087: How do you turn complex risk into a career you love with Catrin Townsend

Summary In this episode, Sandra speaks with Catrin Townsend about making actuarial work accessible, navigating career pivots with purpose, and building confidence in a field that is often misunderstood from the outside. Catrin shares how a chance role at Lloyd’s sparked her interest in actuarial science, what pricing looked like when risks were printed on a mouse mat once a year, and how the rise of machine learning has transformed the way insurers understand risk. She explains why statistics only reflect the past, why underwriters still play a critical role in shaping decisions, and how education becomes essential when you want people to trust new tools and approaches. Sandra and Catrin explore her transition from practitioner to educator, the process of writing Risky Business Book during maternity leave, and how motivation, rather than pressure, is what sustains big projects. They discuss how to test new career paths without taking big risks, why LinkedIn can feel human rather than performative, and how boundaries help you manage ambition alongside family life. Catrin also reflects on visibility, representation, and why she hopes the next generation will grow up seeing actuaries reflected in places they never expected, including in children’s storytelling and culture. Key Takeaways Actuaries quantify risk, turning ambiguity into something that can be priced, managed, or transferred. Technology has transformed pricing, moving from annual updates to fast, data-driven iteration. Education drives adoption, because people trust what they understand. Test new paths early, through internal networks, shadowing, and low-risk learning opportunities. Know your “why”, because motivation sustains difficult work longer than pressure ever will. LinkedIn works when it is conversational, not overly curated or robotic. Boundaries shift over time, and children adapt quickly when they understand the purpose behind your work. Representation matters, because seeing a role is often the first step to believing it is possible. Visibility builds community, and sharing achievements can strengthen confidence and connection. About the guest Connect with Catrin Townsend on LinkedIn Resource Catrin is the author of *Risky Business: Actuaries Quantifying and Managing Risk* and a recent Women in Insurance Awards winner. About the host Connect with Sandra Lewin on LinkedIn Sign up to ‘Coffee with Sandra’ newsletter to stay up to date on all 100 Women In Insurance and more. Join ‘The Pink Book’ Collective, private LinkedIn Group connecting women in insurance to find mentors, speaking opportunities and much more. Learn more about the 100 Women in Insurance Collective: www.100womenininsurance.com/collective