The Virtual Revolution: NAWA Book Club
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed by the author of this article don't necessarily represent the opinions of NAWA as an organization.
As COVID-19 endured, we, as humans, found new ways to connect. Left to the confines of our respective countries….
cities….
homes….
families….
We peered outside the hustle and bustle of daily life when we paused in March of 2020. We reevaluated the resources we did have, namely, the internet. In my opinion, I don’t think any other century before us could have pulled off quarantine quite like we did. With online grocery and cuisine delivery, we stayed safe, and fed, in style. We checked in with our loved ones in real time – being able to hear their voices and see their faces. FaceTime. Anytime. What a comfort. As time went on, we started to look outside our neighborhoods, social groups and offices. To come to realize: if we are connecting virtually, then we can connect literally to ANYONE in this big world via Wi-Fi connection.
My daughter took writing classes tailored specifically to her in-depth interest in Herpetology via OutSchool (1). My beloved Mother’s group went virtual and attracted new moms from all around the world in need of love and support. I attended more actuarial seminars and conferences virtually than I possibly could have in person. I made connections with other actuaries, not because we shared an elevator, but because we shared a goal, a passion, an interest.
NAWA (Network of Actuarial Women and Allies) is connected in a similar fashion. Scouring the country for humans out there that share a common goal, passion or interest. This one goal/passion/interest unites us, but it’s our differences that bring value. The advice of a more senior actuary, or the male perspective, or a fresh view point from a recent college grad all add value to what NAWA is.
The NAWA book club is the brain child of this. NAWA members in all different time zones and actuarial backgrounds reading the same book at the same time and meeting together virtually to discuss key topics, share their thoughts and experiences.
In March and April 2023, we read “The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career you Love Without Becoming a Person you Hate” by Fran Hauser (2). Fran showed us how to take our natural instincts to be caring and watch out for each other and turn it into a super power at work. She redefined Nice.
Nice can be a team player.
Nice can be collaborative.
Nice can be a mentor.
Nice can be respectful and professional while still being able to negotiate, make decisions, speak up, show ambition and close the deal. By investing in yourself and setting boundaries, you, yes, you, the “too nice” person in the office, or the quiet introvert, or even the hard-working, talented person who has been burned in the past – you, too, can harness the super power of niceness.
This hit home for me. As an introvert that gets excited about spreadsheets and book clubs, I have always valued having someone in my corner to encourage me to share my thoughts, negotiate for what I deserve and give feedback.
To be frank, I wish I could have read this book in my 20’s. Many points Fran made I could resonate with as lessons I learned the hard way early on in my career. The way she gave examples and strategies to try really felt like a caring mentor rooting for me. Through books like this, the NAWA Book Club, and the NAWA Mentorship Program, actuaries and allies are able to make this world a better place.
Meet Tamara
Tamara Wilt, ASA, MAAA is a Life and Health Consulting Actuary in Tampa Bay, FL. She graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a bachelors degree in Actuarial Science in 2007 and obtained her Associateship with the Society of Actuaries in 2011. She started Actuarial Guidepoint, LLC in 2012. She is passionate about her work, providing accurate and timely actuarial work while providing a high level of detail and thinking outside the box when it comes to creating solutions. Stepping in and filling a need for companies in transition, short term projects, or in need of specialized expertise.
End Notes
2 Hauser, Fran, 2018, “The Myth of the Nice Girl: Achieving a Career you Love Without Becoming a Person you Hate”
https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Nice-Girl-Achieving-Becoming/dp/1328832953
https://www.franhauser.com/nice-girl
3 If you are interested in joining the NAWA book club, contact Kim Guerriero at Kim.Guerriero@milliman.com
