BWD: In The Know

In this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Gerrit Marais, an actuary whose career spans continents, from South Africa to Canada.Gerrit shares how curiosity, connection, and continuous learning have shaped his professional journey, and why building relationships can be just as important as mastering technical skills. In Building Networks, Not Just Numbers: An Actuarial Journey with Gerrit Marais, we discuss: ✅ The power of networking & relationship-building ✅ Why mentorship matters more than ever ✅ Balancing work, study, and life ✅ Continuous learning & career adaptability ✅ Moving countries — and careers — with purpose An inspiring listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive roles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Market 03:04 Gerrit's Journey into Actuarial Science 05:54 Navigating Early Career Challenges 08:49 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship 11:57 Transitioning to Canada and Career Growth 14:50 Practical Tips for Aspiring Actuaries 17:51 Balancing Work, Study, and Life 20:45 Debunking Myths about Actuarial Careers 23:40 Lifelong Learning and Career Advice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond Risk: Michelle Young on Reinsurance, Resilience & the Human Side of Actuarial WorkIn this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Michelle Young for a conversation that goes beyond risk to uncover the human side of actuarial work.Michelle reflects on her career in reinsurance and shares why actuaries are far more than just the numbers. From the societal impact of actuarial decisions to the importance of communication, mentorship, and volunteering, she highlights how resilience and curiosity can shape a fulfilling career.Along the way, Michelle also explores the role of AI as a supportive tool, the value of embracing uncertainty, and why taking opportunities early can lead to unexpected growth.A must-listen for actuaries at every stage, from exams to executive leadership.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Actuarial Profession01:37 Michelle's Journey into Reinsurance03:12 The Passion for Being an Actuary04:34 Understanding the Broader Impact of Actuarial Work06:26 The Societal Impact of Actuarial Decisions07:34 Volunteering and Its Influence on Professional Growth09:21 Transitioning from Technical to Strategic Roles12:47 Actuaries and Uncertainty in Decision Making14:29 Explaining Actuarial Work to Outsiders15:31 Actuaries and Climate Change18:44 The Role of AI in the Actuarial Field21:34 The Role of Communication in Actuarial Training24:24 Embracing Growth Through Discomfort26:28 Exploring the Reinsurance Market28:26 Navigating Career Paths and Leadership Roles33:38 Unique Career Journeys and Opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

💡 “He who looks outside dreams, he who looks inside awakens.”  That line came up in my latest In The Know with Anthony Flynn, and it set the tone for one of the most open and vulnerable conversations I’ve had on the podcast.Anthony spoke not just about career milestones, but about the deeper currents that shape who we are and how we lead.The conversation explored:External validation: how much of what we do is driven by proving ourselves to othersResilience & choice: your background shapes you, but it doesn’t define youComposure pendulum: learning to return to centre when life swings between extremesSuccess vs meaning: the shift from chasing titles to searching for purposeFor financial planners and business owners, these themes will feel familiar: imposter syndrome, the pressure to perform, and the quiet question of what’s it all for. All of it is here in this conversation.👉 If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to take off the professional mask, this is one to listen to or watch via our YouTube Channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Actuary to Wall Street to Novelist: Mark W. Griffin on Risk, Reinvention & StorytellingIn this episode of BWD In The Know, guest host Harry McNeill is joined by Mark W Griffin for a fascinating conversation that blends actuarial insight with life beyond the spreadsheets.Mark’s career has been anything but linear; from actuarial science to investment banking on Wall Street, and now to publishing his debut novel The Mortality Thief. Along the way, he shares lessons in curiosity, mentorship, and leadership, while reflecting on what the 2008 financial crisis taught him about risk, resilience, and reinvention.For actuaries, consultants, and anyone considering how to make bold career moves, this episode challenges the idea of “traditional” career paths and explores the growing opportunities in areas like AI and climate risk.It’s a story of numbers, narrative, and the courage to carve your own way.📖Mark’s book is now available to purchase. Order Your Copy OR Buy on AmazonInspired by true events, The Mortality Thief is a razor-sharp and authentic thriller that's ripped from the headlines.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mark's Career Journey02:46 Transitioning from Actuarial Science to Wall Street05:47 Navigating the Investment Banking Culture08:50 Curiosity and Learning in a New Environment11:42 Leadership Lessons from CRO and CIO Roles14:35 Reflections on the 2008 Financial Crisis17:23 The Evolution of Risk Management20:12 Career Advice for Aspiring Actuaries23:10 The Importance of Curiosity and Networking26:11 The Impact of Mentorship on Career Decisions29:03 Exploring Writing as a New Venture31:44 The Mortality Thief: Blending Actuarial Themes with Fiction34:52 Parallels Between Risk Management and Writing37:38 Defining Success in a New Chapter40:46 Book Release and Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of BWD In The Know, Harry McNeill is joined by Kim Steiner, Head of North America's Life Practice at WTW, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it really means to build a career in life insurance. Kim shares her journey from intern to industry leader, reflects on the rise of AI and its real impact on actuarial work, and gives sharp, honest advice for anyone starting in the profession.  From breaking down industry misconceptions to discussing the soft skills that matter most, this is essential listening for actuaries at any stage of their journey.