episode number 72.

Actuary Dorothy Cheng shares what she’s learned about leadership from founding and facilitating a 500+ member Chinese mums’ support group.

“If you have a passion or need, don’t do it alone”, says Dorothy.

In this interview, Dorothy shares: 

-        How empathy builds trust and helps navigate difficult workplace situations,

-        How enabling others through honest delegation creates time and empowers teams, and

-        How setting clear boundaries and rules creates safe, productive environments.

“Dorothy learned a great deal about enabling others in her mothers’ group. Delegation is an important but difficult skill in leadership. Dorothy’s application of her new talent in her workplace provides valuable clues for anyone interested in learning more about delegation.”, says guest host Martin Mulcare.

Dorothy Cheng is a qualified actuary (FIAA, CERA) with over 10 years of experience across pricing, product development, valuation, reinsurance, and M&A. She is known for her collaborative style, strong project management, and ability to bring clarity and structure to complex actuarial challenges. A passionate lifelong learner, Dorothy also facilitates a 500+ member Chinese mums’ support group — an experience that continues to shape her perspective and leadership approach.

Our guest host, Martin Mulcare, is a qualified actuary, experienced senior leader and a talented facilitator. He enjoys working with different types of people and he loves sharing ideas. Formerly the facilitator of the Professionalism Course, Martin is a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Ethics Centre and is the Chairman of the Board of The Growth Project.

-          Connect with Dorothy on LinkedIn.  

-          Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.  

Views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views of their places of work. 

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Actuary and netball umpire Crystal Mai shares what she’s learned on the netball court and how this has helped her in business.

“Find something that you're passionate about and invest in it. You won't need to look for growth. That growth will come to you and it will flow into other parts of your life”, says Crystal.

In this interview, Crystal shares: 

- How passion and presence transform workplace performance,
- How to build confidence and find your voice as a young professional, and 
- How her diverse volunteering experience helped her build empathy and teamwork.

“Some of the lessons from Crystal may be specific to skills she learned in umpiring or the SES, but the real value in this interview lies in the talents that are relevant to everyone in business like teamwork and time management.”, says guest host Martin Mulcare.

Crystal Mai is an Actuary (FIAA) and Data Scientist at BCG X. She balances a dynamic career with her strong commitment to sport and community. A nationally badged netball umpire, Crystal has spent the past decade making high pressure decisions on court - often while being shouted at by older (and louder) people. 

She volunteers with the NSW State Emergency Service where she's out on the field and meeting people from all walks of life. Crystal's endeavours have shaped her into a resilient and grounded Actuary with a sense of perspective that textbooks don't teach. From court-side calls to crisis response, she's still figuring out how blowing a whistle and bush-bashing turned into workplace wisdom. And yet, it did.

Our guest host, Martin Mulcare, is a qualified actuary, experienced senior leader and a talented facilitator. He enjoys working with different types of people and he loves sharing ideas. Formerly the facilitator of the Professionalism Course, Martin is a member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Ethics Centre and is the Chairman of the Board of The Growth Project.

Connect with Crystal on LinkedIn.

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.

Views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views of their places of work. 

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Experienced actuary, adviser and GA Senior Leadership Program co-facilitator Martin Mulcare shares how to build confidence at work.

In this interview, Martin shares: 
- What confidence is and why it is important in business,
- How we can recognise confidence in ourselves, and
- His tips for actuaries wanting to build their confidence at work.

Martin Mulcare is currently enjoying a portfolio of activities where the common theme is that he loves sharing ideas. This can take the form of a facilitator, a sounding board, a mentor or a company director.

His prior experience included work as a consulting actuary, a corporate actuary and a company executive. You may have met him in his role as facilitator of the Actuaries Institute's Professionalism Course from 2009-2019.

Martin is involved with a number of social purpose organisations including The Growth Project and Primary Ethics. He is a strong believer in the importance of balance in life.

- Connect with Martin on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/martinmulcare   
- Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/julia-lessing 

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Actuary Minh Phan shares how actuaries can get started using LLMs.

In this interview, Minh shares: 

- How he uses LLMs in his personal life,
- How he uses LLMs in his professional life, and
- His tips for actuaries wanting to get started or improve their skills using LLMs.

Minh is the Head of AI Innovation at Finity, focussing on everything from ideation, training, tooling, governance and development.

With 14 years of experience in pricing and data science, he has built production data pipelines, ML powered dashboards, and custom AI solutions across a range of cloud platforms.

