For CFA candidates, passing each level of the exam is like scaling a mountain—steep, demanding, and requiring immense focus.
But imagine you don’t have to face it alone.
Enter The Complete CFA Doozy Coaching Program, a program created by Elad Smadja, an actuary and CFA Charterholder who’s dedicated his career to helping candidates succeed.
Drawing on his actuarial background and years of CFA coaching experience, Elad’s approach combines structure, expertise, and accountability to guide candidates through the complex terrain of CFA preparation.
Let’s explore the genesis of this journey, why it works, its strengths and weaknesses, and how adding an accountability coach transforms it into a truly powerful tool.
Rooted in Actuarial Science
The Charter Doozy CFA Coaching Journey is a structured, iterative process grounded in the principles of actuarial science.
As an actuary, Elad Smadja is familiar with the rigor of analyzing complex data, managing risk, and using systematic approaches to solve problems skills essential in both actuarial work and CFA exam preparation.
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The coaching journey is inspired by the Actuarial Control Cycle, a framework that actuaries use to solve financial and risk-based problems through systematic planning, monitoring, and continuous refinement.
Just as actuaries don’t stop after developing an initial model, Charter Doozy’s approach to CFA coaching involves setting a clear roadmap, tracking progress, making real-time adjustments, and providing proactive feedback.
The result is a dynamic journey that not only helps candidates learn the material but builds resilience, adaptability, and practical exam skills along the way.
The Actuarial Control Cycle is a structured, iterative framework originally developed within actuarial science to guide professionals in solving complex financial and risk-based problems.
It’s central to actuarial work in insurance, finance, and risk management, providing a systematic approach to managing uncertainty and making sound decisions.
Origins of the Actuarial Control Cycle
The concept originated as a teaching framework in actuarial education, particularly through the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.
It emphasizes a disciplined, repeatable process that involves defining problems, applying technical methods, monitoring outcomes, and refining strategies based on real-world feedback.
The cycle is designed to help actuaries continuously improve their models and predictions, incorporating new data and adapting to changing conditions.
Key Components of the Actuarial Control Cycle
- Define the Problem and Set Objectives: Identifying the specific problem or need and understanding the client’s objectives.
- Design and Apply the Solution: Developing technical solutions using actuarial methods, calculations, and data analysis.
- Monitor the Outcomes and Refine the Approach: Tracking real-world results to see how well the solution aligns with objectives, adjusting models and approaches as necessary.
Relationship to the Charter Doozy CFA Coaching Journey
The Complete CFA Doozy Coaching Program has strong parallels with the Actuarial Control Cycle in that it’s a structured, step-by-step approach that includes planning, implementing, monitoring, and refining actions based on feedback.
Here’s how each stage aligns…
- Building the Roadmap (Define the Problem and Set Objectives): This phase is about setting clear goals, assessing the candidate’s strengths and needs, and creating an initial high-level plan, similar to how actuaries define the problem and objectives in the control cycle.
- Refining a Realistic Plan (Design the Solution): Here, the focus is on creating a feasible and tailored strategy, much like how actuaries develop and apply technical solutions. Adjustments ensure the plan aligns with individual constraints and realistic commitments, optimizing the path to the end goal.
- Making the Commitment (Apply the Solution): This step involves putting the agreed-upon strategy into action, similar to the implementation phase in the actuarial cycle where actuarial solutions are executed in practice.
- Chunking and Action (Implementation and Short-term Monitoring): Breaking down the plan into actionable steps and regularly reviewing progress mirrors how actuaries apply methods and monitor their ongoing relevance and efficacy.
- Tracking and Course Correction (Monitor Outcomes and Refine Approach): Using tools like The CFA Playbook Pro to track results and make adjustments based on data aligns with the cycle’s feedback loop. This stage is about observing performance, making course corrections, and ensuring that the plan stays aligned with the final objectives.
Both approaches rely on structured planning, regular assessment, and adaptability.
Just as actuaries revisit their models to reflect changing conditions, Charter Doozy’s CFA coaching involves continuous monitoring and adjustment to stay on track for optimal exam success.
Why This Approach Works: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
The Charter Doozy approach is built on five key steps, each designed to make CFA preparation manageable, effective, and sustainable.
#1 Building the Roadmap
Every journey begins with a plan, and this coaching journey is no different.
With a “30,000 ft overview,” candidates work with their coach to map out a detailed path from day one to exam day.
This roadmap includes a daily and weekly study routine, customizations based on the candidate’s unique background, and realistic allowances for life’s interruptions, such as work demands or personal events.
By structuring the entire study period in this way, candidates gain a clear sense of direction.
#2 Refining a Realistic Plan
After the initial roadmap is set, the coach works with the candidate to refine it.
This stage focuses on balancing ambition with realism, ensuring that the study load is manageable.
If certain commitments or lifestyle adjustments are necessary, this is the time to make those decisions.
