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Inside Story: David Hare

Published on: 8 May 2019

David HareWhere are you based?
Edinburgh.
 
What volunteer role(s) do you do for the IFoA?
Currently joint chair of the organising committee for the 2019 IFoA Asia conference. Also IFoA Membre Suppléant at the Actuarial Association of Europe. 

How long have you been volunteering?
Since soon after I qualified in 1988. My first volunteer role was as the actuarial career adviser at Glasgow University – I didn’t realise that I was helping to recruit a future president when I met with a PhD student called John Taylor!
 
What’s involved in your role(s)?
Current role is to make the most of the skills and experience of the volunteer actuaries and events team members on the organising committee so that the conference in May is another successful IFoA event. 
 
What motivates you to volunteer for the IFoA?
It’s fun and worthwhile. A small profession like ours needs its members to volunteer if it is to continue to punch above its weight.  

What have you/do you hope to achieve in your volunteer role?  
For the Asia conference to be a really worthwhile event for those who attend, and to enhance the role of the IFoA in the region. 

What new skills or knowledge do you think you have developed?
I’ve learned a huge amount in my 30 years of volunteering – not just about actuarial matters, but also governance skills and strategic thinking.

Has this assisted your lifelong learning?
Hearing others’ views has really helped my understanding of actuarial issues. 
 
Do you think volunteering has helped you in your day job?
Very much so.
 
Have there been any memorable moments?
Lots, particularly during my time on the presidential team. 
 
How do you balance your day job and your volunteer role?
Now that I’m semi-retired, it’s not an issue. In the past, I didn’t balance things well – and didn’t get enough sleep as a result!
 
How do you relax away from the office?
Spending time with my family, playing the piano, reading books and walking the dog – we have what we think is the cutest cocker spaniel in the world!

What would you say to others considering a volunteer role?
Just do it. It will be time well spent. 

Who is your role model – in life or in business?
My late businessman-friend, Don Davidson – the most encouraging person I have had the privilege to know. 

What was your earliest dream job?
Being a concert pianist. 

What word best describes you?
Thoughtful.
 
Do you prefer a staycation or holiday abroad? 
Abroad – Scotland is beautiful, but we all need vitamin D!
 
If you were locked in a famous building for one night...which would it be and why? 
The Rijksmuseum – to get an unhurried chance to enjoy the Vermeer paintings. 
 
What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career to date?
Presenting a President’s Award to my wife, Caroline, and son, Iain, to thank them for putting up with all my volunteering!