MASSA Podcast

Епизоди

• Interviewing Alumni: Amine Ben Arous 30.04.2026 45мин

  Mastering the recruiting process is no piece of cake! In this episode our guest Amine Ben Arous, former MASSA president and now Senior Actuarial Associate at Sunlife, dives into the various ways to leave an impression on recruiters and how to make opportunities count. From networking events all the way to the interview listen in to pickup tips and tricks that go a long way in your search for internships/jobs.
• AI in the Actuarial Field: Innovation Meets Risk, featuring Jason Machtinger 30.03.2026 36мин

  In this episode of our podcast, we cover the variousimplementations and risks associated to the adoption of AI in the Actuarial field. With over 30 years experience as an Actuary, our guest Jason Machtinger, current Senior VP at AON Reinsurance Solutions and Board Member of the CAS, shares with us his insights and perspective on the role of AI in the Actuarial domain. Ranging from functions all the way to limitations and risks associated to this revolution in the making, this discussion should be seen as a gateway into your personal research about AI and as students a problematic to how we can shape and incorporate this tool to be used in an efficient and reliable manner. Overall, a must listen for students just as much as professionals from across all industries
• Mastering the art of learning by Joana Amorim 24.03.2026 44мин

  Learning deeply is not piece of cake. Our special guest in this episode Joana Amorim, Mathematics PHD and current COO of Actex, brings us all the essential tips and tricks to master the art of learning. Taking a philosophical route all the while being humorous and unique, Joana dives into the topic covering every aspect there is to this discussion. Come for the advice and stay for the vibes!
• Actuaries in the legal system with Philippe Ranellucci 03.03.2026 32мин

  Welcome to another episode of the MASSA podcast. In this episode we got the honour of interviewing Philippe Ranellucci, FICA, FSA. Our guest allows us to get insight through his actuarial path and breaks down the responsibilities actuaries may have in the legal system. Stick around and you can even learn about a recent case Philippe had the chance to work on.
• Episode 34 : Meet the 25-26 Team 05.10.2025 39мин

  Programs within the math department are no joke! In this episode you'll get the chance to hear from MASSA's 25-26 team as we share insights, some tips, and tricks that have helped us along our academic journeys. Sit back, relax, and take in the advice that you can help you achieve your academic/career goals!
• Interviewing Alumni: Mentors, Mentees, and Mengding Tian 16.11.2024 18мин

  Looking for someone to lead the way? On our first podcast back, get ready to carefully reconsider some of your most important relationships, because a proper mentor is closer than you think. Coaches, teachers, managers, and even possibly the local gas station clerk… finding the right mentor could be challenging. However, on this episode of our interviewing alumni series, our guest speaker, Mengding Tian, elucidates on several topics related to being a leader in your field and the importance of an adequate mentorship. As we uncover her journey through school and work, Meng provides us with some much-needed insight that mentors and mentees are going to want to hear.
• Behind the Scenes of Health and Life Insurance 21.01.2024 45мин

  Welcome to another exciting episode of the MASSA Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating journeys of remarkable people. In this episode, join us on a journey with Matthew Di Nicolantonio, FSA, FCIA, CERA, an accomplished actuary working in the dynamic world of life insurance. Matthew shares his experiences, beginning with his time at Concordia University, where he embraced a plethora of extracurricular activities, such as Concordia's study abroad program and the ASNA mentorship program. Our conversation takes an adventurous turn as we explore the world of youth parliaments and the unique insights they can provide for personal and professional growth. Matthew also sheds light on standing out in the recruiting process, offering valuable tips for aspiring students. Matthew breaks down the role of actuaries and key assumptions involved in risk management in the life insurance industry. Tune in to this episode full of valuable advice and information. You can reach Matthew at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdinicolantonio/
• Numbers, Notes and Sports 09.10.2023 29мин

  Numbers, Notes and Sports. We're back with another interesting episode . Today we delve into the fascinating journey of Florence Houde-Gelinas, a remarkable student at Concordia University with a passion for numbers and music! Discover how she strikes the perfect chord between her studies in actuarial science and her love for creating melodious tunes. In this episode, we unravel the harmony between math and music, exploring the unique challenges, inspiring moments, and the resultant synergy , when analytics meets artistic expression. Tune in and have a great time . Florence's Socials: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/2VXer756SFxajNw7b7GLe6?si=2WfTXKFvSReNIAeQn16OzA Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-houde-g%C3%A9linas
• The Big Picture of AI and Insurance 10.04.2023 21мин