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of BWD In The Know, Harry McNeill sits down with Jeffrey Gomes, an actuary-turned-coach based in Canada to explore what it really takes to lead in today's actuarial world.From starting out during the 2008 financial crisis to embracing the rise of AI, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, people-first leadership, and unlocking potential through coaching.Whether you're navigating exams, managing a remote team, or chasing your next promotion, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay the course and grow your impact on your terms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From losing his leg in a life-altering accident to becoming a Guinness World Record-holding endurance swimmer, Jonty Warneken has redefined what’s possible; physically, mentally, and professionally. In this episode, Jonty shares his remarkable journey:Growing up in Yorkshire and carving out a career in wealth managementThe accident that changed everything, and how he rebuilt his identityWhat it really takes to complete Ice Miles and solo swims in freezing waterHow he prepares for extreme pain, mentally and physicallyAnd why resilience, in all its forms, has become the thread that runs through his life This isn’t just a story about endurance, it’s about mindset, recovery, and choosing to lean into challenge, even when it hurts. It’s a powerful conversation that will stay with you. I hope you find it as inspiring as I did. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Socks (with Crocs) Please, I'm French!Caroline swapped investment banking for financial planning, bringing a French lens to British money habits, career choices, and yes, fashion faux pas. In this episode of In The Know, we cover:How redundancy and motherhood sparked a total career rethinkBuilding a client base from scratch with two toddlers and no local networkThe cultural clash of money, mindset, and crocsHer advice to anyone thinking of a move into financial planningIf you're considering a career change, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If you want the truth, you need trust.” That line stayed with me. In this week’s In The Know podcast, I spoke with Lena Sisco – former military interrogator turned leadership and communication expert – about trust, truth, and how to spot a lie. She’s spent her career extracting the truth from people who had every reason not to share it. And it turns out the answer isn’t mind games or intimidation. It’s connection. As AI removes the humdrum parts of our jobs, the human stuff – trust, empathy, communication – becomes even more important. Lena’s view? 🧠 Be honest in your communication 🔁 Be consistent in your actions 🙋‍♂️ Be accountable for your mistakes In an era of deepfakes and digital doubt, that advice feels pretty timeless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Less admin, more advice – AI without the hype. That’s the vision. But how do you actually get there?In this episode, James speaks with Oren Henry, Co-Founder of AutoAdvise, about how financial advisers can use AI to reduce admin and improve client outcomes. They explore where firms are losing time, the risks of misusing ChatGPT-style tools, and what being truly ‘AI-ready’ looks like in practice.What's Covered:Where advisers are losing the most time – and how to get it backWhy process beats platform, every timeWhat most miss about AI, data privacy and regulationWhat ‘AI-ready’ really looks like in advice firmsIf you’re exploring AI but don’t want the fluff, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once dubbed “The City’s Superwoman”, Nicola Horlick’s story isn’t just about finance. It’s about leadership in all its complexity. From billion-pound turnarounds and public scandal to raising six children, navigating personal tragedy and building again - Nicola’s journey covers it all. She shares her story openly, with the hope it inspires more women to lead in their own way. We spoke about vision, loyalty, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to lead through chaos in business and in life. This one stayed with me. Hope it does the same for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Financial Planning Dying?That’s what I asked Tom Hegarty in the latest episode of In The Know - a follow-up to the post that sparked so much debate.We covered:📉 Adviser numbers – real growth, or just a pause before the cliff edge?🔁 Why firms keep hiring experience but won’t back new talent🧱 The power of apprenticeships and why more firms must engage💬 How to shift short-term mindsets in firm leadership🪄 And Tom’s magic wand momentDo you agree with Tom? Are you as optimistic or is this just the beginning of the end? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Recruitment Industry’s Biggest Lie - And Why Clients Keep Falling for ItRecruitment has been running on fumes for years. The contingent model dominates, yet it delivers an 80% chance of wasted time.Louise Archer and I dug into why the industry clings to it, despite better alternatives.  Some key takeaways: Retained search isn’t just for execs in pinstripe suits—it’s a better way to recruit across the board.Clients often think contingent is faster and cheaper, but the reality? It’s slow, inefficient, and costs more in the long run.The biggest issue? A lack of education. Louise shared a story about a senior HR leader who spent 15 years rejecting retained search—until she finally had it explained properly. Now, she’s one of their top retained billers.AI will eat low-level, high-volume hiring. For recruiters to survive, they need to move up the value chain—retained search is the future. Thanks to Louise for a great conversation! So, is it time to stop treating recruitment like a gamble?  #Recruitment #RetainedSearch #TalentAcquisition #Hiring Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a privilege to host Jeff Lange, Group CEO of TFAS Enterprises, on the podcast. Jeff shared fascinating insights into the evolving financial advice sector, the role of technology, and the future of client engagement. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation: 💻 Remote advice is thriving Face-to-face isn’t the only way. Remote advice, driven by trust and tech, is now the choice for even high-net-worth clients.🌍 Bridging the advice gap Streamlined processes and digital tools are making advice accessible to clients at all asset levels.🤖 AI in action From automating meeting summaries to compliance checks, AI is revolutionising how advice is delivered.