Don Ezra, thought leader and expert consultant on pensions

Ideas and Lives

Don Ezra describes growing up in Calcutta with a Bhagdadi Jewish heritage. He is grateful for the Catholic school he attended, especially how the teachers pushed students to investigate issues deeply. He naturally followed this approach, asking why and then asking why again. Don's education moved quickly, earning a BA by 18, studying economics and math at Cambridge University. He highlights the role of luck in helping him become an actuary, transferring to Canada, and leading a major practice at Russell Investments. Don discusses a range of his innovations analyzing and writing about the assets and liabilities sides of defined benefit pensions. As the interview concludes, Don talks about his post-full-time work activities in what he calls Life 2. His website, donezra.com, offers a wealth of material for the public on retirement planning, from dealing with longevity and inflation risks to improving sleep patterns.