How to build an independent consulting business with Syed Raza

Experienced actuary Syed Raza shares his lessons from building an independent consulting business.

Syed Raza is an independent actuarial consultant and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in life insurance and annuities. After spending much of his career in traditional actuarial roles, Syed made the leap into independent consulting, where he now advises insurers, consultancies, and startups on complex valuation, modelling, and transformation initiatives.

In addition to his consulting work, Syed is the creator of MyActuary Weekly, a widely read newsletter and media platform focused on the business side of actuarial careers, independent consulting, and emerging trends like AI in insurance. Through his writing, speaking, and community-building efforts, Syed helps actuaries think beyond technical work and take greater ownership of their careers.

Syed is passionate about empowering actuaries to build flexible, fulfilling careers while creating real-world impact through their actuarial “superpowers.”

In this interview, Syed shares: 

-         Why he left a safe actuarial career path to become an independent consultant, 

-         The biggest lesson he learned from his experience as an independent consultant, and 

-         His advice for actuaries considering starting their own consulting business.

Connect with Syed on LinkedIn.

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn.  

Read Julia’s leadership development books written especially for actuaries:

• For new and aspiring managers: "Aspiring Actuarial Leaders: The Modern Manager’s Toolkit"
• For new and aspiring senior leaders: "Senior Leadership: An Essential Guide for Actuaries"

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