Even though my colleagues advised against it, I opened my own consulting business nine years ago. Chalke Incorporated now has 35 employees, is the insurance industry's largest supplier of asset/liability analysis software, and provides consulting services to hundreds of insurers. I have found my niche developing new methods of analysis, bringing fundamentals from both economics and mathematics to bear on attacking business problems.

The path that led to my current position began with my deep interest in mathematics. I have been driven toward mathematics for as long as I can remember. By the time I was 13 or 14 years old, I knew that math was my forte. In junior high school I participated in an experimental math program that spurred my interest further.

During high school, I was a member of the math team and participated in a “5th year” math program. In college, I maintained my interest in mathematics by concentrating my studies in the area of probability and statistics. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute I learned about actuarial science. I took courses in life contingencies and theory of interest and developed an interest in insurance. I worked with WPI's actuarial science professor on an independent basis and designed and developed a life insurance product.

After college, I worked at State Mutual as an actuarial student for several years, where I gained a broad exposure to all aspects of life insurance.