Scroll to Body Content
FINANCE - MATHEW MASTERS OM'91
What is your profession and current position?
I currently run the listed equity investment portfolio for Caledonia Investments, which is a listed Investment Trust with assets of £2.5Bn. We recently announced that in July 2022 I will take over as the CEO of Caledonia Investments.
How did Monkton get you ready for the world of work?
Independence & team work! One of the benefits of boarding is that you can no longer rely on your parents to sort everything out for you and so you get used to taking responsibility for yourself. I think this helps develop independence. Equally whether it was working on the set for a school play, team sports or even living within your house community you develop interpersonal and team working skills.
What is your biggest professional achievement?
So far this would be developing a team of investors who deliver exceptionally good results for our shareholders and have rewarding careers. I am at a stage in my career where my personal achievements are becoming less well defined. Organisational success is more reliant on a talented group working effectively as a team than any one individual.
What has been your most challenging professional moment?
I failed to secure a particular job at a company I really wanted to work at. I had mentally built my future on the back of securing this role and when I failed to get it I thought that was it! I thought that particular judgement on me was representative of everyone in the Industry and so I was just not good enough. With the benefit of hindsight and whilst I am sure I would have liked working for that company not securing a job there turns out to have been the best thing for me. There is a saying – as one door closes another opens – and whilst this is really tough to digest in the moment it is so true.
What inspires and motivates you at work?
My colleagues. I think few people are purely motivated by money. We are motivated by our colleagues who are often our friends and feel like our family.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with pupils or OMs about getting into your profession?
Becoming an investor is on one hand very easy and on the other very hard! All you need to start is a library card (there are loads of books to read) and a computer (to surf the internet and invest your own money). If you find the energy and interest to do this then you know you are on the right path and you have started investing. The personal journey you will inevitably go along will be invaluable to you and your chances of getting on the career ladder. Getting a job in an investment company is tough. Successful candidates have good academics, demonstrate commitment to the industry and are good communicators. There are plenty of jobs though and someone has to get them.