Wendy E. John

🚀 How do you pivot from a successful 20-year career into a brand-new specialty? In our latest episode of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries Leadership Development Series, I sit down with Jessica Kachur, a Partner at Mercer and a Conference of Consulting Actuaries - CCA - CCA Board Member. Jess shares her fascinating journey from being a lifelong pension actuary to becoming an investment consultant—and why she’s still taking exams 20 years in! Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting your career, Jess’s insights on "prototyping" your career and leading with empathy are a masterclass in professional growth. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: • The Power of the Career Pivot: Why Jess chose to broaden her horizons into investments and how she managed the transition within the same firm [09:16]. • The "People Side" of Leadership: What Jess learned from leading a retirement business early in her career—and the failures that made her a better leader [03:21]. • Why it’s Okay to Fail: A candid look at why failure is a prerequisite for growth and how to handle the "emotional" side of professional setbacks [15:01]. • Building a Support System: The importance of volunteering and how communities like the Women in Consulting group are changing the industry landscape [29:22]. • The 3 Pillars of Leadership: Why trust, passion, and empathy are the non-negotiables for any successful leader [34:52]. Stop waiting for the "perfect" moment and start "prototyping" the career you want. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gJguaH5r What is one career "risk" you've taken that paid off? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #LeadershipDevelopment #ActuarialScience #CareerPivot #WomenInConsulting #ProfessionalGrowth #Actuary #Mentorship #Podcast

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In this episode, Executive Financial Advisor, Maditshaba Mafora, shares her experience as a female Executive Financial Advisor, speaking candidly about both the challenges and the advantages of building a career in financial services. 🎥 From navigating expectations to leveraging unique strengths, this conversation offers an honest and thoughtful perspective on leadership, resilience, and growth within the industry‼️ A valuable watch for anyone interested in the evolving face of financial advice. ✅ 👇👇👇🎥 https://lnkd.in/dwFUhE2b #financialadvice #ladiesinfinance #financialadvicecareer #morebo #livetoleavealegacy #leadership #growth #wealthmatters #wealthmanagement

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AI tools reshaping finance—here’s how! From helping bankers summarize calls to speeding up insurance claims, AI is making real changes in financial services. This quick guide shows how institutions are using AI to boost productivity and improve customer experiences. 📘 Dive into the full e-book.

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Top 10 Tips for Retiring in 2026 # 509 - Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/ejiHMpp5 Before making financial decisions that may impact your retired years, there is much to consider. Today, John Walker, Regional Vice President, Mercer Advisors, is joined by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Jason O’Meara, Wealth Advisor and Sr. Director, Mercer Advisors. They discuss ten retirement related points to ponder before you leave the workforce.

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Join Commonwealth Senior Vice President Nick Maynard at Defined Contribution East as he moderates the panel, Guiding Employees on the Journey Toward Retirement. Helping employees prepare for retirement requires more than investment options — it calls for clear guidance, accessible tools, and thoughtful communication. This session outlines practical steps plan sponsors can take to support workers as they move closer to retirement. Attendees will gain a clear view of how employers can prepare employees for a more confident transition into retirement.  Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dcpBqXYi #FinancialSecurity #WealthBuilding #Retirement Katelyn Fischer Langevin, CPA, CEBS Dwyatt McClain AIF, CRPC Brooke Rowden, MBA Julie Varga

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Pontera has teamed up with Manulife John Hancock Retirement to enhance advisor access to 401(k) #management tools, enabling #financial advisors to provide better guidance and optimize retirement outcomes for clients. ✅ Streamlined access to retirement accounts for advisors ✅ Enhanced tools for portfolio management and planning ✅ Supporting better retirement outcomes for clients This #partnership empowers advisors to deliver smarter, more efficient retirement solutions. #FinTech #RetirementPlanning #401k #FinancialAdvisors #Pontera #JohnHancock #Manulife #Innovation #WealthManagement https://lnkd.in/dtr8ccEx

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This white paper from T. Rowe Price explores how combining an annuity with a drawdown strategy can lead to better retirement outcomes. It’s not just about income—it’s about creating long-term stability, reducing the risk of depleting savings, and optimizing the use of retirement assets. The findings are grounded in real modeling and offer practical insights for professionals focused on sustainable income planning. 📲 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ggpPBrJb #RetirementIncomeStrategy #AnnuitiesAndDrawdown #SustainableRetirement #FinancialPlanningInsights #WealthDistribution #Hedgeness Berg Cui, Ph.D., CFA

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New graduates entering the workforce face crucial financial decisions that can shape their future success. Franklin Templeton's Bill Cass, CFP®, CPWA® shares a practical roadmap for building strong financial foundations right from the first paycheck. Check out his tips in Action! magazine >> https://lnkd.in/gyRQzW7j

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The new U.S. executive order allowing private equity exposure in 401(k) plans marks a meaningful shift in retirement policy. WTW’s insights break down what this change could mean for investment design, fiduciary oversight and the long-term value these programs can deliver. https://ow.ly/fNuH50Xu6Pj #PrivateEquity #401k #RetirementPlanning

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