The Hedge Funds Club Good Life Interviews – Part 41: Harry Horwitz-Rourke

Having recently relocated from Sydney to Tokyo, Harry Horwitz-Rourke talks to Hedge Funds Club boss Stefan Nilsson about The Teskey Brothers, Tokyo’s amazing food, searching for giant Buddhas, Meiji chocolate, golf, dust-gathering suits and much more. Harry is the founder of the Bulletin Group and Couloir Capital as well as Co-CEO of Carrara Investment Management. He kicked off his career in Australia with Investec and has also had stints at ANZ, Folkestone and Charter Hall.

From where and how do you get your daily general news updates?

I start the day with a podcast – normally Macro Voices or The Economist – whilst I am out for a run. As we are working from home over in Tokyo, I tune in for the NHK news update at 7 am, and then normally jump between various Australian newspapers and broker reports.

What do you do to unwind on a weekend?

Being quite new to Tokyo, my wife and I are taking any opportunity possible to get out of the office (a.k.a. home) in order to see the sites of Japan. In the current environment where we are stuck to the computer screen, these little getaways make all the difference. This normally means getting out of the city for some trail running or cycling, searching for giant Buddhas or temples and as often as possible getting out for a round of golf.

Can you name a great book you have recently read?

Robert Iger’s “The Ride of a Lifetime”. A great insight into an amazing company, whilst also showing the personal growth and self-awareness he developed throughout his career.

Your soundtrack of choice?

The Teskey Brothers would have to be up toward the top of my most frequently played at the moment.

What drink do you start the day with and what drink finishes it?

The workday starts with a strong coffee and, of late, finishes with an Asahi.

What’s the worst money mistake you’ve made?

Hard one – not listening to my gut and proceeding with an investment anyway. Time will tell who was right!

Have you ever had a great mentor and what did you learn?

I have been very lucky over the years to have been influenced and guided by some amazing mentors, who have become some of my closest friends. The best mentors for me, have been those that are able to assist in breaking complex situations down – or situations that might seem complex at the time – and help me focus on the process required to overcome the situation. They also never stop reminding me of what is most important in both life and my career.

What gives you energy?

Exercise is the key to my energy and my mindset for the day. I also started meditating around five years ago. Whilst I don’t do it enough, it has been an amazing way to clear my mind and charge the battery.

How do you stay grounded and focused as a person in these turbulent and fast-changing times?

My wife most definitely keeps me grounded and also keeps me moving forward.

Can you name a terrific restaurant that you love?

We have been absolutely amazed by the food since we arrived in Tokyo. We have found a favourite soba noodle restaurant in Nakameguro called Soba Sake Dokoro Kuan (https://sobasakedokorokuan.owst.jp). Some of the best noodles we have had in our six months of living in Japan – there have been a lot – and when you are new to a foreign country the little things like a big smile welcoming you in goes a long, long way!

What’s your favourite museum in the world?

The Natural History Museum in London.

Are you active on social media and what do you actually use it for?

I use LinkedIn to keep up with company news and seeing who is doing what. I use Instagram quite passively, mainly to provide me with updates from friends and family and also give me my daily dose of golf updates.

Do you have any secret guilty pleasure that you are prepared to reveal here?

I have recently come to love Meiji chocolate and over the past few months have found myself quite easily making my way through a block after dinner.

What kind of battle dress do you normally put on for work?

My “battle dress” has always been a full suit and tie. However, in the current environment, the suits are really just gathering dust. I have come to enjoy being a little more relaxed day-to-day. However, the importance of keeping some element of formality (dress shirt) on workdays when we aren’t able to head into the office helps me keep switched on and get into the mindset of being at work.

Do you celebrate your wins? If so, how?

Without a doubt and always with those that have been a part of creating that success.

What makes you happy?

Seeing ideas turn into businesses and being a part of the group of people that makes that possible. Spending time with my wife, the family and being out on the golf course all contribute to keeping a smile on the face.