So what's it actuary about?
So what's it actuary about? is a podcast that explores the field of actuarial science, aiming to inform and inspire those interested in the profession. It features conversations with students, teachers, and professionals in the field, revealing the dynamic and colorful aspects of actuarial work beyond the stereotypes. The podcast seeks to demystify the art of the actuary and showcase the diverse experiences within the industry.
Episodes
S3E20: End Game
In the final episode of this season, David Kirk reflects on consulting, communication, and staying curious - sharing lessons from a career that spans continents, committees, and complex decisions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E19: Planning - Let’s Talk About Tax, Baby
From PAYE to tax-free savings, CA(SA) Peter Moore breaks it all down. Smart, simple tax insights to help you earn, save, and file like a pro.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E18: Perspective - Credit, Change and Clarity
Samuel Diwouta shares insights from his journey through global markets, credit modelling, and regulatory change - exploring what it means to lead, adapt, and plan ahead in a shifting financial landscape.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E17: Planning - Beyond Benefits
Nonku Pitje shares her journey into executive leadership at Discovery, reflecting on how to lead with purpose, plan for meaningful change, support women in business, and rethink employee wellness.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E16: Perspective - Beyond the Numbers
Pamela Hellig reflects on leadership, learning, and the value of thoughtful questions. Whether she’s leading actuarial teams or hosting a podcast, her approach is grounded in curiosity, clarity, and compassion.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E15: Planning - Actuarial Intelligence
Ron Richman joins us to explore how actuaries can stay ahead in an AI-driven world. From founding insureAI to leading conversations on fairness and innovation, Ron unpacks the evolving skillset of the actuary - and what it takes to plan boldly for the future of insurance and risk.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E14: Perspective - Creative by Nature, Analytical by Training
Jo Legutko reflects on her path from actuarial lecturer to data leader - sharing how structure and strategy can coexist with creativity, freedom, and a touch of rebellion.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E13: Planning - Foundations of Investing
Norman Mackechnie shares timeless lessons on investing, risk, and building wealth with patience and purpose.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E12: Perspective - Wisdom in Practice
Themba Gamedze joins us to reflect on a career that’s shaped South Africa’s insurance and retirement landscape. From leadership to transformation, this episode is rich with wisdom and perspective.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E11: Planning - An Actuary's Guide to Personal Finance
Nick Bezuidenhout, an actuary and financial planner, talks us through what it means to plan for the future, how to avoid knee-jerk reactions in volatile markets, and why personal finance is, ultimately, personal.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E10: Perspective - Pensions, Pivots and Professional Growth
Coral van Zyl joins us to reflect on her journey through pensions, academia, and leadership. From her actuarial roots to her MBA, she shares candid insights into career pivots, personal growth, and what it takes to succeed in a dynamic profession.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E9: Planning - Wills and ANCs
Amy Mackechnie, attorney and notary public, shares practical insights into wills and antenuptial contracts (ANCs). She unpacks key considerations around marriage and inheritance, and explains why getting the right legal advice early can make all the difference.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E8: Perspective - Becoming an Actuary Was No Accident
Shaun Burger, Senior Manager of the Actuarial Quantifications and Claims Risk Department at the Road Accident Fund, shares insights from his fascinating career and diverse passions. A must-listen!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E7: Planning - Buying a Home
John Mackechnie, a conveyancer and notary, takes us through the ins and outs of purchasing a residential home, unraveling the key legal steps and considerations involved.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E6: Perspective - Behaviour Change
Jacqui Nortje, PhD, delves into the science and art of behaviour change, exploring the intersection of product design, data-driven decision-making, and gamification.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E5: Planning - Protect Your Most Important Assets
Valentine Mogg CFP, an executive financial advisor, shares insights into the art of financial advising and offers valuable advice for individuals managing their money and assets.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E4: Perspective - Wearing Many Hats
Farzana Baba, actuary and Managing Executive of Retail Health Solutions at Discovery Limited, takes us behind the scenes of her multifaceted career, revealing how she juggles various roles, responsibilities, and ambitions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E3: Planning - Intro to Financial Planning
