Transitioning from a technical actuarial expert to a leadership role isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about reshaping your mindset, broadening your skill set, and learning to inspire others. If you’re an actuary eyeing a leadership position by 2027, you’re not alone. The actuarial profession is evolving, and the demand for leaders who can bridge the gap between deep technical knowledge and strategic vision has never been higher. This shift isn’t automatic, though. It requires intentional steps, a willingness to grow beyond your comfort zone, and a clear roadmap. Here’s a practical, seven-step guide to help you make that transition—complete with real-world examples, actionable advice, and a few personal insights from someone who’s been in your shoes.
Step 1: Master the Technical Foundation—But Don’t Stop There #
Your technical skills are your bedrock. Employers expect actuaries to maintain a strong grasp of statistical analysis, financial mathematics, and programming—skills that allow you to assess risk, model outcomes, and ensure regulatory compliance[2]. But as you move toward leadership, technical excellence alone won’t cut it. Think of your technical skills as the foundation of a house. You need them to stay standing, but to truly live in the space, you’ll need to add rooms, windows, and maybe even a porch.
Early in my career, I focused intensely on passing exams and honing my modeling skills. That dedication paid off—I became the go-to person for complex technical questions. But I also noticed that the most respected leaders in my company weren’t just the best modelers; they were the ones who could explain why those models mattered to the business. Start by excelling in your technical work, but always ask yourself: How does this fit into the bigger picture?
Step 2: Develop Leadership Skills—Even Before You’re a Leader #
Leadership isn’t a title you’re handed—it’s a set of behaviors you cultivate. Employers increasingly value actuaries who can inspire and motivate teams, mentor junior staff, and guide projects to successful outcomes[1]. If you wait for a promotion to start developing these skills, you’ll be playing catch-up.
Look for opportunities to lead, even in small ways. Volunteer to mentor a new hire, organize a knowledge-sharing session, or take the lead on a cross-functional project. These experiences build your confidence and demonstrate your potential to managers. One of my most formative experiences was leading a small working group to improve our reserving process. It wasn’t a formal leadership role, but it taught me how to align team objectives, manage different personalities, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
Step 3: Communicate with Impact—Speak the Language of Business #
Actuaries are notorious for speaking in numbers and models, but leaders need to translate those numbers into stories that resonate with executives, policymakers, and other non-technical stakeholders[1][5]. Effective communication is about more than clear PowerPoint slides—it’s about understanding your audience’s priorities and constraints, and framing your insights in a way that drives action.
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Try the “grandparent test”: Could your grandmother understand what you’re saying? I once spent weeks preparing a detailed actuarial report, only to have the CFO ask, “So what does this mean for our bottom line?” That moment was a wake-up call. Now, I start every presentation by answering that question, then back it up with the technical details.
Step 4: Think Strategically—See Beyond the Spreadsheet #
Technical experts often focus on solving the problem in front of them. Leaders, however, need to consider the long-term implications, anticipate roadblocks, and align their team’s work with the organization’s broader goals[1][5]. This shift from tactical to strategic thinking is one of the biggest challenges—and most rewarding parts—of the transition.
Start by asking “why” more often. Why are we working on this project? How does it fit into the company’s strategy? What could go wrong, and how can we prepare? When I moved into a team lead role, I made it a habit to spend 30 minutes each week reviewing our department’s goals and thinking about how my team’s work supported them. This not only helped me prioritize but also gave me the confidence to contribute in leadership meetings.
Step 5: Build Business Acumen—Understand the Bigger Picture #
Actuaries who aspire to leadership need to understand how their work fits into the broader business environment. This means learning about finance, marketing, operations, and even regulatory affairs. The best actuarial leaders are those who can connect the dots between technical analysis and business outcomes[6].
Seek out opportunities to work on cross-functional projects or shadow colleagues in other departments. Take a course in business strategy or finance if you haven’t already. When I was preparing for a management role, I asked to sit in on budget meetings and product development sessions. At first, I felt out of my depth, but over time, I began to see how actuarial decisions influenced everything from pricing to customer experience.
Step 6: Embrace Agility and Continuous Learning #
The actuarial profession is changing fast, thanks to advances in data science, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence[10]. Leaders need to be agile—able to adapt to new technologies, learn new skills, and guide their teams through change. The Society of Actuaries has even introduced new coursework in data science and predictive analytics, reflecting how critical these skills have become[10].
Don’t wait for your employer to train you. Take the initiative to learn about emerging tools and techniques. Join professional groups, attend webinars, and experiment with new software in your spare time. A few years ago, I taught myself Python by working through online tutorials and applying it to small projects at work. That investment not only made me more versatile but also positioned me as a resource when my company began adopting more advanced analytics.
Step 7: Cultivate Resilience and Passion #
Leadership isn’t always glamorous. You’ll face setbacks, difficult conversations, and moments of self-doubt. What sets exceptional leaders apart is their resilience—their ability to bounce back from challenges and maintain their enthusiasm for the work[1]. Employers value actuaries who bring energy and drive to their teams, even when the going gets tough.
Find ways to stay motivated, whether it’s through mentoring, pursuing side projects, or simply reminding yourself why you chose this career. I keep a list of “wins”—big and small—to review when I’m feeling discouraged. It’s a simple habit, but it helps me stay focused on the impact I’m making.
Putting It All Together: Your Action Plan for 2027 #
Making the transition from technical expert to actuarial leader is a journey, not a sprint. Here’s a practical action plan to keep you on track:
- Set clear goals: Be explicit with your manager about your leadership aspirations. Define what success looks like for you and create a development plan that links your learning goals to your team’s objectives[6].
- Seek feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from peers, mentors, and managers. Use it to identify areas for growth and celebrate your progress.
- Build your network: Connect with other actuarial leaders, both inside and outside your organization. Learn from their experiences and seek out mentorship opportunities.
- Take calculated risks: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for stretch assignments, lead new initiatives, and embrace the uncertainty that comes with growth[6].
- Reflect and adjust: Periodically review your progress. What’s working? What isn’t? Adjust your approach as needed, and don’t be too hard on yourself—every leader has moments of doubt.
Real-Life Examples: Actuaries Who Made the Leap #
You might be wondering: Can actuaries really become CEOs or other top executives? The answer is yes—many have done it, though the path requires more than technical prowess[4]. Actuaries bring a unique combination of analytical rigor, risk management expertise, and strategic thinking to leadership roles. However, those who succeed at the highest levels have also developed strong communication skills, business acumen, and the ability to inspire teams.
Consider the story of a colleague who started as a reserving actuary, known for her meticulous models. She didn’t stop there—she sought out opportunities to present her findings to senior leaders, took on a rotation in product development, and eventually led a major business unit. Her secret? She never stopped learning, and she wasn’t afraid to speak up, even when it felt uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts: Your Leadership Journey Starts Now #
Transitioning from technical expert to actuarial leader isn’t about leaving your roots behind—it’s about building on them. The skills that made you a great actuary—analytical thinking, attention to detail, ethical judgment—are the foundation of your leadership potential[2]. By adding communication, strategic thinking, business acumen, and resilience, you’ll be ready to lead your team—and your organization—into the future.
Remember, leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, empowering others, and staying curious. If you start today, by 2027, you could be the kind of leader who not only understands the numbers but also inspires the people behind them. And that’s a career worth pursuing.