Outside of work, he loves tinkering with technology, overcommitting on learning and building not-so-useful applications, and writing and performing musical parody. And yeah, he’s the guy who wrote the “I’m an Actuary” rap.

Shownotes:
- Dave Ebbelaar on YouTube.
- Animal family post on LinkedIn.
- Homerun post on LinkedIn.
- Actuaries Institute rap post on LinkedIn.
- Savage Actuary.

- Connect with Minh on LinkedIn.
- Connect with Julia on LinkedIn.  

Views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views of their places of work. 

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Actuary Adam Barrow shares how volunteering has helped his actuarial career.

In this interview, Adam shares: 

-          The best point in your career to get involved in volunteering,

-          How volunteering has helped him build his professional network, and

-          What actuaries should consider when getting involved in volunteering.

Adam is the Product Actuary at UniSuper and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia (FIAA). He specialises in Defined Benefits, Insurance, and Retirement matters relating to Superannuation, and has a passion for member outcomes and improving the retirement experience for all. 

Adam is an active volunteer for the Actuaries Institute and was awarded the 2025 Young Volunteer Achievement Award. He is currently a member of the Superannuation and Investment Practice Committee (SIPC), the Chair of the Member Services Sub Committee (MSSC), is an SME for Superannuation on the Life Insurance and Retirement Education Faculty (LIREF), and is a part of the Actuaries Institute Ambassador Program. 

In his spare time, he tries to remain active and find a new quality cup of coffee.

-          Connect with Adam on LinkedIn.

-         Visit the Actuaries Institute volunteering page. 

-          Connect with Julia on LinkedIn. 

Views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views of their places of work. 

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Actuary and data scientist Lizzie Eason shares her tips on how actuaries can be ethical data scientists.

In this interview, Lizzie shares: 

-          Why ethics is important for actuaries in data science, 

-          Some of the regulatory considerations affecting data scientists, and 

-          How she navigates ethics as a data scientist.

Lizzie Eason, ACAS is a contagiously curious, enthusiastic, relationship-driven storyteller. With the cadence of a comedian and the toolbox of a data scientist, she serves as both a skilled builder and engaging translator of data-driven models. In her current role on a budding data science team, her work as a data detective reveals insights so intriguing that business partners can’t help but wonder about what more data could reveal!

Lizzie graduated top of her class from Grinnell College in 2017 with a degree in Mathematics & Statistics. She obtained her ACAS in 2023 and has worked primarily in predictive modeling for pricing segmentation and a myriad of other business applications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, partner acrobatics, and hiking with her cats.

 Connect with Lizzie on LinkedIn.   

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn.  

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Experienced actuary and senior leader Barry Leung shares tips on how actuaries transfer their skills into different areas.

In this interview, Barry shares: 

-  How he uses his actuarial skills to improve outcomes across different settings,

-  What he learned from taking secondments in marketing and recruitment, and

-  How he overcomes doubt or fear when considering a role in a new area.

Barry is currently the Executive General Manager – Performance at MIPS, a medical indemnity organisation with members across Australia. He has experience working in the healthcare and insurance sectors, holding a number of senior roles across major health insurers including Medibank and Defence Health. Barry is passionate about better health for all. 

Prior to joining MIPS, he was an Impact Insurance Fellow with the International Labour Organisation, advising the National Health Insurance Authority in Ghana West Africa on the country’s universal health cover scheme. In between his day job and transporting his children to different extra- curricular activities, he is also involved in a local charity and is a Director of Mater Christi College in Belgrave Victoria.

 -          Connect with Barry on LinkedIn.  

-          Connect with Julia on LinkedIn.

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Analytics leader Kevin Cattaway shares tips on how actuaries can navigate redundancy.

In this interview, Kevin shares:
- His own experience of redundancy,
- How he leveraged his network to find a new role, and
- His advice for anyone facing redundancy.

Kevin Cattaway is a data, analytics and insights professional with 26 years of experience across private and public sectors, primarily working in general insurance. With experience across diverse business functions including actuarial, customer & marketing, technology, finance, claims, portfolio and risk. And 19 years in leadership roles, having built and led analytics and actuarial teams delivering strategic insights to inform business decisions.

- Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn. 
- Connect with Julia on LinkedIn. 

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Special interview by Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program graduates Jennifer Ng and Peter Whittigan. 

