Katie Hill used to think she had to be someone else to succeed in investing. More technical, tougher, more textbook economist. But over time, she discovered that her real power came from embracing who she already was – original, curious, and bold. Now Senior Fixed Income Strategist at QIC, Katie has built a career by backing her strengths, learning from setbacks, and leading with authenticity.
At the upcoming Keystone Analyst Program panel, Katie will share the moments that reshaped her mindset and career – from early challenges with self-belief to finding her voice and leading with conviction. Her story offers a grounded and inspiring perspective for young investors: you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be real, self-aware and ready to grow.
Katie’s early years in investing were marked by a quiet insecurity. “I’ve always done better in environments where senior leaders had my back,” she reflects. It wasn’t until others mirrored her strengths back to her – her big-picture thinking, outside-the-box ideas, and capacity to stay grounded in complexity – that she began to truly own her value.
She started showing up differently. Less focused on technical perfection, more focused on strategic impact. She leaned into the work that energised her most – less in the weeds and more macro-level thinking, creative problem solving, and contributing to team culture through mentorship and honest conversation.
Confidence didn’t come overnight. Public speaking once felt like a major hurdle. A significant early-career trading loss also knocked her off balance. But with each challenge, Katie chose growth over self-doubt. “The trade lost money. I didn’t lose. I learned,” she says.
That mindset – resilient, ego-aware, and open to feedback – has become one of her greatest strengths. Through years of practice, breathing techniques, and discomfort, she’s grown into an impactful communicator and a trusted voice in investment strategy.
I’ve always done better in environments where senior leaders had my back
In 2022, Katie stepped out of a role that wasn’t aligned with her strengths and used the transition to reflect deeply. She reconnected with what she loved about the work – markets, economics, and the intellectual rigour of investing. But she also gave herself permission to show up differently.
“I stopped trying to be the ‘serious economist,’” she says. Instead, she embraced her natural warmth, humour, and authenticity, qualities that have only strengthened her leadership presence. She’s since become known as someone who brings both strategic clarity and emotional depth to the table.
Katie’s career story and insights are a reminder that great investors aren’t born with unshakeable confidence – they build it over time. Through reflection, feedback, and a willingness to grow, she’s become a leader who balances strength with self-awareness.
And her key message to early-career investors is simple, but powerful: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be real, and willing to grow.
Join our upcoming Melbourne Keystone Analyst Program to learn how to build a successful and sustainable investing career.
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The trade lost money. I didn’t lose. I learned
Future IM/Pact is a collaborative initiative across the investment management and advice industry aimed at increasing representation of female investors and advisers, 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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