As I wrap up my presidential year, I want to spend some time on a topic that sits at the heart of what makes the actuarial profession, and the CCA, so valuable: relationships.

Technical expertise will always matter. Our profession depends on rigorous analysis, sound judgment, and continuous learning. But over the course of a career, success is rarely built on technical skills alone. The strongest careers are often shaped by the relationships we build, the people who invest in us, and the opportunities we create for others.

To explore this idea, I recently spoke with Emojoy Brown (Joy), Director of LDI Client Portfolio Management at BlackRock. Throughout her career, Emojoy has worked as both a consultant and an internal actuarial resource across defined benefit, defined contribution, multiemployer and investment disciplines. Her perspective on professional relationships is both thoughtful and practical.

What followed was a conversation about an idea gaining attention at the CCA: Relationship Quotient, or RQ.

What Is RQ?

Joy serves on the CCA's Women in Consulting Community and has helped lead the "Raise Your RQ in 2026" initiative. The concept emerged from discussions inspired by the International Women's Day theme, "Give to Gain."

As she explained, the theme resonated because it focuses on something larger than transactions.

"It's not so much about transactions as it is about being part of a system in which you are mentored and you mentor others."

When mentorship, support, and knowledge-sharing become continuous, everyone benefits. Professionals develop their skills, new ideas emerge, and the profession grows stronger.

RQ, or Relationship Quotient, recognizes that relationships deserve the same attention we often give to intelligence quotient (IQ) or emotional intelligence (EQ). It highlights the importance of trust, communication, authenticity, and understanding how we show up for others throughout our careers.

Today, many interactions that once required a direct conversation, often in person, can now happen through technology. We can access information instantly, conduct business digitally, and increasingly rely on artificial intelligence to support our work.

Yet meaningful relationships remain essential to our work as consulting actuaries.

As Joy noted, we can accomplish tasks through transactions alone. But if we want to learn, collaborate effectively, innovate, and genuinely enjoy our work, relationships become essential.

Professional growth often comes from conversations, shared experiences, mentorship, and opportunities created through trusted connections. These human elements cannot be automated.

"RQ is built on intentionality."

Strong professional relationships rarely happen by accident. They develop when we make a conscious effort to share knowledge, invest in others, seek input and really listen, and show up authentically.

That intentionality can take many forms:

• Reaching out to a colleague with no immediate agenda.
• Offering mentorship to (and seeking mentorship from) someone earlier in their career.
• Seeking diverse perspectives before making decisions.
• Increasing your involvement with the CCA or other actuarial organizations.
• Creating opportunities for others to learn and contribute.

These small actions compound over time, building trust and strengthening professional communities.

A Challenge for All of Us

The CCA has always been about more than continuing education. At its best, the CCA creates opportunities for actuaries to connect, learn from one another, and build lasting professional relationships. Supporting professional growth, peer connection, and community is central to our vision, mission, and delivering value for our members. As we look ahead, I encourage all of us to think about our own RQ.

• Who has helped shape your career?
• Who might benefit from your experience?
• How can you be more intentional about building relationships to help others succeed?

Technical knowledge will always be important. But the relationships we build, the trust we earn, and the communities we strengthen may ultimately be our most enduring professional legacy.