In this interview, guest hosts Jennifer and Peter put strategic thinking under the microscope with Alissa Holz, CEO of RGA Australia and New Zealand. 

Peter and Jennifer asked: 

1. What made you want to move from being an actuary to taking on the CEO role? Was that always the plan, or did it just happen over time?

2. How do you define “strategic thinking” within the context of a life reinsurance business?

3. What frameworks or tools do you rely on when formulating strategy?

4. As CEO, you’re bound to make decisions not everyone agrees with—how do you handle those moments when you have to go against the grain or make an unpopular call?

5. How do you balance short term targets or objectives with long term strategic goals?

Alissa Holz is Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, RGA Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), for RGA Reinsurance Australia. Appointed to the role of CEO in April 2025, she has overall responsibility for the management of RGA’s operations in ANZ, including strategy, client engagement and financial results. With over 25 years of experience in the life insurance industry, Alissa brings a wealth of client experience and depth of market knowledge to her role with a proven track record of leadership within RGA. Alissa received her Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Mathematics from the Queensland University of Technology, is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia (FIAA) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).

Jennifer Ng is a Principal Pricing Actuary at Gen Re with over 18 years of life insurance experience in the Australian and Asia. Jennifer has extensive experience in group and retail pricing and held roles at both local and regional levels in a global reinsurer, where she was responsible for leading pricing tenders, assessing profitability of existing portfolios and providing pricing oversight to local offices. Before joining Gen Re, Jennifer was a Director in Deloitte’s Consulting practice in Australia.
Jennifer is a Fellow of the Actuaries Institute and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

Peter Whittigan is a qualified actuary with over 15 years’ experience in the general insurance industry. His career spans a diverse range of roles across reserving, capital management, and pricing, in both consulting and corporate environments. Peter brings deep expertise in both short-tail and long-tail insurance, covering personal and commercial lines. Currently at IAG, he is focused on the development and deployment of advanced machine learning models safely into live pricing systems.

Find out more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program: https://www.guardianactuarial.com.au/ga-leadership-program

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Experienced actuary and leadership coach Lisa Staker shares how actuaries can build an effective professional network.

In this interview, Lisa shares: 
- Her early struggles to build her professional network as an introvert, 
- Strategies to authentically build a successful network without feeling awkward, and
- How networking has led to job offers and unexpected benefits in her career.

Lisa Staker is an actuary, leadership coach, and founder of The Rebellious Coach. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, she built her career from school-leaver to Chief Actuary before shifting her focus to helping actuaries and other technical professionals take the next step in their careers. Known for her rebellious empathy and no-nonsense approach, Lisa blends mentoring and coaching to support those navigating promotions, role changes, and career crossroads. She’s passionate about challenging outdated norms and helping others lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose—without losing who they are in the process.

- Find out more about how Lisa can help you: https://therebelliouscoach.co.uk/ 
- Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/lisa-staker 
- Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/julia-lessing

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Experienced pricing actuary, author and founder of Price Writer, Jeremy Keating reflects about how his experience of qualifying as an actuary wasn’t as easy as he expected.

In this interview, Jeremy shares: 

- Why he thinks we need to celebrate getting qualified differently,

- How his transition from being a student to a qualified actuary was more difficult than expected, and

- Practical strategies to thrive post-qualification.

Jeremy Keating is the founder of Price Writer, a learning and development company for insurance pricing professionals. He qualified as an actuary in 2013, a proud milestone, though the shift from student to qualified actuary proved more challenging than expected. Drawing on his experience in pricing, he wrote a book that’s helped many grow their careers and navigate this field. The Price Writer program supports over 190 members, including teams from some of the largest insurance companies. Their vision is to grow this to 1,000 members and make pricing professionals the most respected leaders in insurance

-          Contact Jeremy: https://pricewriters.com/

-          Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-keating/ 

-          Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/julia-lessing 

Read Jeremy's book Price Writer: The Nine-Step Method to Becoming a Highly Successful General Insurance Pricing Leader.

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Experienced pricing actuary and structured communication expert Claire Wang shares how actuaries can thrive in the AI era.

In this interview, Claire shares: 

- How actuaries can transition from technical roles to strategic leadership by shifting focus from outputs to outcomes, 

- Why AI presents an opportunity rather than a threat for actuaries who understand its limitations and can build stakeholder trust, and 

- Practical strategies for actuaries to thrive in the AI era.

Claire Wang is a problem-solving and structured communication expert with 20 years of experience in Pricing, spanning banking, FinTech, telecommunications, and insurance.

