Be Brilliant

In this episode of Be Brilliant with Jing Lang, we sit downwith Antonio Ienco, co-founder of the Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF), to unpack what it really means to live a creative life. From filming in abandoned warehouses with shoestring budget to running a global short film festival, Antonio shares his candid, hilarious, and heartfelt journey of building something from nothing—literally while covered in mud and bring rolled over by All-Terrain Vehicles.We talk about:How short films open doors for emerging creativesWhy building a creative career equals running nakedAnd how to spot the people worth building withWhether you're a student filmmaker, a corporate escapee, orsomewhere in between, this episode will hit home. It's part pep talk, part film school, and all heart.

900+ students. 40+ sponsors. Endless opportunities.For the first time ever, Be Brilliant with Jing Lang and The Official ASNA Podcast teamed up for a LIVE video podcast at the largest actuarial student convention in North America! From the heart of Niagara Falls, we captured career breakthroughs, bold leadership moves, and the stories that shape the future of the profession.

In this episode of Be Brilliant with Jing Lang, Jing explores the journey of women serving on boards, breaking it down into when to serve, why it matters, and how to get there. She shares actionable insights from Kalpana Shah, a trailblazing female chair of multiple boards, who emphasizes the importance of being proactive, building networks, and upskilling to shift perceptions and prepare for board roles.

In this episode of Be Brilliant with Jing Lang, Amanda Hug, the youngest-ever president of the Society of Actuaries, shares her journey of leadership, faith, and adventure. Amanda discusses the courage it took to run for the SOA board, her initiatives to foster inclusivity, and her belief in stepping outside comfort zones to grow. She reflects on her relationship with God, how her faith anchors her, and what fulfillment truly means. From leading global change to gorilla trekking in Uganda, Amanda's story inspires listeners to lead authentically and embrace life's adventures with excellence and purpose.

In this episode, Jing Lang sits down with Alicia Rollo, Director of Education and International Affairs at the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. Together, they delve into Alicia's journey of spearheading transformative changes in actuarial education in Canada, including the creation of the CIA's three qualification pathways. Alicia shares her thoughts on the actuarial brand, CIA's evolving independence from the SOA and CAS, and her outlook on the actuarial profession in a rapidly changing world.

Ever wondered what it'd be like to sit down with your AI clone? In this special episode of “Be Brilliant with Jing Lang”, Jing takes you on a fascinating journey as she interviews her AI clone—yes, an AI designed to think, sound, and respond just like her! Listen in as the two discuss how AI Jing would run Jing's business (hint: it involves setting boundaries and charging for her expertise!), the ethical implications of AI clones, and where this technology could be headed in the future. Whether they're talking business strategy or sharing a little life wisdom, this digital duo doesn't hold back. Tune in for an engaging and thought-provoking episode about technology, authenticity, and the power of self-reflection—quite literally! This is one face-off you won't want to miss!

Join us on this fascinating journey with Lieutenant Commander Kelli-Ann (Kell) Bliss, an officer with the NOAA Corps, as she shares insights from her unique role in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Kell's adventurous spirit and dedication have taken her from frigid waters in Antarctica to intense hurricane zones, working with scientists, navigating complex assignments at sea, and overseeing the construction of NOAA's newest research vessel. Tune in for an inside look at what it takes to balance life on land and sea with a positive outlook and a commitment to discovery.

In this episode, Jing Lang welcomes Jon Coomber, co-founder of Mission Mindset and former Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Marines. Jon shares transformative insights on the power of fear, resilience, and decisive leadership from his 25-year career in some of the world's most challenging environments. From coaching elite teams like England's national football team to advising top executives, Jon reveals how mission-driven leadership and teamwork can reshape business culture and strategy.

