Trailblazer
01 September, 2007
women
This month’s trailblazer, Helen Crofts,works at EJS Search and is a founder of
The-Women’s-Insurance-Net-Work, the
only insurance-focused forum for senior
women in the insurance industry.
What motivated you to pursue an actuarial
career and what contributed to your decision
to become an actuary?
Probably a fondness for expensive things
Like most of us, I was good at maths at school and
followed the careers advice to do A levels in maths,
further maths and physics. Hating physics made the
choice of university subject something of a nobrainer.
On graduation I knew I wanted to work with
numbers and rejected accountancy as being too run
of the mill after reading that 90% of all graduates
applied to be accountants.
Has the profession changed much since you
first came aboard?
Yes and no. Yes in that there are far more opportunities
in convergence areas such as banking and asset
management, also internationally.
No, in that despite recent woes I still believe that
the profession is a well-respected cornerstone of
intellectual capital within the insurance industry.
You are chair of The-Women’s-Insurance-
Net-Work. How did you get involved in this
and what does the network bring to its
members?
Peter Le Beau is a former colleague who has run a
very successful group called The-Net-Work for several
years now. I joined last year and have found it
to be a great way to meet new business contacts as
well as expand my horizons professionally. With
Peter’s encouragement and support I’m replicating
his model as a forum for women. Membership will
bring the opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals
in a professional yet fun environment and
participate in stimulating debate around relevant
industry topics.
You’re now working as a recruitment consultant
in the UK, how does this compare to
your previous job working in the life industry
in Bermuda?
The biggest difference has to be the commute! I used
to pedal my bike around the harbour, past the palm
trees, and wave at Bermuda’s favourite resident:
Johnny Barnes a retired chappie who stands on the
outskirts of the capital waving at the commuters and
wishing them a good day. He hasn’t missed a day in
about 24 years. These days I’m on a packed commuter
train from Winchester, and surely anyone
waving at the traffic on Waterloo Road would quickly
be sectioned!
What advice do you have for actuaries trying
to break into wider fields?
I would say be open-minded to new opportunities
and view your FIA badge as a means to an end and
an opener of new doors.
Of your many career accomplishments, what
do you consider the most satisfying?
I’m sure most actuaries agree that the moment you
find out you have qualified is very special I seem to
recall grinning manically for about a week. I’m also
proud of the success of XL Re’s Life business during
my tenure as the original actuary in the start-up
operation I was instrumental in developing a great
team and growing the business from scratch to a
mainstream player in the UK protection and annuity
market.
How do you personally measure success?
By being happy in what you are doing and having
pride in what you have done.
Are you proud of your profession?
Yes. Despite the turmoil of the last few years I still
believe that we can be proud of our profession and
continue to strive not to repeat the mistakes of the
past.
Do you feel your background as an actuary has
positively impacted your career?
Absolutely, and especially currently it gives me a
lot of credibility in my head-hunting role. I also think
having a professional qualification helps enormously
when returning to work part-time after having
children.
What is the most important lesson you’ve
learned in business?
I genuinely believe that relationships in business are
paramount. As a largely left-brained profession I think
this is often overlooked or viewed as a softer and
secondary issue.
What do you do to relax?
I need a fast horse and a long gallop. And I have to
reluctantly confess to being a bit obsessive about my garden. I think that’s a sign of ageing. I also love to
sew though have little time for that these days. I’m
hoarding up lots of projects for my retirement.
What words of wisdom would you like to
share with aspiring actuaries?
For anyone still studying I’d say have the determination
to see the exams through. It’s worth it! For anyone
qualified, be open-minded to new opportunities
and take the occasional risk. We’re notoriously riskaverse
as a profession, and while that’s probably a
good thing overall, sometimes it’s OK to live a little.
What mark or legacy would you like to leave
on the world?
Well, it might sound odd but I would like to make a
patchwork quilt that hangs in a museum one day.
