About a decade ago, I was fortunate to attend a development course at INSEAD, along with other leaders within the business I was part of. The programme was structured as modules, and considering all the time together, it was a varied few weeks, with lots of discussion, debate and learning across a wide range of topics. For example, it was there that I first heard of Blue Ocean Strategy*, a strategic disruption must-read.

A few of the exercises I recall included design of performance reward systems (especially in a sales context), the impact of group make-up on decision-making, managing stakeholders, and the wisdom of crowds. And yet, another exercise has particularly stuck with me, partly because it highlighted such divergent views on leadership…

In the first instalment of our Routes to the Top series for "The Actuary" magazine, we talk to four Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managing Directors (MDs) about their career journeys, and share their practical professional advice.

The original article was published in the July 2018 edition of "The Actuary":
http://www.theactuary.com/features/2018/07/routes-to-the-top/

​In line with our theme of lifelong learning and career development, this series of features showcases a range of actuaries who have reached breathtaking heights in their careers. It shares a variety of experiences, setting out their routes taken, their reflections on the journey, and guidance for others wanting to follow in their footsteps. These accomplished leaders run businesses in sectors as diverse as life insurance, health, banking, consultancy, non-life insurtech, financial advice/planning and technology. While by no means a complete list nor a representative sample of actuarial executives, we trust that their vignettes will inspire you to reflect on your own career and aspirations.