Success in investing goes beyond understanding markets and crunching numbers. For Ana Bessonova, Principal at QIC and a panelist on our Keystone Analyst Program, the real differentiators are conviction, humility, and self-belief. In an industry that demands sharp decision-making and constant growth, Ana’s insights offer a roadmap for analysts and investment professionals looking to grow, lead, and thrive.
Attitude trumps raw talent
Having the right mindset is non-negotiable in Ana’s view. “I will always choose attitude over talent,” she asserts. Her reasoning is clear: openness to feedback and a willingness to learn surpass innate ability, as these qualities drive adaptability and long-term growth.
At the core of this mindset is self-awareness — the ability to recognise your own blind spots and seek input, even when it challenges your gut instincts. Ana has spent years developing this skill and credits it as a game-changer in her career. “You can’t grow if you’re not willing to listen or reflect,” she says. She believes it’s this relentless drive to evolve is what sets great investors apart.
Conviction without arrogance
Conviction is essential in high-stakes situations, but Ana emphasises that true conviction isn’t about stubbornness, but rather a well-earned confidence. As she puts it, “It’s not about being right all the time. It’s about trusting the process, doing the work, and having confidence in the choices you make.”
That confidence comes from preparation. Ana’s approach is grounded in understanding the details and mastering the risk-reward trade-off. “When you walk into the room, you’re more prepared than you think. If you’ve done the work, you probably know more than half the people there.”
But conviction doesn’t happen in isolation. Testing ideas and asking for input from trusted colleagues is all part of the process. “If you develop your own thoughts but don’t test them with others, you’re missing a chance to build conviction,” she says. “Talking things through validates your thinking and makes your perspective stronger.”
There are no gold stars for figuring everything out by yourself. Asking for help shows that you’re willing to learn, grow, and deliver better results. It’s not a sign of weakness - it’s a sign of strength.
The strength of humility
Conviction may drive decisions, but humility keeps you grounded. Ana described a humbling moment that taught her this lesson firsthand. Early in her career, she overlooked the input of a junior colleague, assuming their insight was less valuable. It turned out that the colleague’s input was spot-on, and Ana now leverages that experience as a reminder to remain open to perspectives from all levels.
“The best decisions often emerge when you invite diverse perspectives. Staying open to others ensures you’re seeing the bigger picture,” she reflects.
Self-belief is your anchor
Self-belief is more than just a personal strength; it’s a professional necessity that has carried Ana through challenges and moments of self-doubt. “When I hit setbacks, I lean on my sense of purpose and remind myself why I started this career and the value I wanted to create,” she reflects.
Even with her success, Ana admits that the struggle with imposter syndrome is a constant companion. “That little voice in your head keeps telling you that you don’t belong, but it’s ongoing work to understand that you do bring value,” she shares candidly.
Her advice is both practical and empowering: “There are no gold stars for figuring everything out by yourself. Asking for help shows that you’re willing to learn, grow, and deliver better results. It’s not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength.”
Ana’s advice for investment analysts
As a panelist on our upcoming Keystone Program, Ana is keen to share her insights and advice for building a successful investing career, including this gem, “Don’t wait to be invited to the table. Pull up a chair.” Here’s some other practical advice:
Curious about Keystone?
If you’re ready to build conviction and confidence to accelerate your investment career, join our Keystone Analyst Program. Develop your skills, build your network, and make your mark.
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Conviction is not about being right all the time. It’s about trusting the process, doing the work, and having confidence in the choices you make.
Future IM/Pact is a collaborative initiative across the investment management industry aimed at increasing representation of female investors and creating workplace cultures where everyone can flourish.
Future IM/Pact is a collaborative initiative across the investment management industry aimed at increasing representation of female investors and creating workplace cultures where everyone can flourish.
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