Proud Moments

Mar 18, 2026, 12:54 by Rob Reiskytl, CCA President

 

As the 2026 Winter Olympics recently ended, I was left reflecting on what I witnessed—moments of triumph, resilience, and extraordinary dedication. Watching these athletes compete on the world stage, it was hard not to feel a deep sense of pride. These athletes committed years to preparation, overcame setbacks, and performed under intense pressure. Whether or not they left with a medal, each athlete represented the very best in their field—individuals who have honed a specific set of skills to an exceptional level.

And it sparks an interesting thought:

Do we feel that same sense of pride in our own profession?

We’ve Put in the Work

Like Olympic athletes, actuaries don’t arrive at their roles by chance. The journey requires discipline, persistence, and a willingness to push through challenges. Whether you’re an ASA, FSA, or still progressing through exams, you’ve put in the work to “make the team.” That alone is worth recognizing.

We Are Specialists

Another parallel is the depth of expertise within the actuarial profession.

Just as each Olympic athlete trains for a specific event, actuaries develop highly specialized knowledge across a wide range of disciplines. Here are a few examples, among many:

  • Retirement actuaries navigate funding, accounting, and pension risk transfer
  • Health actuaries focus on premium rate development and IBNR reserves
  • Multiemployer plan actuaries work through complex funding structures and liability attribution methods
  • Investment actuaries design strategies like liability-driven investing and custom target date funds

  • International actuaries bring clarity to evolving financial reporting and capital requirements

And for many—those in leadership roles, expert witness, or advisory positions—the work often spans multiple domains.

The truth is, most of us don’t fully understand the depth of what others in our profession do. And that’s part of what makes it so remarkable.

We Have a Broad Impact

Take a moment to consider the reach of our work. Every valuation, every recommendation, every model influences real people, individuals, families, and communities. Collectively, actuaries impact millions of lives. And yet, it’s easy to overlook that impact as we go about our daily work. 

A Profession Worth Celebrating

Watching the Olympics reminded me to appreciate dedication, expertise, and the pursuit of excellence; qualities that exist within the actuarial profession. We are a diverse group with a wide range of skills and perspectives. We solve complex problems. We bring clarity to uncertainty. And we contribute in meaningful ways to the financial security and risk management of the world around us.  That is something to be proud of.

Pay It Forward

With that pride comes an opportunity—and a responsibility.

Would you take a moment to recognize your own contributions and the work of those around you? Consider how you might “pay it forward” within your sphere of influence:

  • Mentor someone earlier in their career
  • Share your knowledge and experience
  • Encourage others in the profession

  • Use your unique skills, whether young or old, to contribute toward the greater good.

Because just like in the Olympics, success is not only about individual achievement, it’s about the importance of the team and the role you play toward achieving great things. 

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