Academic Actuaries with Simon Guthrie and Martin Mulcare

Tell us what you thought of this episode! **What would you change in the actuarial syllabus?**  It’s the question that lands every time someone says the syllabus hasn’t changed much since they studied. Simon Guthrie’s answer is refreshingly honest - and it might change how you think about preparing the next generation.  In this episode, guest host Martin Mulcare talks with Simon, Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University. Simon’s path wasn’t a straight line. He went from PwC consulting to the founding actuarial team at the NDIA, then to academia in 2018, a move he’d never planned. He explains what an academic actually does all day, why he feels the weight of being a gatekeeper to the profession, and how his PhD on the long-term costs of severe traumatic brain injury could shape insurance and disability policy.  **Key takeaways**  - **Understand** the 40/40/20 split of what a balanced academic role involves: teaching, research and service - **Trust** solid foundations over crystal balls - the actuaries who’ve pushed the profession forward all started with the same training - **Recognise** the responsibility of the gatekeeper role, where a few marks can decide who earns an exemption - **Apply** research to real problems, so good work doesn’t end up gathering dust on a report on a shelf - **Consider** the move into academia if teaching and broader impact get you out of bed. For Simon, nothing beats watching former students return as qualified actuaries and share the great work they’re doing Simon’s tip for any actuary considering a move to academia? “Go for it.” Just expect quieter, closed-door offices instead of a bustling open-plan workplace.  If you were designing the syllabus from scratch, what would you keep - and what would you dare to take out?  *This episode was guest-hosted by Martin Mulcare.*  Connect with Simon on LinkedIn. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.  Views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent the views of their places of work.   Click here to learn more about the Guardian Actuarial Leadership Program. Read Julia’s leadership development books written especially for actuaries: - For new and aspiring managers: "Aspiring Actuarial Leaders: The Modern Manager’s Toolkit" - For new and aspiring senior leaders: "Senior Leadership: An Essential Guide for Actuaries" We are featured in the Top 21 Actuary Podcasts on Feedspot. Feedspot is an RSS Reader that lets you follow your favourite podcasts, blogs, and news in one place. Thank you for listening to the We Are Actuaries podcast. Connect with Julia and Guardian Actuarial on LinkedIn. For more interviews and articles, visit our website.