Meet the manager: Dale Nicholls
Portfolio Manager of Fidelity China Special Situations.
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
I’d like to think I would have been a professional footballer! Maybe those days have passed now though. The other job would be developing resort properties in Asia. I am very much into architecture and design and there is huge potential in some less well-known locations, especially in Japan. Naturally, all of these places I would be very happy to escape to myself.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
Being selected to run Fidelity China Special Situations plc!
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
During the global financial crisis. It was unlike other corrections – a complete downward spiral, which meant it was very unclear what the worst case could look like. Household names were disappearing.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Take risks – don't be afraid to take a different path to the group. Believe in yourself. Associate with good people – and vice versa. Oh, and keep things in perspective – always have fun.
"Take risks – don't be afraid to take a different path to the group. Believe in yourself. Associate with good people – and vice versa. Oh, and keep things in perspective – always have fun".
Dale Nicholls
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
I love to travel and take photos (albeit lots of room for improvement there!) Weekends are time to chill but exercise is always a key part: yoga, running, swimming, plus a Sunday morning cross-fit session with a British ex-commando who is completely insane.
Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?
Just read The Power Law. It’s a pretty comprehensive review of "the history of venture capital". Fascinating to better understand the big wins and losses behind many iconic companies of our time and how they got their funding. In terms of music I am now a big fan of Baby Floyd from Bhutan.
Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?
Nepal and Bhutan. I climbed Pikey Peak, it is one of Edmund Hillary's favourites for its amazing views, both east and west. You can see 8 of the 14 8,000 metre peaks. We also stayed at a monastery on the way back, joining evening prayers and having poignant conversations with the monks. We visited many of the holiest places across both countries, taking the time to take them in and meditate in many of them. A true reset…
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
More peace and calmness. I think my time and experiences in Bhutan and Nepal brought new perspectives. Time to reduce unnecessary noise and focus more on the big picture – the things and people that really matter.
