Description: As actuaries, we learn about risk. We identify, quantify and assess risks. Ironically, however, because of our training we don’t see the greatest risk to our profession. The risk is: Our relevance and value to our customers is already and will continue to be diminished if we don’t make some fundamental changes now.

Description: This article differentiates between pleasure, happiness, and satisfaction. It advocates goal-setting to achieve greater life satisfaction.

Description: Discusses the processes of setting effective objective and development plans

Description: Actuaries are trained to measure and manage risks, for example, mortality, morbidity, interest rate, and asset default risks. However, the range of risks to which companies are exposed is wider than is sometimes considered. This complex array of risks needs to be managed holistically in concert and not in isolation. The actuary is increasingly called upon to assist in this process and needs a broader perspective and more powerful toolkit. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 26, No. 3: Chicago Annual Meeting, October 15-18, 2000, Session 54PD.

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 explores the development of the annuity market in the UK over the past 20 years. It examines the explosive growth achieved by the enhanced annuity market and delves into the kinds of customers attracted by these products and the kinds of enhancements typically presented. It also explores the impact of government policy changes which have lead to annuity volumes declining and 'drawdown' product becoming more popular.

Description: This column highlights the recent developments in the Health, Management and Personal Development, and Reinsurance Sections of the Society of Actuaries.

Description: This article is about how to develop vision statements, both corporate and individual.

Description: This article shares tips for those starting out in the actuarial profession. The source is my experience and that of Ian Duncan FSA FIA FCIA MAAA and other actuaries.

Description: The article discusses common themes with personal branding: be authentic, consistently manage your brand, manage your social media reputation.