🔄 Future-proofing with flexibility Combining traditional face-to-face advice with digital services ensures no client is left behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trilogy Nobody Thought Would Happen“All good things must come to an end”—and so does the final episode of our podcast series with the brilliant Dave Robinson.This time, we cover plenty of ground, including:1️⃣ Regrets on LinkedIn? Dave’s outspoken views have sparked debates, drawn praise, and even got him blocked! But does he regret any of it? His answer (and reasoning) is refreshingly honest.2️⃣ Thoughts on the CII Dave doesn’t hold back as we discuss the role of professional bodies and how the financial advice sector could raise its standards.3️⃣ The Case for Internal Succession Our main focus: Why internal succession is the key to long-term sustainability for firms, and how to navigate this complex process effectively.📘 Valuable Resource: Dave is generously sharing his Comprehensive Guide to Internal Succession, a must-read for any Principal planning their next steps.A huge thank you to Dave for his time, insights, and willingness to answer any question I threw at him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Talking with Archana was genuinely inspiring and thought-provoking. Her insights brought a fresh perspective on what leadership truly means, especially in today’s rapidly changing world." - James WalkerIn this episode, we unpacked:Redefining Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World: Archana shared how the role of leadership has transformed – it's no longer just about guiding teams but about creating environments where people feel genuinely connected and purposeful.Belonging vs. Fitting In: A standout moment was our discussion on the importance of belonging. Archana highlighted that belonging is about being valued for who you truly are, not just for the parts that ‘fit’ the mould. This shift is something every leader should consider as they cultivate their team culture.Boundaries in a Hybrid Work Environment: Navigating remote work has blurred boundaries between professional and personal life. Archana's insights on balancing these demands underscore the evolving responsibilities of leaders to support holistic well-being.Archana also shared insights from her upcoming book, The Through Line, which delves deeper into how storytelling, curiosity, and openness can transform both leadership and personal growth. Her reflections offer essential guidance for leaders committed to building meaningful connections.Tune in to explore these themes and more in what was a truly fascinating conversation.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🚨 Alert: "Businesses must start transitioning to be data-led, or they risk becoming irrelevant. Those who fail to integrate data into their operations will fall behind as the industry evolves. It’s not just about compliance or efficiency anymore – it’s about survival."In this insightful episode, I sit down with Poppy Achilles to discuss three critical pillars for the future of UK financial planning:Data – Why it’s the foundation of any business and the importance of data quality in driving client experience, operations, and decision-making.Client Experience – The growing demand for digital-first, seamless interactions, especially as wealth transfers to a new generation of tech-savvy clients.AI – How AI can transform the industry, but only when supported by clean, structured data.If you're a business leader thinking about how to stay ahead in the financial services industry, this episode is a must-listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Carla Brown, Managing Director of Oakmere and President of the PFS, to discuss some truly important and sobering topics.Carla shared her personal journey into financial services, highlighting the critical gaps in financial education that persist, particularly in schools. We touched on the need for early intervention and education to help the next generation avoid financial pitfalls and grow financially literate.One of the most eye-opening discussions was on financial abuse—a topic that hits close to home for Carla. She shared how a close friend experienced this in an abusive relationship, emphasising the subtle warning signs that can often be missed. It's a reminder to all of us that financial control is a form of abuse and something we need to be more vigilant about.We also discussed Carla’s role with the PFS, where she is focused on building stronger collaboration within the profession and working closely with the FCA to ensure the voice of financial advisers is heard in key policy decisions.Find out who inspired Carla in her journey and what she would do if she had a magic wand!?!This episode is a must-listen for every financial planner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join me for an illuminating conversation with the brilliant Brendan Frazier, Chief Behavioural Officer at RFG and host of the Human Side of Money podcast.This episode is packed with valuable insights for financial planners, and anyone interested in the human side of financial advice!You don’t want to miss this!Key topics discussed:🌟 The Human Element in Finance: Brendan shares his passion for integrating psychology and human behaviour into financial planning. 🚀 Helping Clients Take Action: Practical strategies to bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it, helping clients follow through on their financial plans. 💡 Building Trust: Effective strategies for financial advisers to establish and maintain trust with clients. 📈 Client Reviews Redefined: Why and how financial advisers should rethink their client review process to add more value. ✨ Magic Wand: Discover what Brendan would wish for if he could change one thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another Ask The Actuary special, Kieran Mistry shares his actuarial journey with us, from Deloitte to Hymans and finally, the award-winning Bulk Purchase Annuity (BPA) insurer, Standard Life in January 2022 – the last 2.5 years have been very busy in the BPA market! Keiran describes the difference between being an actuary advising the trustee side of a BPA deal to being an actuary acting for the insurer, before offering some sage advice to nearly/newly-qualified actuaries, including: “…Look for opportunities to grow and learn. If you're learning, I have a view that things will work out if you've got an actuarial badge and you keep looking to grow and learn…” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.