Tell us about your career path and how you got to where you are today.

I started my career as an actuarial analyst in one of the big 3 insurance companies in Canada.  With the actuarial rotation program, I was lucky enough to gain actuarial experience in various areas such as valuation, pricing, and business development.  While I thought I would keep climbing the corporate ladder and retire in that company, the company sold its reinsurance arm to another company after my 10-year tenure.

Along with the business sales, my role has also evolved from being focused on the actuarial practice to other areas such as in-force management, treaty negotiation, and portfolio management.   I joined Pacific Life Re at its Toronto location in 2016, in corporate actuarial, then risk management, and most recently I have assumed the role of Managing VP, Business Services North America.

What are the biggest challenges of your role today?

Pacific Life Re has recently gone through an organizational restructuring.  The biggest challenge for me is managing employee engagement when everyone is at different stage of the change curve.   Juggling between building trust, demonstrating commitment, showing empathy, while trying to drive change can be quite challenging at times.

What’s the best thing about working here?

Pacific Life Re has the culture of being open and honest.  I really like the directness in a lot of the interactions I have.  What makes it special is that people are kind, intelligent, and thoughtful all at the same time.

How has Pacific Life Re supported your career growth and development?

I am grateful of the SAIL program I had a year or two ago.  It is a leadership program where a group of us enhance our leadership competency together.  The program allows me to build strong relationship from some of the very smart colleagues from around the world.

What is your best career advice?

Focus on excellence and success will follow.