In this episode, Yolanda Beattie is joined by Tom Stewart, Senior Portfolio Manager at the Victorian Funds Management Corporation (VFMC), where he oversees a $40 billion equities portfolio. Tom takes us through his career journey, starting in the midst of the global financial crisis, and reflects on the key influences—his family, mentors, and experiences—that have shaped his investment philosophy and leadership style.
Known for his collaborative approach and passion for developing talent, Tom shares the importance of making deliberate career choices, including learning when to say "no." He also opens up about how he now pays it forward by mentoring others, ensuring that the next generation of investment managers has the guidance they need to thrive.
Tom's Top 3 favourites:
Favourite public thinker: Charlie Munger, the late investor and vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Munger’s wisdom and impactful one-liners have shaped Tom’s approach to both investing and life. His emphasis on seeing the bigger picture and focusing on long-term value has been a key influence.
Favourite book: The Gray Man – A spy novel that offers Tom a welcome escape from the technical material he reads for work. It’s his go-to for unwinding and decompressing after a busy day.
Go-to podcast: Acquired – A podcast that dives deep into the history and rise of companies like Microsoft, LVMH, and others. Tom loves the mix of history and investing, and he listens to it on 1.5x speed while biking to stay on top of the lengthy episodes.
Tune in for a conversation with Tom Stewart that offers a unique perspective on navigating a career in investment management, the value of mentorship, and how to balance technical expertise with long-term strategic thinking.
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