David Smith of Lane Clark & Peacock
Employer and area of work
Lane, Clark & Peacock, pensions actuarial.
How would your best friend describe you?
As a 'yes' man - I seldom say no to anything, be it work or buying the next round...
What motivates you?
Happiness and making the most of every opportunity.
What would be your personal motto?
Relax! It could be worse...
Who do you most admire and why?
Entrepreneurs who have had a brainwave and made it happen.
What's your most 'actuarial' habit?
I love statistics - my friends and I once created a spreadsheet of graded reviews of the bangers and mash served by every pub/restaurant in Winchester, across eight different criteria.
Favourite Excel function?
Definitely VLookUp, to avoid the unfathomable Index/Match.
How do you relax away from the office?
Playing golf and watching Formula One.
Alternative career choice?
Doesn't everyone dream of being a rock star? Either that or a professional sportsman, but not in cricket
Tell us something unusual about yourself I appeared on Countdown, mainly to meet Nick Hewer. The man did not disappoint!
Greatest risks ever taken?
Asking my girlfriend to marry me - luckily it paid off! And paying a friend to book me a 'surprise' holiday. New York and Las Vegas made for an amazing result.
What's your most treasured possession?
My music collection - I'd be lost without it.
What are your top three things to achieve in your lifetime?
1. To have a happy, healthy family
2. To qualify as an actuary
3. To learn a foreign language
If you ruled the world, what would you change first?
I'd instigate world peace, then make premium sports TV channels free for all.