She specializes in pricing transformation in B2C markets and delivers structured communication workshops for corporate leaders. Claire believes that the biggest pricing challenge isn’t just setting the right price—it’s defining the right problem to solve.

Her mission is to help executives cut through complexity, ask better questions, and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

When she’s not decoding complex pricing challenges, you’ll find her unplugging completely—either on a yoga mat or deep in the mountains.

- Find out how Claire can help you: https://www.claire-wang.com/
- Connect with Claire on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-wang/ 
- Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/julia-lessing 

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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In this interview, Bill Marella (CEO ACTEX Learning) and Julia Lessing (Author of Aspiring Actuarial Leaders: The Modern Manager's Toolkit) discuss the power of communication and leadership skills in helping actuaries build great careers. 

In this interview, Bill asks Julia:

• What inspired you to write Aspiring Actuarial Leaders?
• Many actuaries are highly technical. What are the biggest challenges they face when moving into leadership roles?
• Do you believe actuarial education adequately prepares professionals for management? Why or why not?
• With AI and automation changing the profession, how do leadership skills help actuaries stay relevant? 
• Can you share any real-world examples of actuaries who successfully transitioned into leadership roles by developing soft skills?

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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After graduating with high honors from the Wharton School of Business, Linley pursued a successful actuarial career.  She quit to raise her 6 children for 19 years in 4 countries.  During this time she worked part-time as a college professor in China and the US, teaching China’s first actuarial college courses, and also earned a master of music degree in viola performance from Ball State University.

Linley returned to her profession and in 5 years was promoted to full vice president.  She currently works as an actuary for Unum Group in Voluntary Benefits.  Linley has volunteered with the Society of Actuaries’ Education and Examination Committee since 1990.  She speaks 4 languages and is also an international best-selling author.  

In this interview, Linley shares:  

• Her experience taking a 19 year career break to raise her six children and successfully returning to her actuarial career, 
• How skills she learned raising a family helped her get promoted, and 
• Her suggested steps and advice for those wanting to take a career break. 

Connect with Linley on LinkedIn.

Read Linley’s books:

• Don’t Be Afraid to Do What You Really Want to Do – Reach All Your Life Dreams.
• Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds
• Betrayed, Not Trashed (coming in 2025)

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Qualified actuary, motor pricing manager and author Catrin Townsend reflects on the importance of being able to explain what you do as an actuary to others, and how she does this. 

In this interview, Catrin shares: 

• The importance of being able to describe what you do at work,
• How she describes what she does as an actuary, and
• A simple process anyone can follow to discover their own mission statement.

Connect with Catrin on LinkedIn.

Read Catrin’s book, “A Risky Business: An Actuary’s Guide to Quantifying and Managing Risk in Society”

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

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Ben qualified as an actuary through the Actuaries Institute of Australia and is also certified as an actuary through the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) in the UK. In Australia, he has worked in actuarial consulting across long tail reserving and pricing, perils modelling and government projects. He currently works in the London market for a Lloyds syndicate as a reserving actuary.

Outside of his professional life, he enjoys keeping active and travelling.

Read more about the Ambassador Program.
Connect with Ben on LinkedIn.

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

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Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

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Elaine Collins, BSc(Hons), MEc, FIAA, FAICD, is a Fellow of the Actuaries Institute and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She spent 10+ years in Appointed Actuary roles, firstly with KPMG, then as Partner of Deloitte. 

Subsequently, Elaine has spent 10+ years a Non-Executive Director, ten years on the Board of Zurich Insurance, nine years as a Board Member of the ARPC and currently holds three Boards roles: RACV, ANZLMI and Ivory Insurance. Throughout this time, she chaired Board Committees, including Risk, Audit, Customer and Pricing. 

Elaine has 25+ years’ insurance industry experience with expertise in capital efficiency, strategic risk and effective governance within organisations. She enhances linkages between the industry and academia in her role as a Professor of Practice in the School of Risk & Actuarial with the UNSW Business School. Elaine has served on several Institute Committees, including the GIPC and the Professional Practice Committee. 

In this interview, Elaine shares: 

• How she sees actuaries adding value in the boardroom; 
• Current topics organisations are facing and how she sees actuaries adding value; 
• Why collegiality is critical for boards to be effective; 
• Tips for actuaries wanting to contribute in the boardroom; and 
• How she creates balance in her life, while enjoying a diverse and challenging career. 

