As part of a weekly showcase of future leaders and inspirational young New Zealanders from the Hyundai Pinnacle Programme, how Olympic rower Storm Uru found new inspiration in innovation
We know you as an Olympic rower, but you’ve worked in finance for a decade. How do you describe what you do now?
Storm Uru: It’s been a wild ride since I finished up at the London 2012 Olympics. Alongside my colleague James Dowey, I manage two global funds invested in innovative companies that are either disrupting a new market or continually innovating to stay ahead of competitors. I’m pretty much doing my dream job – travelling the world, investing in companies, understanding how businesses and economies thrive. Yesterday we got back from spending a week in San Francisco, visiting companies who are at the leading edge of technological innovation and it’s exciting to see what they are building. It makes me very optimistic about the future.
READ MORE: * Part one: Depth of focus * Part two: Front of mind * Part three: Advocating for climate justice * Part four: Telling jokes about the weather * Part five: Tamara Stratton is engineering humanitarian solutions * Part six: Making a stand
How similar are sport and business – what did you bring with you from one to the other?
SU: For me, no two pursuits are similar but often the skills/habits that enable you to succeed in one definitely help in another. The three key methods that I apply are: “Relentless application of the basics” (no such thing as shortcuts); “better than before” (continual improvement); and “shoot for the stars” (goal setting – both short- and long-term).
And what did you have to learn?
SU: For me, learning is a continuous exercise. I allocate at least four hours a day to learning – from reading at least one book a week to learning about a new business/industry/country or so many other topics.
You were part of the first Pinnacle Programme cohort in 2004. What are your memories of it?
SU: I was incredibly fortunate – and I knew it at the time. The programme took a punt on me in the early days before I had achieved on the global stage and invested heavily in my personal and professional development. It was the start of a very long journey to where I am today – hopefully only in the second chapter. I remember being stretched, challenged, having a lot of fun with diversity of experience and people ... really just being introduced to a new world – one I wasn’t exposed to while growing up in Invercargill.
One of the objectives of the Pinnacle Programme is to fill the gaps that traditional education doesn’t. How true was that for your education?
SU: I don’t think it will come as a surprise, but my schooling did not prepare me for the real world. Luckily, that’s only the start line. To compete globally, this must change.
When was the last time you got in a rowing skiff?
SU: I still row once a month. I live by the river in London and a stone’s throw from the boat houses. For me, rowing is all about making room for a big breakfast and hanging out with mates. These days I spend a lot more time cycling and running.
You’ve been in Britain for a long time now – what have you learned about being a New Zealander in that time?
SU: We are very lucky – the opportunities and lifestyle that exist in New Zealand are exceptional. I believe it’s important not to take it for granted and to make the most of the opportunity set in front of us.
And will you ever return?
SU: Absolutely. Now it’s all about developing my skillset by competing against the best in the world. At some point, hopefully, I’ll be in a position where I can effectively drive change – but in the meantime I need to hone and grow my skillset.
