Once upon a time, when I worked as an equity research analyst, I used to meet company managers as part of my research process.
I “grilled” them with my questions and cross-questions, doubted and criticized them, liked those performing well and condemned those that didn’t.
Looking back, I reflect on those times with some wisdom that comes with middle age, and I know that there were things I would have done a bit differently, knowing what I know now about the idea of…empathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes and understand with depth the gravity of their situation.
In general, I believe the world and investors needs more empathy.