Stepping up in your investment career isn’t just about sharpening technical skills - it’s about mindset, relationships, and knowing when to let go. In this article we hear from Craig Dandurand, currently the Chief Investment Officer of Tuckwell Family Office, with extensive industry experience including Future Fund and CalPERS. Craig is also one of our incredible LevelUP mentors and he shares what he wishes he’d known earlier in his career. Craig’s insights are gold for any investor looking to break through to the next level.
Taming imposter syndrome
We’ve all suffered from imposter syndrome at some point. Craig puts it this way, “Anybody - male or female - who has an iota of concern about their reputation and is starting something new will, if given time to ruminate, feel like they don’t belong or are underinformed.”
So how do you overcome it? Craig suggests asking questions – and really listening to the answers. “You become better informed, show colleagues you’re keen to hear from them, and get a better sense of the situation you’re walking into.”
“Asking the same question of several people is also good as it helps you triangulate around the reality of a situation.” Another approach is asking a question you think you already know the answer to because sometimes, the biggest insights come from unexpected places.
For women in male-dominated industries like investment management, imposter syndrome can be even more pervasive. Research backs this up, but proactively seeking knowledge, mentorship, and supportive networks can help combat feelings of self-doubt.
The power of letting go
Trying to be right all the time is exhausting. “The markets do a wonderful job of reminding investors just how often we’re wrong - so why should investment professionals assume they’re going to get everything else 100% right?” Craig says.
One of Craig’s biggest lessons was understanding the difference between being right and making progress. “Let the trifling errors go uncorrected. Let the person who has to be the smartest in the room feel that way. Fight the battles worth fighting.”
Letting go of the need to be right also opens the door to curiosity - one of the most underrated leadership skills. Check out this great article from the Conscious Leadership Group on how curiosity over ego can lead to far better outcomes.
The strength of networks
When setbacks hit (and they will), who’s in your corner? “Think about who you’d want to lean on before you get knocked sideways,” Craig advises.
And don’t limit yourself to your immediate team. “Look outside your organisation - people in investments are often willing to share best practices once trust is built.” Some of the best connections come from viewing the industry as a shared challenge rather than a competition.
This is where LevelUP really shines. One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the relationships that participants build with peers and senior investors across the industry. These connections don’t end after four months - they can turn into career-long allies, opening doors and propelling your career forward.
Keep your CV fresh and use it for self-reflection
Even if you’re in your dream role, don’t neglect your CV. “Think of it as an inventory of experiences, skills, and achievements,” Craig says. Regularly updating it isn’t just about being prepared for the next opportunity, it’s a tool for self-reflection and professional growth.
Regularly taking stock of your experiences can help you sharpen your leadership approach and career direction. Here’s a great article on the power of self-reflection and the research that shows it separates extraordinary professionals from mediocre ones.
Are you ready to LevelUP?
Building confidence, embracing curiosity, and forging strong connections - this is the path to senior investment roles. And this is exactly what LevelUP is designed to help with. If you're ready to elevate your career, connect with us to learn more about how LevelUP can support you.
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