Meet the Manager: Jon Forster

If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?

Quite hard to imagine after 24 years in my current role. I did at one point consider getting involved in disaster relief – Médecins Sans Frontières or similar. It would be something that has a direct impact on the lives of people in need, and something with a fast tempo.

What was the proudest moment of your career?

One highlight was in the tail end of 2018, when we had our first issuance of shares in IEM following a strong recovery in performance and a lot of hard work. I look forward to being in that position again in time.

What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?

Environmental markets are prone to extended periods of outperformance, as well as underperformance, lasting sometimes two or three years. We had one such period of underperformance in 2010 to 2012 and the last three years have also been challenging. Weathering extended periods of challenge is part of the job, and I hope we have done a good job of clearly and openly discussing challenges faced and actions taken to remedy them.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Work diligently to find the job that you love. This is the best and maybe only way to really excel at what you do. Be careful to maintain balance in your life. Work hard, but also invest in yourself and in your relationships with family and friends. Balance means you will do a better job in each area. Do not be afraid to try and fail. Learn your lessons and move on.

Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?

I have always wanted to add something creative into my day-to-day life. Having “fiddled” with the guitar over the years, I finally started having lessons about six months ago and am enjoying it hugely. It has me doing things I thought I would never do (singing!) and is very therapeutic at the end of a day of fund management. 

Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?

I recently re-read Thinking Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman. A dense read, but important to be aware of our behavioural tendencies and how they colour decision making.

Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?

I have just returned from a two week trip to Costa Rica, where we travelled extensively with our two children. One of the countries with the highest level of biodiversity in the world, with 12,000 plant species, 1,200 butterflies and 650 mammals. It offered the chance to experience pristine environment and wildlife, including sloths, howler monkeys (daily 04.15 wake up call) and humpback whales (mothers with new-born babies).

In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?

Looking to get out more in nature – longer hikes on the South Downs Way. Also looking to have more fun, especially with my 11 and 14 year old children, who are growing up fast. Enjoy every day!