In this episode, Jing Lang sits down with Alice Locatelli, the Chief Technology Innovation Officer at the Society of Actuaries, to explore the dynamic intersections of business, technology, and education. Alice shares her unconventional career journey—from high school teacher to AI advocate, and even a stint as a sushi chef! She dives into the challenges and rewards of being a generalist in a specialist's world and discusses the exciting possibilities of AI integration. Alice also offers practical advice for lifelong learning and career pivots, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in today's evolving professional landscape. *** Keywords: #ai #aiforactuaries #podcast #sushi #technology #business #education #generalist #actuaries #careeradvice

Valérie Adelson's social channels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-adelson/ YouTube: @valjase4115 Instagram: @val_adelson *** In this episode, Jing Lang sits down with Valerie Adelson, a global client manager at Mercer with over 17 years of actuarial experience. Valerie shares her unique journey from a curious child raised in a multicultural household in Quebec to becoming a leader in diversity and inclusion within the actuarial profession. She reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her life, including childhood experiences, embracing failure, and the unexpected lessons from a personality pageant. The discussion delves into resilience, the importance of embracing one's identity, and how small, consistent steps can lead to big achievements. Valerie also reveals her passion for speaking and creativity, hinting at future aspirations to step onto bigger stages and share her wisdom. Join us for a candid conversation about navigating life's winding paths, embracing change, and shaping a career filled with meaning and impact. *** Keywords: actuary, diversity, inclusion, mentorship, personal growth, career path, self-compassion, community engagement, public speaking

In this episode, host Jing Lang sits down with Kalpana Shah, a trailblazer in the insurance and investment industry. With over 30 years of experience, Kalpana reflects on her multifaceted journey, from her unexpected start as an actress and model to becoming one of the few female chairs in the insurance sector. Kalpana shares insights into her cultural heritage, how she navigated the complexities of balancing identities, and her decision to leave a prestigious actuarial role to pursue more meaningful ventures. She discusses the importance of personal branding, the evolving role of actuaries, and the need for greater representation of women and underrepresented groups in leadership. From leading actuaries in crisis analytics during the COVID-19 pandemic to her thoughts on career risk-taking and resilience, Kalpana's wisdom is a must-hear for anyone looking to forge their own unconventional path. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, cultural transformation, and making a difference in an evolving world.

In this conversation, Monica Ningen, CEO of Swiss Re's US property and casualty reinsurance business, shares her career journey and insights on the insurance industry, particularly in relation to climate change and its impact on insured losses. She discusses the importance of community and personal resiliency in facing challenges, the role of women in the insurance sector, and the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in fostering a positive work environment. Monica emphasizes the need for trust and core values in leadership, and how these elements contribute to successful outcomes in both personal and professional settings. Keywords insurance, climate change, resiliency, diversity, career development, women empowerment, risk management, community, leadership, core values

Season 1 recap, taking action towards dreams, what's next?

In this episode, Jing sits down with Sharon Giffen, a seasoned actuary and board member with over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. Sharon discusses her adventurous move to British Columbia during a tumultuous time of wildfires and atmospheric rivers, reflecting on the resilience required both personally and professionally. As a candidate for SOA President-Elect, Sharon emphasizes the importance of leadership diversity and the need for a broader perspective within the organization. Tune in to hear Sharon's wisdom on career growth, volunteering, and the power of staying curious and compassionate in all aspects of life. Keywords actuary, career journey, board service, ICD.D designation, diversity, AI, voting, volunteer work, positive impact, cats

In this episode, Jing sits down with Darryl Wagner, an accomplished actuary and leader with a career spanning over three decades. Darryl shares his insights on resilience, the power of networking, and the importance of volunteering, which played a crucial role in his career progression. He reflects on the collapse of Arthur Andersen in 2002, a pivotal moment that taught him the value of adaptability and the strength of community support. Darryl also discusses his passion for holistic health and how it has shaped his approach to life and work. As a candidate for SOA President-Elect, Darryl outlines his vision for the future of the actuarial profession, emphasizing the need to amplify the impact, identity, and intersections of actuaries worldwide. References https://www.actexlearning.com/products/textbooks/design-your-future-with-the-competency-framework https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nathanworrell_design-your-future-with-the-competency-framework-activity-7216870190104354817-0Zuc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

