Actuary of the Future: Neha Dedakia
Employer and area of work
Macquarie, infrastructure debt.
How would your best friend describe you?
Fun-loving, down-to-earth, feisty and driven.
What motivates you?
Not having to be that person who calculates how much to increase the innocent man's car insurance by each year.
What is your personal motto?
Never let your fear decide your fate.
Name five dream companions to be with on a desert island?
Beyoncé for campfire sing-alongs; Edward Snowden for mindful entertainment; Heston Blumenthal for good food and Indra Nooyi because they say your qualities are the average of five people you spend the most time with. I'd happily be a highly driven businesswoman with culinary skills who releases hit songs with proceeds donated to charity. Fifth would be Aladdin's genie so we can all leave the island once I become this person.
What's your most 'actuarial' habit?
I'm quite picky about the formatting of my emails, Excels, etc.
Favourite Excel function?
If you have a favourite you're doing Excel wrong. Combinations are the way to go.
How do you relax?
I work in investment banking, not insurance there's rarely such thing! Dancing, painting and backpacking are my favourite escapes when time permits.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
I fell off the top of a bouldering wall.
Alternative career choice?
Growing up I wanted to be an astronaut.
What song best describes your work ethic?
"Don't stop, never give up, hold your head high and reach the top. Let the world see what you have got "
Greatest risk you have ever taken?
Supporting Liverpool FC. It's aged my heart about 50 years.
If you could go back in history, who would you meet?
Genghis Khan.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Priyanka Chopra because she's independent, funny, smart, Indian and can dance.
If you could be anyone else, who would it be?
Michelle Obama, because who wouldn't want a family like that?
Do you know an actuary destined for greatness? You can nominate an Actuary of the Future by emailing: [email protected]