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Actuary of the future: JASVIR GREWAL

Published on: 7 Oct 2020

Jasvir GrewalWhere are you based?

London, UK.

What volunteer role(s) do you do for the IFoA?

Member of the Risk Management Board and Cyber Risk Working Party; lead for the ‘Effectiveness of ERM Frameworks’ IFoA COVID-19 Action Taskforce workstream.

What’s involved in your role(s)?

A wide variety! Researching, presenting, preparing sessional papers and organising events, as well as reaching out and networking with the actuarial community.

What motivates you to volunteer for the IFoA?

Continuing development, as well as working on interesting topics.

What have you/do you hope to achieve in your volunteer role?  

I love being able to network with a wider range of actuaries than I would reach in my day job, and regularly interacting with actuaries from across the globe.

What new skills or knowledge do you think you have developed?

Confidence to set up my own initiatives.

Has this assisted your lifelong learning?

I have enjoyed learning about actuarial work and current topics in industries different from my own.

Do you think volunteering has helped you in your day job?

It’s helped with networking and making the actuarial community feel ‘smaller’.

Have there been any memorable moments?

I had the chance to help set up a series of ‘giving back’ charity events, combining creativity and my passion for giving back with networking.

How do you balance your day job and your volunteer role?

I treat volunteering as an extra-curricular activity to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the day job.

How do you relax away from the office?

Zumba, finding new places to explore in London and listening to Taylor Swift!

What would you say to others considering a volunteer role?

In the words of the catchy 90s song, “you get what you give”.

Who is your role model – in life or in business?

My parents, who instilled resilience and a strong work ethic, and encouraged me to follow my dreams.

What was your earliest dream job?

Being an astronaut or a CEO.

What word best describes you?

Inquisitive.

Do you prefer a staycation or holiday abroad?

I like embracing a new culture, its food, history and traditions, even if only for a while. However, at the moment, going home to Wolverhampton will have to do!

If you were locked in a famous building for one night...which would it be and why?

The Vatican vaults, on the condition that there were no spiders! I would love to delve into all the secrets, but a single night probably wouldn’t be enough…

What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career to date?

I’m thrilled that the work of the ‘Silent Cyber’ sub-stream of the Cyber Working Party has been shortlisted for the Campaign of the Year award by Insurance Insider. It’s great that the work we’re doing has been acknowledged not just by members within the actuarial community but also by the insurance industry itself.

Jasvir Grewal Actuary at Arcus 1856, a Lloyd’s of London syndicate.