Build Executive Presence with Forward Thinking
A CFO, an FSA, and an actuarial analyst walk into a bar.??
Okay... maybe it was a conference room. And the CFO brought along a few colleagues.
In the client meeting discussing emerging market risks, the senior consultant (FSA) begins by highlighting their long history of handling similar situations. "In my two decades of experience, I've seen this pattern before. Here's how we've traditionally handled it..." They speak with authority, citing past successes and proven methodologies.
Then, as the technical actuary begins to share their analysis, they use a different approach. Instead of solely presenting findings, they engage the client in exploring implications: "Based on these trends, what opportunities and risks do you see for your market position? We have a few ideas for how we might build flexibility into your strategy to adapt to these potential emerging risks."
Despite having less experience, they do have presence. They aren't commanding attention, but earning it by sparking collaboration and innovation. The CFO and colleagues are engaged in a discussion about possibilities rather than precedents.
The Future of Executive Presence
This scene illustrates a fundamental shift in what constitutes executive presence. The senior consultant relied on the traditional model—authority derived from history. The technical actuary, however, demonstrated a new kind of presence—one built on the power of collaborative future-thinking and shared exploration.
Executive presence used to be about what you’ve done - your credentials, past achievements - and your ability to command a room. But today’s leaders aren’t just defined by their past; they’re shaped by how they engage with the future.
For actuaries, this shift is particularly important. Whether consulting without direct decision-making power or contributing to corporate strategy as one among many voices, our ability to lead with influence depends on how we frame the future—not just our expertise in the past.
What if we took a cue from improv and approached executive presence as a process of “Yes, And”—leading decisively while embracing uncertainty in the future?
Bringing the Future to Modern Executive Presence
Integrating a forward-looking perspective creates connection, trust, and collaboration—essential elements of executive presence. This modern approach builds on existing principles of leadership while embracing adaptability and shared vision.
Embrace Your Present While Looking Forward
Yes: Stand confidently in your current expertise and knowledge.??
And: Lean into what's yet to be discovered.??
Make Decisions with Future Flexibility
Yes: Be courageous in making clear decisions with today's information.??
And: Build in mechanisms for review and adaptation.??
Lead Through Collaborative Vision
Yes: Bring your full engagement and presence to discussions.??
And: Actively create space for others to help shape the future.??
The Path Forward
Modern executive presence isn't built on a foundation of past achievements or current authority—it's constructed through your ability to engage others in creating the future. By combining actuarial precision and insights with forward-looking leadership, actuaries can guide better decisions and drive meaningful change in our organizations and our clients.
True influence comes not from having all the answers, but from having the courage to say "yes" to where you are and "and" to where you could go together.
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Deeper Dive
A great resource on this shift is "Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration" by Keith Ferrazzi. This book explores how leaders drive influence and transformation by fostering collaborative momentum—perfect for actuaries building future-oriented executive presence.
Lab Work
Strengthen Your Future-Focused Presence
Consider the following scenarios and reflect on how you might approach them using a future focused leadership mindset.
Scenario 1: The Resistant Stakeholder
You’ve completed a detailed analysis suggesting a significant pricing shift. A key stakeholder, with 20 years of experience, immediately pushes back: “This isn’t how we’ve done things.”
Reflection Questions:
Scenario 2: The Cross-Functional Challenge
During a product development meeting, the marketing team’s growth projections don’t align with your risk analysis. You’re the only actuary in the room.
Reflection Questions:
Scenario 3: The Executive Presentation
You have 15 minutes to present findings from a complex study to an executive committee. Your analysis includes key technical caveats that feel critical to the full picture.
Reflection Questions:
?? Share your insights, thoughts, and findings in the comments or DM me.
Hi, I'm Aree, a sustainable success speaker, author, coach and seasoned actuary. Throughout my healthcare actuarial career, I developed my passion for creating more sustainable actuarial careers, teams, and leaders. Now, I've turned that passion into a mission: to empower actuaries and analytical professionals to navigate their complex fields with clarity and purpose. By providing tools, insights, and as a partner, I help organizations, teams, and individuals create sustainable, fulfilling careers.
?? Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/areebly
?? Contact me: [email protected]