James Moreland: Actuary of the future
Employer and area of work
Hymans Robertson, pensions.
How would your best friend describe you?
An excerpt from the best man's speech at my wedding was: "James is loyal, determined and hard working." But he also said: "James never did the dishes and was stingy about the heating."
What motivates you?
The sense of achievement when I've completed a difficult task - whether that is finishing a half marathon or solving a complex problem at work.
What would be your personal motto?
"Inch by inch, life's a cinch; yard by yard, life is hard."
Name five dream companions to be stuck on a desert island with?
Sir Ranulph Fiennes; Jonny Wilkinson; Michael McIntyre; Prince Harry; my wife, Rachel.
What's your most 'actuarial' habit?
I keep exceptionally detailed spreadsheets of my own personal finances.
If you could learn one random skill, what would you learn?
I'd love to improve my French and speak it fluently.
Favourite Excel function?
=YEARFRAC (start date, end date, basis) - number of years between two dates.
How do you relax away from the office?
Coming from the Highlands, I love mountains. There's nothing more relaxing than a few days in the hills.
Alternative career choice?
Royal Air Force. While at university I was a part of the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron and had an amazing time volunteering with Mountain Rescue.
What song best describes your work ethic?
Another [Transfer Value] Bites the Dust - Queen
Greatest risk you have ever taken?
At the age of nine I jumped off a moving train. I was on a family holiday in Portugal and we'd missed our stop so I just jumped off. My parents were horrified.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet?
US president Abraham Lincoln. He led the country through a turbulent time so I'm sure he'd be able to pass on some wisdom.
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you, and why?
Hugh Laurie, because he could capture my exuberant enthusiasm and cheeky, devilish sense of humour.
If you could be anyone else, who would it be?
James Bond (if fictional characters are allowed).
