Can you provide an overview of your book and how it addresses key challenges in the world today?
Where There Is Risk, There Is an Actuary was created from a gap I personally experienced while entering the actuarial profession — the lack of mentorship, structured guidance, and awareness.
When I began my journey in 2014 in Visakhapatnam, I was the only candidate at my exam centre. There was no mentor, no peer group, and no consolidated resource explaining what the profession truly involved. Over time, I realized this was not an isolated case but a systemic issue affecting many students, especially from smaller cities.
The book directly addresses this gap by combining foundational knowledge of actuarial science with real-life stories from professionals across industries. In a world increasingly shaped by risks — climate change, pandemics, financial instability, and healthcare challenges — actuaries play a crucial role in building resilience. However, India has only a small number of qualified actuaries compared to its needs. This book aims to help bridge that gap.
2. What inspired you to write this book, and what specific expertise or experiences do you bring to the subject matter?
The inspiration for this book was deeply personal. I initially began writing articles about the actuarial profession, but as the content expanded, it naturally evolved into a book.
I come from a commerce background and a city with limited exposure to actuarial science. I entered the profession without knowing a single actuary personally. My journey involved self-learning, professional exams, mentorship experiences, teaching, and industry exposure.
By the time I became a Fellow in 2022, I had worked across Swiss Re, academia, and currently in product leadership at CreditAccess Life Insurance. This combination of technical expertise, lived experience, and teaching perspective helped shape the book into a guide that is both practical and relatable.
3. Could you share some of the most valuable insights or takeaways that readers can expect from your book?
The book highlights several important insights:
- Actuarial science is far more accessible than commonly believed. Students from commerce, engineering, and other backgrounds can succeed in this field.
- The profession extends far beyond traditional insurance roles into fintech, banking, healthcare analytics, climate risk, and public policy.
- Actuaries are now working with global companies and contributing to solving real-world problems at scale.
- Mindset is the most important factor for success — resilience, curiosity, and long-term thinking matter more than any single academic background.
These insights help demystify the profession and encourage more students to explore it confidently.
4. Can you highlight any case studies or real-world examples from your book that illustrate the principles you discuss?
The second part of the book features real-life stories of actuaries that bring the profession to life:
- S. Gopalakrishnan rose from an actuarial apprentice at LIC to becoming a CEO and later an independent board director, demonstrating the power of openness and long-term vision.
- Paulami Goon transitioned from global reinsurance firms to microinsurance work in Mumbai’s underserved communities, showcasing the social impact of actuarial science.
- Rohan Gupta, India’s first actuarial PhD, overcame academic setbacks and self-doubt to build a career in actuarial science and data science.
These narratives reflect resilience, diversity of career paths, and the real-world impact of actuarial work.
5. Were there any particular challenges or obstacles you encountered while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?
Yes, several challenges shaped the writing process:
- Limited time due to professional commitments caused delays and interruptions.
- Changes in publishing teams and coordination with Indie Press extended timelines.
- As a photo-driven and story-based book, aligning visuals, feedback, and narrative flow required extensive iteration.
- Writing about a profession I was actively part of required balancing honesty with responsibility — being realistic without discouraging readers.
These challenges were overcome through persistence, structured feedback (including student beta readers), and a strong focus on the intended audience.
6. What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book, and how do you envision it making a positive impact on their lives?
I hope readers, especially students at career crossroads, gain:
- A clear understanding of what actuarial science actually involves
- Confidence that the profession is accessible regardless of background
- Real-life stories that make the profession relatable
- A practical self-assessment framework to evaluate career fit
- An appreciation of how actuarial science contributes to building a more resilient world
Ultimately, I hope the book acts as a mentor — reducing confusion, uncertainty, and lack of guidance for aspiring actuaries.
7. In a rapidly changing environment, how does your book stay relevant and adaptable for readers over time?
The book is intentionally designed to remain relevant over time by focusing on principles rather than technical details.
While exam structures, tools, and industry practices will continue to evolve, the core mindset of an actuary — analytical thinking, adaptability, and risk awareness — remains constant.
The book emphasizes how actuarial thinking applies across industries and how professionals must continuously adapt to emerging challenges such as AI, climate risk, and global uncertainty. This ensures its long-term relevance beyond immediate industry changes.
Discover the world of actuarial science, real-life journeys, and the future of risk management.
Get your copy of Where There Is Risk, There Is an Actuary by Anjani Choudhary on Amazon today.
