• Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
◦ Coaching Actuaries is an online education company dedicated to helping students pass actuarial exams. Our mission is to empower students through every phase of their journey by offering comprehensive resources and personalized support. We celebrate each victory—whether large or small—because we believe that success in actuarial exams leads to pivotal roles in shaping the future.
◦ Our headquarters is located in Clive, Iowa, but our team is spread across various states and countries, bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives to best serve our students globally.
• Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
◦ I graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science from Drake University. I began my career at Coaching Actuaries as a content creator, gradually advancing into product management where I oversaw multiple exams. From there, I transitioned into the role of VP of Product, managing all exam-related offerings, and now, I have the privilege of serving as the President, overseeing the company’s entire operations, including product, engineering, support, and creative teams.
◦ In addition to my work at Coaching Actuaries, I’ve been an adjunct professor at Drake University since 2016, teaching actuarial science courses.
◦ I’ve also served as an officer for the Iowa Actuaries Club for three years, from secretary/treasurer to Vice President and then eventually President. Today, I continue to contribute to the club’s programming.
• What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
◦ While I didn’t start Coaching Actuaries, I joined during its early days as a small startup. The company’s growth—from 5 employees to over 40—has been an incredible journey. The original idea for Coaching Actuaries was born from the founder’s passion for combining technology with actuarial education, and that passion remains the driving force behind everything we do today.
• What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
◦ Master team dynamics. Pay attention to the five dysfunctions of a team as described by Patrick Lencioni—lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. While this may sound straightforward, successfully navigating and managing these dynamics requires focus and intentionality.
◦ Prioritize clarity. As a leader, your role is to create clarity, communicate it effectively, and reinforce it consistently. Clear direction enables the team to stay aligned, work collaboratively, and drive progress in the same direction.
◦ Leverage complementary strengths. Recognize that you don’t need to excel at everything. Build a team where individuals’ strengths complement your own, and create a diverse environment that encourages different perspectives to minimize blind spots.
• What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
◦ Adaptability. Every phase of business growth may require new skills and approaches. Stay curious and continually evolve by learning how to meet the needs of each stage.
◦ Networking. Even if networking doesn’t come naturally, building relationships is invaluable. My experience, particularly through teaching and volunteering, has allowed me to connect with many incredible people who have provided guidance and insights that have greatly benefited me and our company.
◦ Strategic problem-solving. The ability to identify challenges, consider multiple solutions, and choose the best path forward is key to driving long-term success.
• How many hours do you work a day on average?
◦ On average, I work between 6 to 12 hours a day, depending on the demands of the day.
• To what do you most attribute your success?
◦ Success has come from a combination of work ethic and being fortunate enough to have the right team members and leaders at pivotal moments. It’s difficult to imagine reaching this point without both my own effort and the support of great people.
• How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
◦ At Coaching Actuaries, we rely predominantly on word of mouth. Students who achieve success with our resources often return for subsequent exams, and many recommend our services to their peers. This organic growth has been our most effective form of marketing.
• Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
◦ Our company is entirely self-funded, with no external investors involved.
• What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
◦ Building a strong, aligned team is crucial. Providing clarity around goals and priorities ensures that everyone is working toward the same direction, which fosters sustainable growth and long-term success.
• Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
◦ In the next 5-10 years, our focus will remain on our core mission—helping students succeed at every stage of their actuarial journey. We’ll continue to innovate, exploring new ways to enhance our offerings and make an even greater impact in the field of actuarial education.
• Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
◦ I greatly admire MudMixer, founded by Mike Carmody, one of the board members and lead instructors at Coaching Actuaries. Watching how Mike manages his ventures and learning from his approach and perspectives has been both insightful and inspiring.
• How important have good employees been to your success?
◦ Good employees are critical, but having them in the right roles is just as important. The alignment between employees’ skills and their responsibilities is key to driving individual and collective success.
• How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
◦ I believe in giving ideas the space they need to develop fully. I typically reflect on the idea overnight, allowing time for insights to emerge, and then I consult with team leaders, advisors, and mentors to gauge its viability. This collaborative approach ensures that each idea is thoughtfully evaluated. If it shows promise, we may discuss about its priority and execution; if not, we pivot.
• What motivates you?
◦ I’ve come to understand that while I have certain strengths, I also have limits, and that realization motivates me. I aim to channel my talents toward areas where I can have the greatest impact. So far, this has meant making a difference in the lives of our customers—helping customers find success, small or big —and fostering an environment where the people I work with can thrive. Seeing the positive effects of this work on others is what keeps me driven.
• What are your ideals?
◦ My ideals center on continuous innovation and creation, but always balanced with a strong commitment to work-life harmony. I believe in pushing boundaries, learning, and growing, but I also recognize the need to sustain that growth by respecting personal well-being.
• How do you define success?
◦ As the president, I define success by the success of our students. When our company helps students build confidence, master complex concepts, and ultimately reach their goals of becoming actuaries, that’s the clearest indicator of our success. Equally important is maintaining a positive work environment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the business so that we continue to support and nurture our team members’ growth and well-being.
• How do you build a successful customer base?
◦ Building a successful customer base starts with focusing on what sets your business apart. For us, that means providing top-tier content, an engaging and reliable platform, exceptional customer support, and thoughtful design. By staying committed to these differentiators, we create an exceptional customer experience. This focus on quality and consistency fosters trust and loyalty, leading to long-term relationships with our customers and a company that they can count on.
• What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
◦ At Coaching Actuaries, we believe that people are our greatest asset. Our culture is built on mutual trust and respect, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to grow. We emphasize continuous learning and collaboration while also respecting the importance of work-life balance. This culture didn’t happen by accident—it was intentionally crafted and reinforced because we recognize that a supportive, balanced workplace is key to unlocking both individual and organizational success.
for more information visit us at https://www.coachingactuaries.com/