  Ever wondered how artificial intelligence and insurance coincide? Today’s guest is Tony Yuan, a talented actuary who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. Tony is not only an accomplished actuary but also a visionary technologist with a passion for exploring the limitless possibilities that AI brings us. He brings a unique perspective to the table, having studied the impact of what AI can bring to the actuarial industry. In this episode, we dive into Tony’s time at Concordia University, his current role at TD alongside writing a master’s in computer science, and his vision for the future of actuaries and AI. Relax, and enjoy the episode!
• Interviewing a Seasoned Actuary : Jill Harper from Moody’s Analytics 15.03.2023 18мин

  Curious about what led Jill Harper to a career in the Actuarial Software field ?    Join us in this episode as she shares her experience studying Mathematics & Biology and her journey towards becoming a programmer for actuarial software and an actuary. As she elaborates on her current role as a Programming leader and actuary at Moody’s Analytics, gain insights on what she enjoys and finds most challenging in her industry. Jill also highlights the valuable skills she has gained from volunteering. She ends off the episode by offering valuable career advice to our listeners.    Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!
• Writing a PhD in Actuarial Mathematics 05.01.2023 34мин

  Want to know more about higher education in Actuarial Mathematics? In this episode, we invite Sebastien Jessup to walk us through his journey from the moment he learned about the actuarial profession and decided to study actuarial mathematics as an undergraduate student, to now being a PhD candidate in that same field. Sébastien discusses his experience on both the academic side and the corporate field of actuarial science, explains how he found his calling in teaching and research, and gives advice to students who are interested in this path. Moreover, he goes on to explain the topic of his thesis and the methods used in his research in property and casualty insurance. If you have further questions about post-graduate studies in actuarial mathematics, feel free to contact Sébastien at sebastien.jessup@concordia.ca.
• Analysis and Engineering of Big Data 01.10.2022 33мин

  Ever wondered the difference between Pure Mathematics and Pure & Applied Mathematics? In this episode, our guest speaker Sara Silva walks us through her career path studying mathematics during her undergraduate degree and Big Data analytics during her masters. Currently working at an insurance firm in Portugal, Sara discusses what it was like to take on a masters and writing a thesis during the pandemic. She also shares insight on learning programming languages, a tool that felt incredibly new to her when starting her graduate studies. Sara’s time in university serves as a reminder to us all that we can surprise ourselves with what we are capable of. Enjoy the relaxed conversation!
• Double Majoring in Psychology and Pure & Applied Mathematics 07.09.2022 39мин

  Welcome listeners to our first episode of the 2022 fall semester! We are happy to welcome Myriam Boucher-Pinard onto the show to talk about her academic background at Concordia University. Students might know Myriam from her time at the Student Success Center as a tutor. Others might recognize her as an active user on the Concordia Math discord where she answers questions regarding class material or gives sound advice on pursuing higher education and reaching out to professors. In this episode, we discuss Myriam’s time at Concordia double majoring in Psychology and Pure & Applied Mathematics. We primarily focus on Myriam’s decision to double major and how she is putting her studies to use in her research study alongside Ildiko Pelczer, assistant professor at Concordia University.
• Statistical Research in Insurance 11.06.2022 35мин

  Debating whether to pursue a career in academia or in the industry? In this episode, Dr. Yang Lu covers some core topics of his research in insurance and finance such as the broken-heart syndrome, goes over how a researcher gathers ideas and funding to write papers, and discusses the freedom professors have in choosing their research interests. Moreover, he dives deeper into specific papers, shares some anecdotes on how they came into being, and continues by describing what distinguished the academic world from the industry for him. To conclude, Professor Lu gives out some advice to students with an interest in research. You don’t want to miss out!
• Interviewing Alumni : Starting a Firm with Carmen Racy '92 04.06.2022 30мин

  Ever dreamed of starting your own firm? After occupying many roles over the years in the investment and actuarial industry, Carmen Racy launched her own currency risk advisory firm. In this episode, she explains what her day-to-day consists of, how her actuarial experience assisted her in starting a business, and what she got out of obtaining an MBA. Along the way, she demystifies some of the financial jargon, such as “hedge funds” and “currency risk”, and discusses her time at Concordia. To conclude, she gives out advice to students who may want to pursue a similar path. Prepare to learn!
• Interviewing Alumni : Climate Change, Sustainability, and What We Can Do About It with André Choquet '89 14.05.2022 36мин

