How did you start your actuarial career? My first foray in the actuarial world began in retirement consulting in South Africa, followed by a brief stint in healthcare. What drew you into working in the field of recruitment? Following a chance discussion which was shortly followed by a leap of faith, I embarked on a professional career in recruitment over 13 years ago, coinciding with my move to London. What aspect of your work do you enjoy most? I enjoy the incredible variety and diversity of people I engage with across all levels of experience, both in the UK and abroad. Many of these people have become close acquaintances and friends over the years. I’m equally fortunate to be working with a collaborative and like-minded group of colleagues at Star Actuarial Futures. My long-term philosophy, seeking to understand people’s fundamental motivations and drivers, and always doing the right thing, have together stood me in good stead and appear to resonate with many of my closest and long-standing clients and candidates. I’m proud to have placed actuaries who remain in their roles over a decade later, and it’s been immensely rewarding helping a number of clients build teams from scratch, with a thorough understanding and appreciation of their ethos and culture. What would your advice be to those starting out in the actuarial field? As with all things in life, nothing worth having comes through any other means other than genuine dedication and hard work. This is all the more critical in such a fast-changing world, where preparation and continual research will be paramount to ensure one stays ahead of the curve, particularly in the age of AI, machine learning, and the challenges posed by wider factors including climate change. It is key to differentiate oneself, build genuine relationships based on trust and value, and reach out to mentors who can share their experience and views of the future. The insurance and finance industry is bound to see an even faster-changing landscape, and we must adapt and look ahead to how to maximise outcomes, both individually and collectively. What would your top tip be for those working in the field of recruitment? Recruitment can be an immensely rewarding profession, affording excellent flexibility in the way you work. I have placed actuaries into roles that have truly elevated their careers, and I have found enjoyment in sourcing new career routes for others. Time management and the ability to prioritise are key considerations for long-term sustainability, along with the ability to roll with the punches! All you want for Christmas is? Health and happiness!
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