Q&A with Stephen Karrasch
Former OneVue group head of sales Stephen Karrasch has been appointed as head of sales at Philo Capital Advisers. The prize-winning diamond enthusiast and self-confessed extroverted ex-stock broker talks to Industry Moves about his passion for share-investing and what he's most looking forward to in the new role.
Former OneVue group head of sales Stephen Karrasch has been appointed as head of sales at Philo Capital Advisers. The prize-winning diamond enthusiast and self-confessed extroverted ex-stock broker talks to Industry Moves about his passion for share-investing and what he's most looking forward to in the new role.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Assisting enlightened dealer groups & advisers to build better investment portfolios for clients and create more sustainable revenue streams that will lift the value of their businesses. The U.S market is leading the way here, but we have better solutions in this country for the progressively minded.
How will it most differ from your previous role at OneVue?
The proximity to share-markets and an in-house team of dedicated professional investment managers. I'm an ex-stockbroker with a passion for share investing.
What skill do you think is paramount in working in the financial services industry?
The ability to continuously learn & adapt. An ex-CEO of mine gave me a simple tip - read one new thing about your profession every day. I try to.
Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? And why?
An extrovert, who has learnt how to actively listen. I'm a people person who likes to push the boundaries.
What was your very first job?
A chemist run on my bike at age 13 (delivering prescriptions to the elderly). My first work-day (post university) was as a phone-clerk & trainee operator on the Sydney stock exchange trading floor in Bond St. Remember the old "open-outcry" trading system, before online automated trading - good old days those!
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
I'm a jack of all trades, master of none. I bare-foot water-ski & I'm a prize-winner for lapidary at the Royal Easter Show - I find diamonds magnetic.
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
I volunteer monthly at a homeless men's shelter in Redfern. It's managed by a great charity called Cana Communities
