Are captives the Swiss Army Knives of insurance? 

Rob Walling discusses what makes hybrid captives such a versatile tool to manage risk.

A year and a half ago, I moved to Biltmore Lake, North Carolina. One of the most beautiful natural vistas in this area is the view of Scott Mountain. The north face of the mountain, up to a section of the mountain called Scott’s Ridge, is owned by the Cecil family. After a long period of ownership, the Cecils made the decision last year to sell the 138 acres that make up Scott’s Ridge. I would hate for it to become a condominium development – but, as it turns out, Pinnacle has a client that can help conserve this natural beauty..

I had an interesting conversation with a colleague the other day about the difference between being a consultant and a trusted advisor. 

There’s been a lot of ink spilled over the difference. Increasingly, companies have marketed advisory services as a replacement or supplement to consulting services. Although the distinction between the two can seem unclear, there is separation.

I have been thinking about an experience I had when I was young that had a formative impact on the direction of my professional life. 

When I was in grade school, I volunteered as a crossing guard, helping younger students safely cross the streets before and after school. After serving as a crossing guard for one year, I applied to be a “lieutenant.” However, I was shocked to be told that girls couldn’t be considered for this role. Subconsciously, this experience influenced my career; instead of making me accept the role I was supposed to fulfill, it gave me the push I needed to take up space in the world. 
When I was in grade school, I volunteered as a crossing guard, helping younger students safely cross the streets before and after school. When I was in grade school, I volunteered as a crossing guard, helping younger students safely cross the streets before and after school. 

Not too long ago, I received the news that I failed my most recent actuarial exam. Those familiar with the actuarial examination process know that this is an agonizing feeling (in fact, the Wall Street Journal published an article in December 2021 about the challenges of actuarial exams). To make matters worse, it was the fourth time I scored just under a passing score of 6 during my exam journey. 

When faced with discouragement, it’s all too easy to admit defeat. So how can we keep going when it feels like a win is out of reach?