Description: This article is a review of the book by Joshua Foer. It covers the history of memory techniques, the way a human brain organizes memory, and various problems and successes in memory recall. The author starts by interviewing memory savants, and learns from them that the ability to perform seemingly impossible memory tricks is simply a matter of studying and practicing proven techniques used for millennia. This review suggests that actuaries can benefit greatly from some of these techniques despite the availability of electronic hand-held devices to recall facts because the person who does not need to rely upon such devices can have a huge perceptual advantage in executive presentations.

Description: Overview of a recent visit to silicon valley and how the learnings from this trip can be applied in an insurance setting.

Description: This article provides tips for how you can make the most effective use of recruiters in a job search.

Description: This article summarizes the issue of good control over internal meetings, identifies some symptoms to watch for and identifies tangible actions that can be taken to bring control over financial resources being invested in meetings.

Description: The Wells Fargo case highlights the importance of creating and preserving documentation establishing actuarial and legal foundations for return positions.

Description: Summary of the ReFocus 2018 Conference, jointly sponsored by the American Council of Life Insurers and the SOA.

Description: This article discusses how insurance regulation needed to evolve to meet the need for more understandable policy forms. This article was written before the Flesch Reading Ease test was in common use.

Description: This is an interview with Michael Braunstein, one of the founding members of the Leadership & Development section.

Description: Analyzes the need for enterprise risk management for small businesses and the unique principles governing such a discipline. The paper describes a case study done by Goldenson Actuarial Research Center at the University of Connecticut and concludes with some suggestions on how ERM for small businesses can be done on a larger and sustainable scale using student resources supported by large corporations, banks and government organizations.

Description: In light of economic globalization, the author examines how well prepared actuaries are in the four key areas of teamwork, education, values and cultural empathy.