Name:

Ailen Okharedia

Where are you originally form?

Lagos, Nigeria

Where do you currently live?

Hackensack, New Jersey

What did you study after completing school?

Actuarial Science

Why did you choose to study that particular course?

I loved maths

Did you get any funding from organisations to cover your studies? No

What was your first job?

PwC Actuarial department

Your current job title?

Actuarial manager

Industry you work?

Life insurance

Are you a manager of people, if yes how many?

Yes, it depends on the project

What is a key leadership principle you have learnt/applied over the years in managing people?

Trust. People are only willing to be led by someone they trust

Describe a day in your life from the time you arrive at your office: Respond to emails, Check in on my team members to answer any questions, review work papers and prepare for client meetings

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your first job?

Protect yourself from burn out by managing your energy levels and knowing when to slow down the pace

What challanges did you find along the way to where you are now in your career and how you overcome them?

Work-life balance

Share your secret to success, what would you say has allowed you to stand out form your peers?

God. Commit your career to God

What advice would you give your younger self?

Have fun!

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to break into your industry?

Be clear on why you are getting into the industry