#10 David O’Brien is an open book
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In this episode of Open Books, host Pamela Hellig sits down with the Founder and Managing Director of the financial wellness business, Meerkat, David O’Brien, to talk about his career and philosophy via the books that have shaped him.
Having come from Ireland to Cape Town via the UK (to escape horizontal rain and other Northern Hemisphere perils), David’s career took him from corporate actuary of many years to what he defines as a social entrepreneur. His book selection reflects both his strong connection to his Irish heritage – home is where your rugby team comes from – and his outlook on luck, money and happiness. The conversation meanders through diverse topics, ranging from the incredible work on debt counselling and financial inclusion that David does at Meerkat, to his admiration of the actuarial profession. We also learn about his shopping addiction, his thoughts on social media, his passion for collecting things and his fascination with 20th century history, with the books providing thoughtful touchstones throughout.
David’s book picks:
Stirling's Men by Gavin Mortimer
The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal
The Pope's Children: Ireland's New Elite by David McWilliams
The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel
The Hungry Spirit by Charles Handy
Connect with David O'Brien on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbobrien/
Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
Having come from Ireland to Cape Town via the UK (to escape horizontal rain and other Northern Hemisphere perils), David’s career took him from corporate actuary of many years to what he defines as a social entrepreneur. His book selection reflects both his strong connection to his Irish heritage – home is where your rugby team comes from – and his outlook on luck, money and happiness. The conversation meanders through diverse topics, ranging from the incredible work on debt counselling and financial inclusion that David does at Meerkat, to his admiration of the actuarial profession. We also learn about his shopping addiction, his thoughts on social media, his passion for collecting things and his fascination with 20th century history, with the books providing thoughtful touchstones throughout.
David’s book picks:
Stirling's Men by Gavin Mortimer
The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal
The Pope's Children: Ireland's New Elite by David McWilliams
The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel
The Hungry Spirit by Charles Handy
Connect with David O'Brien on these platforms:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbobrien/
Insight LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insight-actuaries-&-consultants/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insight_za/
Visit our website: https://www.insight.co.za/