This episode marks the beginning of our Planning Series. Financial planner Caley Mogg guides us through the significance of money management and the value of maintaining consistent financial habits.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E2: Perspective - An Unconventional Actuary
Eden Gross, a lecturer at Wits, takes us through his non-traditional journey to qualification — a story full of unexpected twists, turns, and valuable lessons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S3E1: A Reopened Claim
In the first episode of this season, Margie chats to returning guest—and now qualified actuary—Pateka Bunyonyo. While the conversation has a celebratory and reflective tone, it also unpacks what listeners can expect from the upcoming season. Let’s just say: perspective and planning are definitely on the cards.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary
S2E20: Time n
In this season's last episode, Margie and Andrew, her brother and recent actuarial graduate, reflect on how it feels to achieve a degree in ActSci. Margie also indicates that she will be stepping away from the podcast for a while to focus on a few personal adventures.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E19: Expanding - Auditing, Reserving and IFRS17
Renaldo De Gouveia, Liberty Group SA's Lead IFRS17 Specialist, explains the need for reserving and the role of regulation in this space. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E18: Explaining - Exam Preparation
Adam Balusik, an actuary and podcast regular, outlines some helpful exam preparation techniques.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E17: Expanding - Working with Actuaries
Nikki Cavernelis, UCT's Actuarial Science department's Administrative Officer, talks through her career and interactions with various actuarial stakeholders. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E16: Explaining - Building Proficiency and Active Learning
Kasturi Behari-Leak, UCT's Dean of the Centre for Higher Education Development, explains the nuances and considerations of long term learning. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E15: Expanding - Health Insurance, Stakeholders and Curiosity
Barry Childs, the Joint CEO of Insights Actuaries and Consultants, discusses his career trajectory, stakeholder engagement and encourages aspiring actuaries to remain curious. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E14: Explaining - AI and the Modern Actuary
Caesar Balona, a qualified actuary and programming enthusiast, shares his insights on AI and the role of the modern actuary. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E13: Expanding - Actuaries as Entrepreneurs
Sumarie Greybe, co-founder of Naked Insurance, narrates her actuarial journey and casts a new lens on what actuaries can do. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E12: Explaining - Vac Work, Immersive Learning and WBL
Soshan Soobramoney, the Head of Actuarial Science at UJ, discusses his career as well as his approach to actuarial education. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E11: Expanding - Leadership, Innovation and Interview Tips
Robert Attwell, the CEO of Discovery Insure, unpacks his actuarial career and his various learnings along the way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E10: Explaining - Reinsurance and Data Protection
Susan Atkinson, the Chief Risk Officer of Hannover Re Group Africa, details her career within the reinsurance industry.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E9: Expanding - Forging the way
Roseanne Harris, a lecturer, policy actuary and previous president of both ASSA and the IAA, chats through her actuarial journey. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E8: Explaining - From School to Uni
Bheka Mabika, a first year Actuarial Science student, enthusiastically unpacks his transition from school to university.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E7: Expanding - Multi-disciplinary work and Meditation
Shivani Ranchod, a qualified actuary, talks through her dynamic career - from corporate to consultancy to entrepreneurship and meditation. There is nothing this woman can’t do!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E6: Explaining - Communications for Actuaries
Billy Enderstein, a communications specialist, unpacks the importance of the N211 subject and how best to approach preparation for this exam. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E5: Expanding - YT, AI, Crypto and more
Michael Jordan outlines his interesting and varied career as an unconventional actuary. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E4: Explaining - Quantitative Finance
Junho Ko, a quantitative finance masters student, discusses his studying pathway and his discipline of choice. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E3: Expanding - Oh the places you’ll go
Silindile Sikhakhane, a final year actuarial science student, shares her unique story and highlights her growing excitement about microinsurance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E2: Explaining - From Uni to Work
Alexander Stempels, a recent actuarial graduate, unpacks his experience of transitioning from university to the working world. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S2E1: The Present Value of Season 2
Your host, Margie along with Kelly Josiah, a registered organisational psychologist, discuss what to expect from Season 2 of this podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E20: Actual vs. Expected
