Description: The editor of The Independent Consultant offered brief notes about the articles covered in the current issue.

Description: The author uses the movie 'About Schmidt' to encourage the reader to focus on self-improvement, development and growth.

Description: Chairperson’s column describing the benefits of being a member of the Marketing and Distribution Section and encouraging members to get involved.

Description: In this article the SOA president discusses the SOA’s professional interest sections and how they collaborate in a number of ways — they produce webcasts, research, and networking opportunities, they reach out to local actuarial clubs, and our International Section works with local actuarial groups worldwide through its ambassador program.

Description: These are the meeting minutes of the International Section Council for September 16, 2003. Various section issues wer discussed including meeting scheduling and international staff.

Description: Video submission to Disruptions to the Actuarial Profession Contest

Description: A generational perspective on the decline of traditional defined benefit plans and hope for the future. Do we need to wait until all the actuaries and plan members from the old DB system have retired before a new system can emerge?

Description: Q&A with actuary and author Bradley M. Smith. In this interview, Smith discusses his business philosophies and the risks he has taken. His new book, What Do You Think?, is also reviewed.

Description: This article discusses three ways the SOA is strengthening the educational system: redesigning professional development, offering all fellowship exams twice a year, and offering a restructured CERA pathway.

Description: The author offers tips for being an expert witness.