This step is critical to building a plan that doesn’t just look good on paper but is achievable in real life, setting the foundation for consistent progress.
#3 Making the Commitment
Once the plan is refined, both candidate and coach make a formal commitment.
This isn’t just about “trying your best” – it’s about holding yourself accountable to daily and weekly goals.
By committing to the path they’ve set, candidates minimize risks and eliminate the guesswork, keeping them laser-focused on the finish line.
#4 Chunking and Action
Here’s where the big plan becomes manageable.
Breaking down the roadmap into bi-weekly chunks keeps the candidate’s workload focused and achievable.
Each two-week block includes a balance of new material and review, tracked through Charter Doozy’s CFA Playbook Pro.
This stage prevents overwhelm, allowing candidates to celebrate incremental wins and maintain momentum.
#5 Tracking and Course Correction
With each two-week cycle, the candidate’s progress is tracked and analyzed.
Using The CFA Playbook Pro, both the candidate and coach can review progress, ensuring study hours are translating into mastery.
This is also when any necessary adjustments are made—whether it’s spending more time on a tough topic, simulating test-day conditions, or addressing motivation dips.
These continuous check-ins keep candidates aligned with their goals, turning minor setbacks into opportunities for growth.
The Strengths of the Charter Doozy Approach
The Complete CFA Doozy Coaching Program offers several strengths that make it uniquely effective for CFA candidates.
- Clarity and Direction – The structured roadmap gives candidates a clear sense of direction, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.
- Realistic Flexibility – By factoring in life events and commitments, the journey is tailored to be sustainable and achievable.
- Accountability and Motivation – Regular check-ins provide ongoing motivation, and the commitment to a coach keeps candidates accountable.
- Balanced Mastery and Review – The bi-weekly chunking helps candidates make consistent progress while reinforcing material through spaced review.
- Data-Driven Adjustments – Through The CFA Playbook Pro, candidates receive real-time feedback, allowing for strategic adjustments and targeted focus.
Case Study: Alex’s Journey to CFA Success
Let’s take the (fictional) example of Alex, a financial analyst from London who enrolled in Charter Doozy to prepare for his CFA Level I exam.
With a demanding job and minimal finance background, Alex felt overwhelmed by the challenge.
However, through the Charter Doozy approach, he found the support and structure he needed.
Starting with a customized roadmap, Alex’s coach helped him break down the curriculum into manageable segments, allowing him to focus on specific goals. The CFA Playbook Pro tool tracked his study hours and mastery, helping Alex stay on course.
When Alex felt anxious about quantitative methods, his coach quickly added extra review sessions and provided additional resources.
The bi-weekly reviews ensured he maintained momentum, and by the time the exam arrived, Alex felt confident and prepared.
The structure and accountability of Charter Doozy turned what seemed like an insurmountable challenge into a series of manageable, motivating milestones, and Alex passed his CFA Level I exam on his first attempt.
Why an Accountability Coach Makes It Truly Powerful
The Charter Doozy CFA Coaching Journey is effective on its own.
But it becomes a true game-changer when combined with an accountability coach.
Here’s why…
- Objective Perspective – Studying alone often means losing sight of weaknesses or overestimating strengths. A coach brings objectivity, helping you target problem areas and ensure comprehensive understanding.
- Constant Motivation and Encouragement – An accountability coach provides encouragement, keeps you engaged, and helps you push through tough periods, adding a shared sense of commitment to the journey.
- Personalized Adjustments and Real-Time Feedback – Life happens, and sometimes the initial plan needs adjustments. With a coach monitoring your progress, you can quickly recalibrate as needed, ensuring you’re always on the most efficient path.
- Support for Exam-Specific Skills – Beyond content, the CFA exam requires specific skills like time management and quick decision-making. A coach helps you hone these through practice, providing actionable feedback on how to improve.
- Stress Management – The CFA exam is a high-stakes endeavor, and burnout is a real risk. A coach offers emotional support, helping you manage stress and keep a positive mindset.
With an accountability coach, you’re not just preparing for an exam; you’re building habits, gaining resilience, and developing skills that will serve you long after the CFA journey is complete.
Final Thoughts: A Proven Path to CFA Success
The Charter Doozy CFA Coaching Journey stands out as a uniquely structured, powerful approach to CFA exam preparation.
Rooted in actuarial science, the program combines structured planning, iterative improvement, and real-time feedback to make the daunting task of CFA preparation manageable.
Whether you’re just starting your CFA journey or looking for a way to improve your chances of success, the Charter Doozy approach offers clarity, motivation, and the support you need to pass.
Add an accountability coach to the mix, and you gain a partner who’s invested in your success, offering personalized guidance, encouragement, and focus.
This approach not only helps you pass your CFA exams but builds lasting skills, resilience, and confidence—qualities that will benefit you throughout your career.