In this episode, we dive into a conversation with Ronald Poon-Affat, an actuary and insurance executive with over 38 years of global experience. Born in Trinidad, educated in London, and now based in Brazil, Ronald has a unique perspective on the actuarial profession and the world. He shares his journey from being a chief actuary in the Caribbean to leading insurance startups in Brazil, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Ronald discusses the importance of building diverse teams, the value of making decisions independently, and the significance of learning from mistakes. Outside of his professional life, Ronald is an avid marathon runner, writer, and lifelong learner. He talks about his passion for running, his experiences training for marathons around the world, and how these hobbies keep him grounded and motivated. References: Actuary out of the Box – Medium The career advice I would have given my 22 year old self | by Actuary out of the Box | Medium Running Tattoos - Awesome Running-Inspired Tattoos Submitted by Readers (runnersworld.com)

Bill Marella, CEO of ACTEX Learning, discusses his career journey and the challenges and successes of leading ACTEX. He shares insights on the actuarial education industry and the development of the GAIN program. Bill also talks about the importance of community and the fulfillment he finds in his work. He mentions his passion for playing soccer and his desire to travel to Japan. References Actuarial Faculty Development Program (actexlearning.com) The UNDP-Milliman Global Actuarial Initiative | Milliman | Worldwide Free e-book: The Actuarial Career: Getting Started (actexlearning.com)

Jill Hoffman, an actuary with a diverse career spanning multiple countries, shares her journey and insights. She started in actuarial science in high school and went on to work in various roles in Toronto, the Bahamas, and Singapore. Jill emphasizes the importance of having a supportive spouse in enabling her career mobility. She is currently involved in the Future Actuary Task Force at the International Actuarial Association (IAA), focusing on the future of the actuarial profession. Jill also discusses her approach to mentoring and the value of pragmatism in her core values. References https://www.actuaries.org/IAA/Documents/CMTE_EXEC/Documents/IAA_FutureActuaryReport_13April2023_Final.pdf

In this conversation, Fred Matte, a climate risk actuary, explains the difference between ESG nature-related risks and climate risks. He discusses the importance of ESG factors in assessing a company's performance and how they are being integrated into various areas of business. Fred also shares his journey in venturing into the climate risk space and emphasizes the need for actuaries to raise awareness and integrate climate-related risks into their work.

Adrienne Ostroff Lieberthal, founder and CEO of Athena Actuarial, shares her journey of founding and growing a professional services firm. Athena is a mission-driven company focused on improving the lives of marginalized communities through actuarial work. Grit is a key quality they look for in employees, and they value work-life balance and flexibility. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of supportive partnerships and surrounding yourself with mentors and advisors as an entrepreneur.

In this episode, host Jing Lang interviews Charles Cowling, president of the International Actuarial Association (IAA), about the role of actuaries in managing risk and the future of the profession in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). He emphasizes the importance of actuaries embracing AI tools and developing communication skills to interpret and explain the outcomes. Charles also highlights the value of volunteering in expanding one's expertise, learning from different perspectives, and building connections within the profession. He shares his personal journey of becoming a priest and the fulfillment he finds in ministry.

In this episode, host Jing Lang interviews Dave Dillon, a consulting actuary at Lewis & Ellis. They discuss the role of an actuary, particularly in the health insurance industry, and Dave's career path. They also talk about Dave's passion for writing and speaking about the actuarial profession, as well as his involvement in volunteering for the Society of Actuaries (SOA). Dave shares his motivation for running for the position of SOA president and his desire to promote the actuarial field and inspire others to get involved in volunteering. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire Q&A session.

This is the very first episode of the "Be Brilliant with Jing Lang” podcast. With it, Jing – host, actuary, writer, entrepreneur and lifelong learner – creates a tribe and community for learners who want to uncover and embrace their fullest potential, challenge themselves, and celebrate every step towards brilliance. Join host Jing Lang as she interviews experts, thought leaders, and inspiring movers and shakers who have achieved remarkable things in their fields.