Description: This article introduces hope as a cognitive concept that appears when circumstances are uncertain or dire. Hope is the belief that by shifting one's perspective, an individual has the power to take steps to improve their current problematic circumstances

Description: A compilation of reader responses is presented to a real life situation posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision. This issue’s case study involved a dilemma involving an ASA who decided to stop taking exams, and communication difficulties with the Chief Actuary.

Description: Latest in series of articles exploring the adaptation of Buddhist philosophy to actuarial practice. This installment examines the challenges for actuaries in dealing with external opinions of actuarial work, and how to best manage these forces so that the work remains aligned with professional standards.

Description: Taking a look at Julia Child's signature TV show The French Chef, and how aspects of her show gives us tips on how to train others.

Description: In this video, Anthony Champi discusses the non-linear nature of the leadership journey, emphasizing that it involves both successes and failures, and may not necessarily lead to promotions. He highlights the importance of selflessly committing to the development of others if one chooses to become a leader of people, as well as the challenges and responsibilities that come with that role. He also advises individuals to seek opportunities for skill development and learning from mistakes, as well as the transition to leading larger teams or other managers and leaders.

Description: This article looks at critical points in my life, offers a very brief bio, and then explains how I used the experiences to learn decade by decade. It is motivated by wanting to tell the story of how able I am to contribute to the SOA and other activities at the age of 85. It is motivated by offering this story as a way to motivate others.

Description: A real life situation is posed involving a management, leadership, or other business decision, and readers are invited to submit their responses to "What Would You Do?" This issue’s case study involved a communication and mentoring issue.

Description: Over the last two years, we experimented with online peer assessment platforms in undergraduate courses and saw them deliver major learning advantages and be highly popular with students. We explain why peer assessment shows great promise for actuarial science education and the main factors to consider when designing peer assessment activities. We also detail our use of online platforms in two undergraduate courses. By sharing our experience, we hope to provide you, our fellow educators, with a solid starting point for experimenting with this format.

Description: This article is an overview of the SOA Leadership & Development Section Council's current projects, recent accomplishments and some immediate focal points of the Leadership & Development Section Council's efforts.