Insights: Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a time to honor those who’ve paved the way for others while carving their own unique paths. To me, Katrina Lee-Kwen, FSA, FCIA, embodies this spirit perfectly. For more than 30 years, Katrina hasn’t just climbed the corporate ladder—she’s ascended her own. Now, as she prepares for retirement later this year, Katrina reflects on a career defined by reinvention rather than convention.

“I’ve had so many roles and opportunities,” Katrina, currently Senior Vice President of Performance Management for Canada Life’s individual insurance business in Winnipeg, reflects. “I’ve worked in group, individual wealth, valuation, ALM—you name it. But what really made the difference were the nontraditional roles: digital development, claims, underwriting and strategy. Those experiences gave me a broader view of the business and strengthened my ability to drive value.”

Given this, let me ask you, the reader: What non-traditional role could broaden your perspective? Take a moment this week to identify one area outside your current function that interests you—and reach out to someone working in that space.

Today, Katrina’s focus is on identifying and optimizing the levers that create value through various channels, including product development, pricing, reinsurance strategies and underwriting.

Pivotal moments

When I asked Katrina about the turning points in her career, two moments stood out. The first came when she decided to try something completely new—leading the development and pricing of living benefits products before moving into underwriting and claims.

“It really helped me understand how things fit together,” she explains.

The second pivotal moment was even bolder: making the change to lead Canada Life’s first digital agile lab. It was uncharted territory, but that’s where the growth happened.

So, what does she think about when considering her next role? “Having conversations with leaders, seeing changes happening around you, and not being afraid to put your hand up,” Katrina said. “Part of it is advocating for yourself.”

My takeaway: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. If there’s a role or project that excites you, have that conversation with your leader this month. Your next pivotal moment could be one conversation away.

Finding your place

Early in her career, things weren’t always easy. Katrina recalls times when she didn’t feel like she fit into the corporate culture. There weren’t many people who looked like her.

“But with time, experience, and confidence in your abilities, you embrace who you are and find the confidence to speak up,” she says.

It’s a simple assertion, but one that carries weight for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite belong.

My takeaway: Your unique perspective is valuable. Challenge yourself to speak up in your next meeting—whether it’s sharing an idea, asking a question or offering a different viewpoint.

Power of mentorship

As more women have moved into senior leadership positions over the years, Katrina has benefited from having people to look up to and sponsors to advocate for her. Now, as she approaches retirement, she’s committed to paying it forward.

She has been actively involved in Employee Resource Groups at Canada Life, serving as an executive sponsor. Through these groups, she’s supported formal mentorship programs while also fostering informal connections.

Her advice on networking is refreshingly straightforward: “You have nothing to lose by asking,” she says. “It’s 30 minutes for a coffee chat. Often, it’s a two-way street—getting to know people in the organization and hearing new ideas.” She adds that networking is essential for getting on people’s radar if you want to work in different areas in the future. It’s not just about who you know—it’s about who knows you.

My suggestion: This week, reach out to someone you admire for a 30-minute coffee chat. Ask about their career journey, their challenges, and what they’ve learned. Remember, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Words of wisdom

When I asked Katrina for advice for women in the industry, she didn’t hold back.

“This applies to everybody, but be open to new and diverse roles,” she said. “Don’t limit yourself to certain types of actuarial roles. Think more broadly across the organization.”

Then came the advice that really struck a chord: “For women, we often put more on ourselves than others put on us. Stop striving to be someone else’s version of what perfect is. Be confident about who you are.”

Here’s something Katrina says to consider: Write down three strengths that make you unique and one way you’ll leverage them this quarter. Then, share your career aspirations with a mentor, sponsor or leader who can help champion your growth. It’s advice born from over three decades of experience, of navigating corporate culture, of learning to speak up and stand out. And perhaps most importantly, learning to be authentically oneself.

For me, Katrina’s story reminds us that career success isn’t about following a predetermined path. It’s about being open to new experiences, advocating for yourself, and bringing others along for the ride.

Your career is yours to shape. In closing, let me ask, What’s one bold move you’ll make this month to own your professional journey?

Statements of fact and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries or the respective authors’ employers.

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