Description: This article is a summary of a panel discussion, held at the March 2010 IAA Meeting in South Africa, which explored the dual roles of consulting actuaries as entrepreneurs and professionals. Topics covered include ethics and professionalism, conflict of interest, and management and communication skills, among others, representing views from small to large consulting firms in different countries.

Description: This presentation is a panel discussion from the 1991 Annual Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held October 20-23 in Toronto. The panelists, discussing their own experiences in Canada and the U.S., present their views on why they chose to leave insurance companies for a consulting career. Their individual experiences include joining existing firms, as well as starting a practice as an independent consultant. The panelists discuss the tradeoffs between an insurance company career and consulting, and how to start a consulting practice, including skills needed, marketing, financing, and finding a niche. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of Society of Actuaries, Volume 17, No. 4B.

Description: Innovation has become a fashionable concept, but what does it really mean? Are the concepts of innovation and invention synonyms? Is innovation a good thing? If so, why so many oppose it? If we want to become innovators, what considerations should be kept in mind? Are there examples of innovative thought in the actuarial field? If so, can you think of some of them? If you want answers to these questions please read Jay Jaffe’s article, Becoming a More Effective Innovator. Innovation is a big idea in the business education, so much so that many MBA programs are including courses on the subject, so much so that, as we know, our Section is called Entrepreneurial & Innovation.

Description: This article discusses how employers and employees often misunderstand the types of coverage they own, and argues that customizing insurance solutions can be a pragmatic solution. The authors note that typically an employer will provide a basic group insurance plan for all employees, and then discuss the advantages of customizing voluntary benefits to supplement core benefits, and how they can be targeted to specific groups.

Description: Summary of the excellent Abstract serve provided to M&PD section members

Description: This article is about how entrepreneur independent business owners can solve their day-to-day frustrations and problems with a simple and useful process for setting goals and building a plan to meet those goals.

Description: An actuary's 30-year career, from working for several major consulting firms, to leading his own firm, to becoming a sole-practitioner consulting actuary.