  “Are we moving fast enough for that? No.” (24:26) In this episode, our guest speaker André Choquet, current Chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability committee of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), details his journey in the actuarial and investment industries and explains how it led him to make responsible investing his mission. He goes on to explain his views that whether to making changes faster or not “really depends on what kind of future you want” (24:02) and outlines how responsible investments can be set up to generate profits in a sustainable way. To conclude the episode, Mr. Choquet discusses the speed at which new regulations are coming into play, gives us some hope with new programs implemented in universities and actuarial exams, and provides insightful advice for future professionals. Be sure to give it a listen! Here are some links to sources discussed in the podcast: - Criticism of actuaries in early 2000s by the proponent of Financial Economics: see https://www.soa.org/globalassets/assets/library/newsletters/pension-forum/2003/january/pfn-2003-vol14-iss2-bader-gold-a.pdf - Learn about David Suzuki: see https://davidsuzuki.org/ - Ontario legislation that required pension plan to include in their SIPP a statement about ESG factors: see http://www.fsco.gov.on.ca/en/pensions/legislative/Pages/sipp.aspx - How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates: see https://www.amazon.ca/How-Avoid-Climate-Disaster-Breakthroughs/dp/0735280444 - Climate Change and Sustainability Resources of the CIA: see https://www.cia-ica.ca/ccsc-resources - Russel Investments Brochure on Responsible Investing: see https://russellinvestments.com/-/media/files/us/institutions/brochures/responsible-investing.pdf?la=en&hash=EB6D67C7346B54BD580A617AF7A20C13941EB803 - Article on AXA’s CEO’s statement: see https://www.greenbiz.com/article/axa-4c-warming-makes-world-uninsurable - Article “Independent Senator Rosa Galvez introduces bill to align Canadian financial sector with climate commitments”: see https://rosagalvez.ca/en/media/press-releases/press-releases/cafa-introduction/ - OSFI documentation on FRFI climate risk management: see https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/Eng/fi-if/in-ai/Pages/clrsk-mgm_let.aspx - Four papers from the International Actuarial Association on climate issues: see https://www.actuaries.org/iaa/IAA/Publications/Papers/Climate_Issues/IAA/Publications/Climate_Issues.aspx?hkey=12b3d553-9ca0-4c64-85c2-b3df3b4faa3e
• Career Paths : Teaching Mathematics 15.01.2022 26мин

  Considering teaching mathematics in high school or in CEGEP? In this episode, listen to Mr. Steve Jackson, who has been teaching mathematics in high schools for more than 30 years. Learn about the ups and downs of a career in teaching, the interaction of teachers with the school environment, and what distinguishes a teacher from a tutor. Obtain advice for future teachers and for studying during university, as well as insight on what teaching will look like from now on. You will definitely learn from him!
• We're Back! Last Year's Recap 13.11.2021 29мин

  Missed anything of last season? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Welcome back fellow listeners to this second season of the MASSA Podcast! To kick it off, we have prepared a special recap episode, highlighting some of the most interesting points made by our guest speakers in the past season. Previous episodes are available on Spotify, on Apple Podcasts, and on our website https://www.massaconcordia.com/podcast/. Tune in for future episodes, you don’t want to miss out!
• Risk Measures and Dependence Models 08.05.2021 30мин

  Want to learn more about risk measures and dependence models? In this episode, our guest speaker Dr. Melina Mailhot, associate professor at Concordia University, explains why risk measures are useful and how they are used in actuarial modeling. She then elaborates on dependence models and how they relate to risk measures in statistical modeling. To conclude the episode, Dr. Mailhot introduces us to the Canadian Insurance Regulation that minimizes risks related to natural disasters and she shares with our listeners some of her own research projects and research interests! You don't want to miss out!
• Interviewing Alumni : Being an Intrapreneur with Joe Kordovi '92 17.04.2021 32мин

  Curious about what it means to be an intrapreneur?   In this episode, our guest speaker Joe Kordovi, Assistant Vice-President of Innovations at Pacific Life, walks us through his time at Concordia and shares interesting anecdotes about how the student life in Actuarial Mathematics used to be. He describes how he led an actuarial team at the age of 25 and explains why he decided to move to California and how it led him to essentially build a new branch within an insurance company. He then introduces us to design thinking and to the product management side of the insurance business, where creativity and mathematical models meet. Prepare to expand your horizons!