Meet the manager: Cat McDonald
Partner at Albion Capital, which manages the Albion VCTs.
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
I’d love a job either as a journalist covering the intersection of finance, trade, technology and international development (somewhere like the Economist or FT), or else working with a government institution to shape international economic policies.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
I joined Albion in 2018 as an associate. A lot has changed since and I am proud of how the firm constantly evolves and how carefully the team thinks about mentorship and promoting the next generation. In that context, I was especially proud to have been promoted to partner last year.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
The hardest part of my career was probably my last year in investment banking – there are only so many years of 3am finishes six days a week until you lose your sense of humour.
On the weekends I try to switch off by getting outdoors. I spend a lot of time running up, skiing down, and jumping off mountains (paragliding). It is the best way to clear your head and come back focused on a Monday!
Cat McDonald, partner at Albion Capital, which manages the Albion VCTs
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Byron Wien released his 20 lessons learned when he turned 80 (2013). I was 20 years old at the time, and I reread them every year. One lesson I read when I was 20 and still sticks with me now is this: “Younger people are naturally insecure and tend to overplay their accomplishments. Most people don’t become comfortable with who they are until they’re in their 40s. By that time, they can underplay their achievements and become a nicer, more likeable person. Try to get to that point as soon as you can.”
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
I like a stark contrast between my weekdays and weekends! Work revolves around offices, screen time, back-to-back meetings, and information overload. On the weekends I try to switch off by getting outdoors. I spend a lot of time running up, skiing down, and jumping off mountains (paragliding). It is the best way to clear your head and come back focused on a Monday!
Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?
I’m an avid reader and listener of The Economist. I enjoyed their recent podcast series “Scam Inc” which delves into the growing and opaque world of cybersecurity, fraud, and crime. It brought to life my thesis at Albion of investing in mission-driven companies that address big existential threats – sectors like cybersecurity, digital risk and fraud are not only financially promising investments, but so crucial to society.
Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?
Australia with family for a wedding and camping in the Blue Mountains.
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
I’ve done lots of marathons and ultra marathons but never truly pushed myself to achieve my “best possible” time with intense training and optimal preparation. I’ve signed up to run the Geneva marathon in May, so maybe this will be the one! I also had quite a chaotic travel schedule in 2024, so I am looking forward to a bit more time with family in 2025.