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Holly Briffa is an experienced consultant and actuary with a passion for transforming data into strategic insights that drive meaningful change. With a background in actuarial science and a career that includes roles at Ernst & Young (EY) and Strategic Project Partners (SPP), Holly specialises in using data analytics to inform decision-making, optimise outcomes, and shape strategies for government, public sector, and corporate clients.
 
Throughout her career, Holly has led a range of high-impact projects, from developing forecasting tools for government departments to enhancing operational models for not-for-profit organisations. Her work blends analytical precision with strategic vision, empowering stakeholders to make evidence-based decisions that deliver results.
 
Recognising the pivotal role strategy consulting played in shaping her career, Holly values how this experience has sharpened her problem-solving abilities and broadened her approach to tackling complex challenges. She is eager to share these insights, believing that strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making can benefit professionals in all industries.

In this interview, Holly shares:

• What she learned from strategy consulting;
• How she uses data to help government and private sector clients optimise outcomes and shape strategies;
• Examples of strategy consulting frameworks that can be helpful for actuaries; and
• Why she decided to return to study to pursue her Fellowship exams.

Read Holly’s article on the Double Diamond framework.
Connect with Holly on LinkedIn.

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Dominic is an Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society. Originally from Jamaica with 13 years of experience in property & casualty insurance and software presales, he is now a Senior Solutions Advisor at SAS where he has been for the last 3 years. In addition to his actuarial career, he is one of the most dynamic content creators in the profession, proficient in 16 different content forms. He is also a professional keynote speaker, focused on maximizing impact and value for quantitative professionals on a global scale. 

Finally, Dominic lives in Los Angeles, California with his girlfriend, two dogs Ziggie and Kent, and enjoys watching European football whenever possible. 

In this interview, Dominic shares: 

• His personal mission as an actuary and content creator, 
• Common pitfalls actuaries make when creating content or using social media, and 
• Advice for actuaries wanting to build their personal brands using social media. 

Visit the Maverick Actuary Website: Your Home For Actuarial Science, Risk Management, And Analytics.

Listen to Live With The Maverick Podcast.

Connect with Dominic on LinkedIn.

Find Dominic on Instagram.

Watch Dominic’s talk “Beyond Insurance - Actuarial Science TED-style Talk”.

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Sidd is a qualified actuary with the Institute of Actuaries in Australia. He has worked across general insurance pricing, actuarial consulting and currently working at the Australian Government Actuary (AGA). He is working on the Priority Investment Approach, which uses actuarial analysis to estimate Australia’s future lifetime welfare costs for the current population. Originally from India, Sidd moved to Australia at the age of 13. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys hiking, trekking, and running. 

In this interview, Sidd shares:  

• Why he became an actuary, 
• His experience of qualifying during the transition to the new education program, 
• Useful strategies for maintaining good mental health, 
• How he uses his actuarial superpowers to make a difference in the world, and 
• His advice for actuaries pursuing Fellowship. 

Read Sidd’s Under the Spotlight article here.

Connect with Sidd on LinkedIn.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Victor Bajanov is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and a seasoned analytics leader with nearly two decades of experience in data science. Currently serving as Executive of Product Analytics and Generative AI Centre of Excellence at Quantium, Victor has a diverse background spanning consulting and product development across industries including financial services, retail, and telecommunications. Victor is a member of the Data Science Practice Committee and has served as an expert witness for the Federal Court of Australia. With his blend of actuarial knowledge and cutting-edge data science skills, Victor brings valuable insights to the intersection of traditional actuarial work and modern analytics. 

In this interview, Victor shares:  

• Why analogies are so powerful, 
• Examples of powerful analogies in business, and 
• His process, and tips, for generating powerful analogies. 

Connect with Victor on LinkedIn.

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.

Tell us what you thought of this episode!

Mike has over 30 years’ experience in life insurance, wealth management, pensions and educating actuaries. Whilst in Europe, he led a team of over 30 actuaries covering product design, reserving, embedded value profit reporting and built up a risk management function for a large, multi-national insurer.  Mike set up the Part II program at Monash university and is now leading all aspects of the Institute’s education activities. 

In this interview, Mike shares his:
- career journey in becoming an actuary and now an educator,
- reflections on the ‘new’ Education program in Australia, and
- tips for actuaries wanting to future-proof their careers beyond qualification.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program.

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

We are featured in the Top 15 Actuary Podcasts here on Feedspot.

Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.