Let’s Talk About …The Underrepresentation of Women in Leadership
Despite women making up over 60% of new entrants in the insurance sector, their presence sharply declines at senior leadership levels. In a recent “Let’s Talk About” session, participants discussed systemic barriers, ranging from limited support during credentialing to biases around motherhood and explored actions organizations and individuals can take to foster more equitable advancement.
Diversify Your Guides: The Power of Multiple Mentors
Feeling overwhelmed entering the actuarial field with limited guidance, the author underscores how a web of mentors, rather than a single advisor, can make a real difference. Drawing from research and personal experience, the post highlights benefits such as broader perspectives, better skill development, more tailored advice, and stronger networks. It concludes with practical tips for cultivating a diverse mentorship circle and announces a relaunch of a mentorship program later this year.
NAWA Book Club Pick August 2023: “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
Explore how vulnerability fuels courage in leadership with this month’s NAWA Book Club pick, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown. The post highlights Brown’s approach to fostering authenticity and meaningful connection, encouraging leaders to “rumble” through tough conversations, clarify values, and lead with transparency. Pairing the book with its companion workbook, the author invites readers to engage deeply and brings home the mantra: “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”
Real-Life Risk Taking with Christine Hofbeck
At the 2023 NAWA Annual Meeting, Christine Hofbeck encouraged us to rethink how we view risk, not just in terms of losses to manage, but as opportunities that might fulfill our dreams. She introduced a helpful quadrant framework that contrasts the regret of action versus inaction and shared practical tips for both reducing risk and embracing possibilities like leaning on allies, planning, writing down goals, and taking deliberate steps toward what truly brings you joy.
GALs Just Wanna Feel Connected
Recognizing that women remain a minority in actuarial and STEM fields, just over 30% globally, Lincoln Financial Group employees founded GALA (Girls and Allies) to build community and support for female actuaries. What began as casual conversations among ten women evolved into a full-fledged network with structured leadership, goals, and events. Launching with kickstarters in early 2023 and a Valentine’s‑themed networking event, the group now hosts regular gatherings and is planning a 2024 coffee‑chat series to nurture deeper connections. GALA’s experience demonstrates how grassroots initiatives can foster belonging as they lay groundwork for mentorship, outreach, and sustained growth.