In this finale episode, Adam and Margie discuss the concept of "Actual vs. Expected", as applied by actuaries, and reflect on the first season of this podcast.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E19: Being - Public Interest and Professionalism
Lusani Mulaudzi, the HOD of Actuarial Science at UCT and a previous president of the Actuarial Society of South Africa, describes the role of a public interest actuary and highlights the importance of professionalism in all actuarial work.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E18: Becoming - Dealing with Failure
Nicole Hayes, an industrial and organisational psychologist, sheds some light on dealing with failure and keeping things in perspective.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E17: Being - ARM, the ACC and Ethics
Pieter Botha, a lecturer at UCT, chats about “the beast” (Actuarial Risk Management), the Actuarial Control Cycle and the importance of ethics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E16: Becoming - Investments, CERA and Tutoring
Eugine Mataramvura, a teaching assistant at UCT, discusses the actuarial discipline of investments, the CERA designation and his experience as a tutor.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E15: Being - Actuaries: Past, Present and Future
Prof Stephen Jurisich, the Director of Actuarial Studies at Wits, speaks to how the role of the actuary has evolved over time. This is a must listen!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E14: Becoming - Modelling and Public Health
Veena Thomas, a lecturing assistant at UCT who is pursuing her Masters in Public Health, outlines the importance of modelling as an actuarial skill and explains her studies in epidemiology and biostatistics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E13: Being - Banking and Wider Fields
Nadeem Naidoo, a qualified actuary employed by one of South Africa's most prestigious banks, describes the various roles actuaries can play in the banking space as well as touching on some of the wider fields in which actuaries operate.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E12: Becoming - Study Tips and Building Memory
Dr Chris Warton, a retired medical lecturer at UCT with a keen interest in psychiatry, gives some insightful tips on how best to study and retain information. This is a must listen for any student!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E11: Being - Risk Intelligence and Product Design
Aldu Duminy, a qualified actuary whose current job centers on product design, hilariously narrates his actuarial journey.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E10: Becoming - Fin Maths, Conties and Fin Ecos
Associate Professor Sure Mataramvura, an esteemed academic at UCT, helps listeners understand why actuaries need to master the subjects of Financial Maths, Life Contingencies and Financial Economics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E9: Being - Pensions
Megan Carswell, an academic actuary at Wits, succinctly describes her discipline of pensions and the role of the actuary in the retirement space.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E8: Becoming - Mentorship and Pricing
Pateka Bunyonyo tells her actuarial story and highlights the role of mentorship in this process. Jointly, she touches on the core actuarial function of pricing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E7: Being - CRO, GI and Microinsurance
The inspirational Amogelang Kgaladi gives a detailed interview about his actuarial journey which includes what it means to be a Chief Risk Officer, holding a practicing certificate in microinsurance, completing his MBA and working in the general insurance space (amongst other things). This is a must listen!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-ab
S1E6: Becoming - Actuaries, Economics and Accounting
Rivaj Maharaj, an actuarial science lecturer at Wits, masterfully summarizes why economics and accounting form part of the actuarial subject chassis.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E5: Being - Life and Resilience
Yuvanya Naidoo, a qualified actuary and consultant, speaks to her actuarial journey and discusses her area of specialization: life insurance.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E4: Becoming - Lies and Statistics
Mark Dowdeswell, a senior statistics lecturer at Wits, skillfully details the use case of statistics both within and outside of actuarial science. You'll have to listen to the episode to see where the "lies" come into it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E3: Being - Health and Technical Marketing
Lené Viljoen, Head of Discovery Health and Vitality Technical Marketing, unpacks the actuarial discipline of health and care insurance as well as highlighting the role of actuaries in the marketing space.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E2: Becoming - Road to Actuary
Adam Balusik, an actuarial science lecturer with a background in consultancy, artfully outlines the pathway to qualifying as an actuary.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/so-what-s-it-actuary-about--5899199/support.
S1E1: Time Zero
This is a particularly special episode as it introduces the heart behind this project as well as what to expect from the upcoming season. This episode is titled “Time Zero” which basically is an actuarial way of saying “let’s start at the beginning”. Your host, Margie Mackechnie, who is a qualified actuary, has a conversation with her brother, Andrew Mackechnie, who is an actuarial science student
