Author Archives: Jessica Leong

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About Jessica Leong

Jessica Leong, FCAS, is Immediate Past Chair of the CAS Board of Directors.

Admissions, DE&I, and Member Engagement among Initiatives Discussed at November 2022 CAS Board Meeting

Our just-completed membership survey on member engagement showed an increased interest in transparency in CAS governance, so I’m publishing this Board meeting summary to make our stakeholders aware of the many strategic issues the Board is addressing. As you review the summary, if you have a reaction or suggestion for the Board to consider, please … Read more »

An Actuary with an Action Plan: A Conversation with Sarayyah Baksh, FCAS, ACIA

For my President’s Message columns, I will be talking to distinguished actuaries who embody the new Envisioned Future for the CAS. Videos of these interviews will be available as Web Exclusives on the Actuarial Review website and the CAS YouTube channel. Sarayyah Baksh is an actuary without borders. She grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, … Read more »

A CEO’s Perspective: A Conversation with Brian Duperreault

For my President’s Message columns, I will be talking to distinguished actuaries who embody the new Envisioned Future for the CAS. Videos of these interviews will be available as Web Exclusives on the Actuarial Review website and the CAS YouTube channel.    When Brian Duperreault agreed to be interviewed on his experience being an actuary, a CEO and an industry … Read more »

An Enterprising Actuary: A Conversation with Adam Driussi of Quantium

For my President’s Message columns, I will be talking to distinguished actuaries who embody the new Envisioned Future for the CAS. Videos of these interviews will be available as Web Exclusives on the Actuarial Review website and the CAS YouTube channel. No one would call Adam Driussi an ordinary actuary. This Australian actuary has a deep entrepreneurial spirit. Eighteen years … Read more »

From Actuary to CEO: A Conversation with Kathy Antonello

For my President’s Message columns published in the Actuarial Review magazine, I will be talking to distinguished actuaries who embody the new Envisioned Future for the CAS. Videos of these interviews will be available as Web Exclusives on the Actuarial Review website and the CAS YouTube channel. “I moved to Reno about 18 months ago for a new adventure and to … Read more »

Actuarial Review Presents: A Conversation With Frank Chang by Jessica Leong

Every CAS president has the opportunity to share a president’s message in each issue of the Actuarial Review. While many presidents have used this space to share their insight on current events or deep dives on the profession, I’m trying something different. For my president’s messages, I’ll share interviews with actuaries who embody our new … Read more »

Creating Unicorns

You may have heard of the term “data scientist unicorn.” The Harvard Business Review had an article that describes them as “a hybrid of data hacker, analyst, communicator, and trusted adviser.” The article goes onto say that “The combination is extremely powerful—and rare.” The CAS Board has just adopted a new Envisioned Future, and you … Read more »

Six Books for Actuaries to Excel at Leadership, Strategy and Communication

These are six books that have helped me the most in my actuarial career. It’s not enough to just read these books; you need to practice the skills that they teach. Luckily, volunteering for the CAS gives you ample opportunity to practice these skills. So, I encourage you to go forth and read, practice and … Read more »

Video: What Advice Would You Give to Yourself as a Young Actuary?

Pursuing a career as an actuary is a challenging and rewarding road, requiring a commitment to passing a rigorous set of examinations to achieve CAS credentials while working full-time. After years of experience in the profession, members may reflect upon the advice that they wish they were given during the early stages of their career. … Read more »

Wanted: Actuary with Predictive Modeling Experience

Does your actuarial training make you attractive to employers looking for someone to join their predictive analytics team? Why would they hire you over, say, a PhD in statistics? This was an important question for me personally, as I was looking to break into the world of predictive analytics. And yes! Success! I’m 6 months … Read more »