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03
People & Social News

Actuary of the future: Bronagh Traynor

Open-access content Wednesday 2nd March 2016 — updated 5.50pm, Wednesday 29th April 2020

Actuary of the future: Bronagh Traynor

2

Employer and area of work

Invesco Ireland - pensions and investments

How would your best friend describe you?

Loyal, hardworking, smart, but with a few blonde moments added into the mix and always the last to be at the party.

What motivates you? 

On a Monday morning, very little. I set myself goals and with my relentless attitude to succeed I continue until I surpass them.

What would be your personal motto? 

Carpe diem.

Name five dream companions to be stuck on a desert island with?

Bill Gates - to provide some insight on how to make millions, Lady Gaga for entertainment, Dara Ó Briain to make light of the situation, Barack Obama and Richard Branson - to get us
off again.

What's your most 'actuarial' habit? 

Using spreadsheets for everything. I use them for creating lists, planning events, monthly budgeting and keeping my diary in order.

Favourite Excel function?

PROPER - I think it's the attention to detail that makes things stand out.

How do you relax away from the office?

When not studying I enjoy playing tag rugby, trampolining and baking. Anyone that has seen my wardrobe knows that shopping is never too far off my mind at any time.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

On a recent night out I was wearing a pencil skirt with a zip that went the whole way up the back. While trying to bust some awesome moves on the dance floor, the zip burst leaving me with a gaping split in my skirt.

Alternative career choice?

I have always have had a fascination with hats. I love all their different shapes and colours, and if I wasn't studying towards the fellowship, I would be a milliner.

What song best describes your work ethic?

Never Gonna Give You Up, by Rick Astley

Greatest risk you have ever taken?

Last year, I took part in a skydive from 10,000 feet over County Kilkenny in Ireland. I put my life in the hands of a qualified instructor (well, that's what we were told). While I was parachuting back down I was given the chance to take the reins..

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? 

I would like to meet Nelson Mandela. He was a man of great courage, fighting for racial equality in his native home and gave us some great inspirational quotes..

If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why?

Cate Blanchet, as I think she bears some resemblance with her blonde hair. She already has experience in the Irish accent, so she might be able to master the Northern Irish one without making it sound American.

If you could be anyone else, who would it be?

Chris Hadfield - after reading his recent book about his space explorations, he has definitely seen the world through different windows.


.

This article appeared in our March 2016 issue of The Actuary .
Click here to view this issue

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