Meet the manager: Dan Higgins
Manager of Majedie Investments.
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
I’m amongst the fortunate few who get to do what they enjoy for a living. That said, I am especially interested in narratives and how they can affect people’s behaviour. So if I had to choose a different career, it might be in film.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
At my previous firm, Fauchier Partners, we navigated the global financial crisis on behalf of many charities, pension funds, institutions and individuals who had put their trust in us to build portfolios of hedge funds. It was a stressful but exciting time to be an investor, and an important reminder of the responsibility that comes with looking after other people’s money.
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
There have been two occasions when the partner-operated, entrepreneurial firm I had helped to build was bought by a large institution. I don’t think I am suited to working in a very large organisation, so each time I took the difficult decision to leave.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Trust your judgment. Never fear the consequences of doing something you believe to be right, even if others disagree. You have more time than you may realise.
“Trust your judgment…You have more time than you may realise.”
Dan Higgins, Manager of Majedie Investments
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
When I’m not spending time with my family, I find it most relaxing to do one thing to the exclusion of all other things. Hobbies include cooking, wine, learning guitar, reading, golf, tennis and competitive vegetable gardening.
Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?
I took Butter by Asako Yuzuki with me as my holiday reading. I’ve been listening to the In the Dark podcast, which says a lot about inequality in the US justice system. I’m digging into country and western music and was very excited that Sturgill Simpson just came out of retirement with a new album.
Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?
Our family just came back from a wonderful holiday in Japan. I’d been to Tokyo on numerous occasions but never to other parts of the country. There’s nowhere better for the food, people, countryside, culture and history. And the yen has been even weaker than the pound (we like a bargain).
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
I would like to train my whippet to obey me. At least occasionally.
