Build a Stronger, More Sustainable Organization

On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. One is a small profit center within a large, established organization. Another has over 100 people spread across offices in six cities. And the third, less than 30 people strong, is a few years old with a team that is almost all remote.?

What do they have in common? They are all very successful actuarial consulting firms.?

If you look closer, some noticeable similarities show up - common factors that might just contribute to their success and sustainability.

A Clear Vision, Consistent Focus, and Team Empowerment

Though their visions and values differ, each of these organizations has spent time developing a clearly defined vision, and ensuring that everyone in the firm knows what it is. The whole team understands what the firm stands for and where it's headed.?

They have learned to say no to distractions and shiny new idea. Instead, they put their energy (and time and resources) into what they do well and the impact they want to create, regularly revisiting their priorities to ensure they’re working on what matters most.

These firms understand that squeezing every ounce of energy from their teams is counterproductive. Instead, they take the time to know each individual—not just their skill set, but where they want to grow and why it matters to them.

As I build my own business, I often see how easy it is to get pulled in too many directions—by clients, competitors, and curiosity. But being busy doesn’t mean you’re being productive, and growing revenue doesn’t mean you’re heading in the right direction.

Challenges in Small and Medium-Sized Firms

Many consulting firms have flat structures - if you drew the org chart, it would have two to three layers at most, with a web of dotted lines. Teams are fluid, changing as needed to meet client needs. The absence of a rigid hierarchy can make decision-making and consistency in output a challenge. So many bright, driven actuaries could easily pull these organizations and offices in many directions, yet they want to project a consistent brand and focus.

So, what is the secret?

Systems for Creating Clarity, Focus, and Accountability

What sets the successful organizations apart is the systems?they’ve put in place, which guide everything from strategic decisions to day-to-day activities. These systems ensure that even in fast-moving environments, everyone remains aligned and focused.

Clarity:

Successful consulting firms are intentional about their vision and values. A well-defined and broadly communicated vision acts as the north star, giving everyone in the firm—regardless of role—a clear sense of direction. With this clarity, teams can confidently take actions that align with the firm’s goals. This shared understanding minimizes confusion and reduces unnecessary decisions, ensuring broad support for the overall strategy. With this clarity comes higher engagement and motivation.

Accountability:

With fluid team structures and fast-paced projects, accountability is critical. By clearly and strategically defining roles and responsibilities - and offering the authority and tools to make decisions and take action - teams are empowered to act quickly and confidently. This decentralized accountability frees up leadership to focus on big-picture priorities while empowering team members to take ownership of their work. Delegating accountability is the opposite of micromanaging—the team is trusted to execute in alignment with the company’s vision.

Focus:

Maintaining focus requires sticking to?defined priorities?and avoiding the pull of distractions. In consulting, it’s all too easy to get sidetracked by urgent requests or shiny new projects, but the most successful firms remain focused. They revisit their key priorities regularly, systematically breaking down long-term goals into actionable interim steps that they can measure progress on. When your energy is eaten up by reacting to every urgent issue, you cannot drive the business forward. These firms master the art of?saying no?to distractions and staying committed to doing work that creates the most value for their clients and the business.

By intentionally offering clarity, accountability, and focus, an organization can create a structured environment where actuarial teams can excel.

Deeper Dive

One resource that puts these principles and a few others into a clear operating system is the book "Traction" by Gino Wickman. In it, Wickman introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), designed to help organizations clarify their vision, align their teams, and stay focused on long-term goals. I’ve seen several organizations - actuarial and non-actuarial - elevate their businesses using EOS.

The framework it provides a fantastic structure for maintaining focus and accountability, wherever your organization is in the growth cycle. It can even be used by smaller teams within an organization.

It’s an excellent read for leaders looking to empower their teams and set a strong foundation for sustainability, focus, and growth.

Lab Work

This week, take 15 minutes to reflect on your organization's vision. Whether you’re in leadership or an individual contributor, knowing what the vision is and how your work aligns with the bigger picture is critical for both personal and organizational success.

1. What’s the Vision?

??- Write down what you believe the firm’s long-term vision is. Were you able to identify it clearly? Who might you confirm it with? If not clear, is it because it changes frequently, isn't well communicated, or simply doesn't exist?

2. Do You Agree with It?

??- Reflect on how the vision resonates with your personal career goals. Can you see yourself as part of that future? Is this the direction you want to move in, and does it align with your personal aspirations?

3. Is Your Work Aligned?

??- Think about how your daily tasks contribute to this vision. Are you working on projects that align with the firm’s goals, or are you getting bogged down in work that goes a different direction? What changes might you make to better align the work you do with the firm’s long-term goals?

By completing this exercise, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how your current role fits into the firm’s broader strategy and a roadmap for more meaningful conversations with others in the organization.

?? 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 individuals build sustainable, fulfilling careers that truly align with their values and aspirations, and help leaders build effective and cohesive teams.

?? Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/areebly

?? Contact me: [email protected]