Q&A with EQT's new Head of Cash and Fixed Income
From "submarine captain" to his new role as head of fixed Income at Equity Trustees, Lance Pupelis has had quite a career. Read what he is looking forward to in the new role, what he believes you need to embrace for a long career in this industry and why sometimes he chooses to "extro" up a bit.
From "submarine captain" to his new role as head of fixed Income at Equity Trustees, Lance Pupelis has had quite a career. Read what he is looking forward to in the new role, what he believes you need to embrace for a long career in this industry and why sometimes he chooses to "extro" up a bit.
What are you most looking forward to in the new role?
I am excited to be joining the high calibre investment team at Equity Trustees to help develop and deepen their investment offerings, especially in the fixed income area, which I believe remains an important part of all investor portfolios.
What skill do you think is paramount in working in the financial services industry?
The ability to absorb a wide variety of inputs from economics, to geopolitics, to humble office gossip. The collective mood of society helps drive investment returns and being a bit of a sponge soaking up available information helps frame your outlook & portfolio views.
If you could give advice to someone starting out in the industry what would it be?
The post-GFC world has seen a massive swing in the "regulatory pendulum" towards far greater oversight, accountability & responsibility. If you aspire to a long career in this industry you will need to embrace it and work with it.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
The industry by its nature seems to have more extroverts than statisticians have laid out for our guidance, but there are times when you need to be seen and heard. I am a quieter type who has learned that sometimes you've just got to "extro" up a bit!
What was your very first job?
At around age 16 I was a "submarine captain" at a local shopping mall as part of entertaining young children before delivering them to Santa at Christmas. By age 18 I had the Santa job which I did for five years while studying at Uni. I still like to occasionally wear a red shirt!
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
Do you mean aside from being a highly skilled & talented fixed income manager? I do consider myself a successful husband having been happily married for nearly 29 years (although I can't speak for my wife!) and outside of work I love following my 11 year old son's basketball & football pursuits. We are also all long suffering & very passionate supporters of the mighty Saints in the AFL...one day!
