In a series of interviews conducted by Hedge Funds Club boss Stefan Nilsson, they are aiming to get under the skin of interesting people related to the hedge fund industry. The interviews focus on the people and the good life. Here’s the chat with Clayton Heijman, our Managing Director.
From where and how do you get your daily general news updates?
I am a news-junkie and try to absorb as much as I can, as fast as I can. Apart from the BBC, Reuters, Bloomberg and Bicker News bulletins, I try to absorb as much of the internet versions of various newspapers: Financial Times, WSJ, NY Times, SCMP and local papers NRC, Volkskrant and Financieele Dagblad. Some of these papers are delivered in hard copy to my home but I always strive to have these papers finished on the iPad before they hit the doormat. These days I try to spend only a minimum amount of time on the coronavirus updates, just do the highlights. You can really get swamped with updates and reports from so-called experts. It can take up your entire day.
What do you do to unwind on a weekend?
Since I travel a lot, pre-corona, the weekends are ideally to reflect, unwind and recharge. I go for a run, stroll on the beach – also great in bad weather – to take in some fresh air. Other activities are socialising with the family and friends for lunch and dinner. If weather permits a game of tennis with friends is a favourite.
Can you name a great book you have recently read?
In our industry, everyone should read the non-fiction story “Billion Dollar Whale”, the remarkable saga around 1MDB that has not finished yet. One day this will be a movie, but who will play Leonardo DiCaprio or Paris Hilton?
What is your soundtrack of choice?
I know this dates me, but I believe the soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever” is still an epic piece of art. It not only changed the movie industry but opened up the disco music scene to the masses. Ever popular, even today.
What drink do you start the day with and what drink finishes it?
These days I pay more attention to the intake of vitamins. I start the day with a juice of three oranges, one lemon and a blended piece of ginger. It not only wakes you up but also is a good vitamin boost. The last drink of the day is a cup of Pukka Night Time organic tea, just to compensate all the coffee in between.
What gives you energy?
The best energy is the energy you create yourself with the team you work with. Be it in sports, art or work. If you set a goal, work towards it and then achieve it, you will witness that one achievement creates energy for every team member.
How do you stay grounded and focused as a person in these turbulent and fast-changing times?
The best way is to look for the bright side. There is so much negative news, but it is possible. You see ordinary people setting up extra support groups for elderly persons, cheering hospital staff or looking after people in need, terrific! On a personal basis adjusting to the restrictions allows you to have more time to work down your list of things to do. Absence of travelling or commuting time also allows you to exercise more, eat healthier, etc. Staying in touch is now a lot easier with communication tools such as Teams, Skype, Zoom, WeChat or WhatsApp. It is amazing how easily these tools have been absorbed in our normal way of doing business.
Can you name a terrific restaurant that you love?
Restaurants are going through a very difficult time at the moment; health regulation restricts them to open at all or they can operate only in a limited capacity. As a result, even Michelin-star restaurants offer terrific meals on a take-away basis – a great taster for planning a visit on a later date. As for restaurants, 8 ½ (Ocho e Mezzo) in Hong Kong is a favourite and after seeing their episode on “Chef’s Table”, I want to visit Alinea in Chicago.
What’s your favourite museum in the world?
After travelling to Zurich for over 20 years I recently spent a free weekend in this Swiss city. I finally visited the museum Kunsthaus. It was a real gem!
Are you active on social media and what do you actually use it for?
Apart from WeChat and WhatsApp, I am active on LinkedIn. All great tools to connect with people and communicating ideas, market updates, etc. I believe Facebook, Instagram, etc should remain for private use, not for business.
Do you have any secret guilty pleasure that you are prepared to reveal here?
Ever since a trip to various distilleries in Scotland last year I have made an effort tasting as many different flavours as possible.
What kind of battle dress do you normally put on for work?
The right battle dress is the one that does not distract from the message you want to get across in conversations and meetings.
Do you celebrate your wins? If so, how?
Of course! The celebration is important to reward all involved in achieving success and will stimulate the drive for more. The way how is less important; dinner, drinks, etc.
What makes you happy?
Positive feedback from our clients and service providers.
Original post can be found at HFC hedgefundclub.com
