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: This article notes how “we can do much more at the company, industry and social level by combining what we know with other actuaries as well as members of other disciplines.” This will become easier due to social technologies that allow individuals to collaborate regardless of conventional barriers. The author asks “how do we use these new social technologies to leverage our existing actuarial skill set data in a way that creates value for customers and clients?”

Description: Article presents five steps to consider when thinking of selling your practice.

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: Many start-up companies have certain elements in common: Most are still developing a profitable, working business model, there is little to no hierarchy or management structure, and everyone is in it together. A typical challenge is an ability to retain and/or attract strong leaders due to lack of resources needed to compete in the higher compensated talent markets. This article introduces The Equity Bonus Plan, which can help entrepreneurs attract and retain talent.