Future Leaders Awards: spotlight on shortlisted investment professionals

Date: 20 Sep 2023

Ashleigh John

On 14 November 2023, Citywealth will be hosting its annual Future Leaders Awards, which celebrates young professionals in the wealth sector and highlight the leaders under 40 of today and tomorrow. In the run up to the Awards ceremony, when our winners will be announced, we are getting to know some of the professionals who have been shortlisted for an award this year.

In this week’s spotlight, we are focusing on those nominated in the Investment categories:

Laura Langton, JM Finn – shortlisted for Investment Manager of the Year

Thanh Cung, Julius Baer International Limited – shortlisted for Investment Manager of the Year

David Currier, Coutts – shortlisted Investment Director of the Year

Karen Lau, JM Finn – shortlisted for Investment Director of the Year

What is one part of your job that comes easily to you, and one part that does not? How do you approach/overcome the part that is more challenging?

Laura Langton: At JM Finn, we do not separate the client relationship role from the investment management decisions, which enables Investment Managers to have full responsibility for the management of a client’s wealth. I have always found the client relationship side of the role comes naturally to me, as I enjoy learning more about our clients and building a strong relationship in order to ensure that the service we are providing is of the highest standard and fully meets the requirements and expectations of our clients. Although having a degree in History has enabled me to develop my research and analysis skills, I do have to work harder at the specific financial scrutiny of companies and funds, as I did not study economics or finance at university. However, as Investment Managers we are incredibly well supported by our in-house research team, and we also have access to a wealth of investment research to assist with our decision making.

Thanh Cung: Taking in new information comes most easily for me. I remember growing up asking a lot of questions, sometimes to my parents and teachers’ annoyance. Still today, an engaging topic can send me “down the rabbit hole”. As a portfolio manager, I enjoy the constant learning, about new companies and their industries, or political developments and policy implications. On the other hand, helping private clients understand such technical information is challenging. Over time, it takes plenty of practice and constructive feedback. Before every client meeting, I try to understand their background, level of knowledge and interests. This helps me tune my focus and filter my messaging. Most importantly, I deliberately ask my colleagues for feedback afterwards.

David Currier: I particularly enjoy face to face meetings with clients and the hunt for new business. An area I often find challenging is ensuring all clients get the same level of top service. I approach this issue by being very methodical in nature to ensure every client is catered for with the correct level of care and attention.

Karen Lau: My role as an Investment Director encompasses 3 different aspects to include investment research, client relationship management and business development.  I enjoy the former two parts of my role and the part I find most challenging is business development but have found over the years that if you concentrate of doing a good job for your clients in portfolio performance and service, your clients are more comfortable making recommendations to their network and develop your business for you.

Which qualities do you think are necessary to make a good leader?

Laura Langton: I think one of the most important qualities of a good leader is setting the standard of the team and leading by example. In order to have buy in from your team, you need to show that you can “roll your sleeves up” and get involved when required, rather than expecting more from your staff than you are willing to do yourself. There is little room for error within the financial services industry, and therefore it is also important that all members of the team feel that they are adequately supported and can lean on their managers for advice and assistance when required. Therefore I think it is also imperative that good leaders have an approachable personality and are compassionate when issues arise, to ensure all of the team are working together efficiently and effectively.

Thanh Cung: For me, a good leader needs empathy, vision, and balance. Empathy helps a leader earn respect, build morale, and understand what motivates their team. A strong vision is critical for the team to unite and thrive, offering everyone a sense of purpose. More broadly, I think a successful leader often strikes a good balance between the many aspects of their role – between IQ and EQ, fairness and equality, perfection and practicality.

David Currier: The ability to listen, accept opposing views and to involve all members of the team in the task.

Karen Lau: I believe in leading by example and communicating your message effectively.  I respect a leader who understands their own strength and weaknesses and to build a interdependent team who work together to deliver the goals.

Tell us about something new that you’ve tried recently outside of work.

Laura Langton: I am currently training for the biggest challenge I have ever done, or likely will ever do: a 3,000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World’s Toughest Row. In order to prepare myself for the routine at sea, I have been sampling various dehydrated ration packs, which will be our main source of food whilst we are out there. We need to ensure our stomachs are used to the texture and flavour of the various meals before we head out into the ocean, however we have had mixed reviews so far and I can safely say there are some meals that should never be dehydrated!

Thanh Cung: I started to pick up white-water paddling a few years back, which fits perfectly with the UK’s moody seasonality. I joined an Introduction to White Water Kayaking course with Regents Canoe Club (based in Islington!) and has since paddled in many parts of the UK, from the Lake District to Wales and Scotland. It gave me the opportunity to explore the beautiful British countryside and enjoy different adventures in Slovenia and the French Alps.

David Currier: As a keen amateur [very] cook  and after a recent trip to the West Coast of Ireland, I have recently started to delved into the world of seafood cookery. This is evolving into trying not to poison my family at weekends and to enrol on several cooking classes.

Karen Lau: It’s more a re-visit than a new activity but I’ve started playing the piano again.  I had learnt as a child and am now relearning as an adult.  I find it peaceful and very easy to lose a few hours doing something I enjoy.

Winners of this year’s Awards will be announced at an exclusive event at The Clermont Hotel on 14 November 2023 and tickets are available to book here. Any questions about the Awards can be directed to Yipei Dong, ydong@citywealthmag.com.

On 4 October 2023, Citywealth will be publishing two Top 40 Under 40 lists – NextGen and NextGen IFC. Keep an eye on our Leaders List to see the final selections!