A Day in the Life of Vanessa Ho Von

Every career journey is shaped by bold decisions, unexpected turns, and the people who inspire us along the way - and for Vanessa Ho Von, Managing Director for Europe, Americas & Insurance Pricing, Savings & Retirement, that journey has been anything but ordinary. 

From growing up in Mauritius to studying in London and launching a new line of business during a global pandemic, Vanessa has built her career on resilience, ambition, and a commitment to doing things differently. In this edition of A Day in the Life, she reflects on the milestones that shaped her path, the realities of leading a global team, and the joys she finds both inside and outside the office.

What has your actuarial career path looked like?

I’m originally from Mauritius and received a scholarship to study at Imperial College London. At the time, I wanted to be a software engineer, but later realised it wasn’t quite the right fit, so I became an actuary instead. I joined Pacific Life in the Reinsurance Division in November 2019 to launch a new line of business: Global Funded Solutions. It was quite a journey! We had big ambitions to write our first deal in 2020, but COVID delayed our plans. Still, we were proud to write several deals in 2021. As the business grew, we began recruiting and expanding the team. I later became the Global Head of Client Solutions, Savings & Retirement, a role I held for just over a year. Last year, I stepped into my current role as Managing Director for Europe, Americas & Insurance Pricing for the Savings & Retirement line of business.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There is no typical day! It usually starts off with the chaos of getting my two girls dressed and off to nursery. I check my diary first thing to know what kind of day I have in store. I try to have a bit of variety for my week, booking in dedicated time with my team to meeting clients to having self-reflection time. It is all about trying to find the right balance. 

What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of in your career?

Writing our first Global Funded Solutions transaction in 2021 was a major milestone. It was incredibly challenging, especially during COVID when it was difficult to rally people with everyone navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic. We were working entirely remotely, coordinating across multiple time zones with colleagues and clients, which added another layer of complexity.

We secured our first deal in April, followed by our second and third in November. That first deal was especially meaningful because it demonstrated internally and externally that we had the capability and expertise to deliver on this new line of business. Achieving it, and then repeating that success so quickly, remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

What career growth opportunities have been most valuable to you at Pacific Life Re?

Pacific Life Re is where I've grown and developed as a leader. Being given the opportunity to start from scratch and build a team has taught me the importance of having a great team and nurturing a great team culture. I am still learning with many bumps along the way how to empower and trust your team, and I find it really rewarding witnessing their growth and celebrating their successes. 

How has working in the London office influenced your career journey?

Moving to London was a huge culture shock after growing up in Mauritius. I was in a bit of a cocoon in Mauritius and getting used to living in a big city was a big adjustment for me. The experience enabled me to grow and become more grounded. I love London, and I am grateful for the opportunities this city has given me.

How does Pacific Life Re support flexibility or wellbeing in your role?

It can be extremely challenging to manage working for a global company with time zones from Australia to America. Pacific Life Re supports flexibility, but the key is to not be afraid to set boundaries (at any level) when it comes to meetings. You don’t always need to be there in real time. You can watch the recording or share your thoughts beforehand and still have an impact.

What career advice would you give to someone interested in your field?

I’m passionate about supporting women, especially in actuarial and leadership roles. My advice is to be authentic and be confident to voice your opinion and do things differently. 

What skills or qualities are most important for success in your field?

In a business development role, resilience is key because we are constantly going after new business and the reality is that we often lose more than we win. It is essential to learn from each experience and be brave enough to accept setbacks and try again.

What hobbies or interests bring you joy outside of work?

My children! Being a mother is simultaneously the most joyful, yet most challenging experience.

My New Year’s resolution is to get back into Reformer Pilates which is still on my to do list!