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: This paper discusses the issues of an independent actuary providing product development, or more accurately sales development, services to a life insurance company. The author explores the process, and proposes “compensation to the entrepreneurial actuary who accepts the challenge of operating in a setting where true success is not measured by isolating theoretical profit margins or business sold, but rather focusing attention on the unfolding experience of what is hopefully to be truly profitable policies.” Instead of basing the actuary’s compensation on time spent, the author is suggesting compensation based on results.

Description: The current president of ACTEX, an actuarial learning company, shares the company's history, development, and vision for the future.

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.