Q&A with Paul Bolinowsky on his new role as CEO of Glennon Capital
Paul Bolinowsky, who has worked for some of the industry's largest global firms, has taken the reins as CEO of Glennon Capital, a boutique investment manager based in Sydney. Paul tells Industry Moves what drew him to the role, touches on the unique challenges involved in leading a small business, and how his degree in psychology proved excellent training for a career in finance.
Paul Bolinowsky, who has worked for some of the industry's largest global firms, has taken the reins as CEO of Glennon Capital, a boutique investment manager based in Sydney. Paul tells Industry Moves what drew him to the role, touches on the unique challenges involved in leading a small business, and how his degree in psychology proved excellent training for a career in finance.
What drew you to Glennon Capital and the role of CEO?
When I was introduced to the owner of the business, I quickly formed the view that there was something special here.
The investment offerings had excellent long term performance records, the investment process was robust and erring on the conservative, and there was a clear passion and energy to build a portfolio of long-term client relationships. I thought that journey might be fun to be a part of.
Being a CEO of a small business presents a unique set of challenges. Yes, it's still critical to shape a culture and a belief system, but it's mandatory to be a doer. We need to plan, prioritise, execute and be accountable for every decision we take. No passengers.
What are your plans for the role in the next 12 months?
In short, we need to build industry awareness of Glennon Capital's brand, its capabilities and its relevance to a client's broader investment strategy. This involves introducing the firm to both institutional and wholesale clients, along with the intermediaries who assist them. We often feel compelled to forecast growth targets in our industry and these targets are usually fraught with error. If we execute well, clients will partner with us and the growth will come.
How as your previous experience prepared you for this role?
I have spent most of my career working for large, global investment firms. These assignments have exposed me to investment capabilities across the risk spectrum, with a broad range of investment styles and approaches. I feel I have been privy to most of the rhetoric our industry is able to produce! The opportunity to work with a local "manufacturer" is both refreshing and exciting. We are totally focused on the investment capabilities we produce and the need for them to have a positive impact on our clients.
Have you had a mentor or someone who has greatly influenced your life/career?
Yes. He was an executive in the technology industry who I worked with very early in my career. He taught (and showed) me how to respond to adversity. He also introduced me to the art of negotiation and the notion that a positive outcome can almost always be achieved. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson I ever learned.
You originally studied Psychology. What led you to a career in finance?
What better training could you have to help you deal with the personalities who shape the investment industry? Seriously, my tertiary studies gave me an excellent grounding in research methods, quantitative methods and writing. It was excellent grounding for a generalist. Why finance? In truth, finance found me. I do believe fate plays a role in one's career journey.
Where did you grow up and what was it like
I grew up in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne, in a lower middle class area. It was diverse, the school yard was at times violent, I made some life friends and retain mostly happy memories.
If you could give advice to your 21 year-old self, what would it be?
That question is almost an invitation to write a book! As a young person, circumstances often determine the early paths we follow. Sometimes that circumstance is necessity - the need to survive. More often, in a privileged society such as ours, young people do indeed have choices.
If so, my counsel would be "understand and follow your passion". If you love what you do, there's a good chance you will do it very well, and be happy. What more could you hope for?
Do have a secret skill or hidden talent?
Not really - I like words and am very attuned to how people express themselves. I also have an acute fondness for dogs, and enjoy training them.
