David Rewcastle has built an impressive career in finance, focusing on industries like energy, utilities, and biotech. He has a strong background in economics and finance and is known for choosing successful stocks and making accurate predictions about company earnings. He’s received awards such as the Wall Street Journal’s “Best on The Street” and has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times for his stock-picking skills. As a Senior Analyst at E3 Research Associates and a University of New Haven professor, Rewcastle shares his expertise and insights. In this interview, we’ll explore his leadership style, key lessons, and thoughts on the future of finance and energy.
What’s your approach to leadership, and how has it evolved over time?
Leadership is about having a clear goal and helping others do their best work to achieve it. Early on, I was focused on being the best analyst I could be, mastering the technical side of things. But as I grew, I learned that real leadership is about helping others grow too. It’s about creating a space where people feel confident to take charge of their projects. And since things are always changing, especially in finance, guiding teams through uncertain times has been a big part of my journey as a leader.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did you learn from them?
At Schlumberger, I worked in Seismic Exploration, which gave me hands-on experience in the energy sector that went far beyond anything I could learn from a classroom or book. One mentor, in particular, made a huge impact on me. They helped me make the leap from focusing on the technical side of energy to understanding finance. They showed me how numbers connect to real-world outcomes, which shaped how I look at equity analysis today. I realized that being an analyst isn’t just about crunching data—it’s about telling a story that helps businesses make better decisions.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career, and how did it pay off?
Moving into the biotech industry was a big decision for me. I had built my career analyzing energy and utilities, areas where I felt confident and experienced. Biotech, on the other hand, was a whole new world—unpredictable and challenging to learn. But taking that risk opened doors I never expected. I gained new skills, connected with more people at industry events, and found exciting collaborations. Shifting my focus not only helped me grow but also made me more flexible in understanding different industries.
What trends do you see shaping the future of your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
I’m seeing a lot of changes happening in the energy world right now, especially with the push for clean, renewable sources. Even though fossil fuels won’t go away immediately, there’s a big focus on finding new ways to generate energy that’s better for the environment. Personally, I’m getting ready for this by staying on top of new technologies, changes in laws, and shifts in the market that will guide us in the future. In finance, things are evolving too, with AI and machine learning playing a bigger role in analyzing markets. To keep up, I’m constantly learning and working with experts to make sense of all this new information.
What failure taught you the most, and how did you bounce back from it?
Early in my career, I made a mistake with a major stock, causing my clients to miss out on a great opportunity. It was a tough lesson that reminded me how important it is to thoroughly research every decision and rely on a solid network of industry contacts. I also learned to stay focused and not let personal feelings or market trends cloud my judgment. To recover, I took a closer look at my process, improved how I assessed risks, and leaned on teamwork to make smarter decisions moving forward.
What habits or routines do you follow that contribute to your success?
I have a few simple habits that keep me focused each day. I start by checking the news and financial updates—things change fast, and it’s good to stay informed. I also make time to learn something new, like joining a webinar or reading recent research. Teaching at the University of New Haven helps me break down complex ideas for my students, which also helps me understand them better. And I always take breaks—whether it’s going for a run or reading a book—because staying refreshed helps me make better decisions.
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects or goals on the horizon that you can share?
I’m working on a project that looks at how renewable energy and biotechnology are linked. When something new happens in one area, it often affects the other. I’m also taking on more responsibility at E3 Research Associates, where we’re developing tools to predict future trends in energy, biotech, and other industries. One of the things I enjoy most is mentoring young analysts and helping them grow into leaders. It’s really rewarding.
Key Takeaways
David Rewcastle is passionate about helping the next generation of financial professionals. He mentors through videos, podcasts, and teaching at New York University. He doesn’t just pass on knowledge—he encourages young analysts to think critically, stay on top of new trends, and apply the same dedication that has driven his career.
