By: Zach Miller

As an accomplished oil analyst, Kurush Mistry has mastered the quantitative skills required to forecast market trends and identify profitable opportunities. But beneath his analytical prowess lies a creative outlet that may seem at odds with the trading floor’s relentless pursuit of profits: music.

“I’ve always been more of an analytical, left-brained person,” Mistry admits. “But exploring music has actually helped broaden my problem-solving abilities in my day job.”

Mistry first picked up the guitar as a teenager, though he never pursued formal training. “I’m not much of a reader — I just play by ear. The technical aspects of reading sheet music never really clicked for me,” he admits. Despite this, Mistry found that the rhythmic and melodic elements of music began to subtly influence his approach to his analytical work.

“There’s an undeniable connection between music and math,” Mistry explains. “The patterns, the structures, the way different elements intertwine — it requires a similar kind of analytical thinking. I found that when I was wrestling with a complex modeling challenge or trying to untangle a web of data, those musical instincts would kick in and help me find a new perspective.”

Kurush Mistry: ‘Identifying Patterns and Rhythms’

This blending of creative and analytical thinking has proven invaluable on the trading floor, where Kurush Mistry spends his days poring over financial reports, inventory data, and economic indicators. “It’s all about identifying patterns and rhythms in the market — where the ebbs and flows are happening, what the underlying drivers might be,” he says. “In that sense, it’s not so different from composing a piece of music.”

Mistry points to his experience mentoring younger colleagues as an example of how his musical background has enhanced his leadership abilities. “The trading world can be quite intimidating, especially for those who don’t fit the stereotypical mold. But I’ve found that tapping into my creative side, whether it’s writing dialogue or brainstorming new ideas, helps me connect with them on a more personal level.”

Just as he encourages his junior staffers to step outside their comfort zones, Mistry has continued to challenge himself musically. “Singing is the area I’m most passionate about, but also the one I’m least trained in,” he confesses. “It’s on my list to take voice lessons, and expand my range and technique.”

This dual commitment to both the analytical and the creative has paid dividends for Mistry, not just in his career, but also in his overall well-being. “There’s something incredibly grounding about being able to switch gears and engage the other side of my brain,” he says. “When the trading day gets intense, I can go home and lose myself in a new song or experiment with a different musical style.”

A Belief in Blending Disciplines

Kurush Mistry believes this blending of disciplines is a crucial skill for aspiring professionals to cultivate, regardless of their field. “The ability to think creatively and see problems from multiple angles is such an asset, whether you’re crunching numbers on a trading floor or brainstorming solutions in a boardroom.”

As he continues to balance his roles as an oil analyst and an amateur musician, Mistry sees his two passions as complementary rather than contradictory. “The trading world is all about finding that perfect rhythm — anticipating the market’s cadence, riding the peaks and valleys,” he muses. “In that sense, the skills I’ve honed as a musician have made me a better trader. And vice versa, the analytical rigor of my day job has elevated my musical abilities.”

While the oil industry may be more often associated with cut-throat competition and relentless pressure, Kurush Mistry’s story serves as a testament to the power of maintaining a diverse set of interests and creative outlets. By embracing both the quantitative and the qualitative, the left-brain and the right, he has found personal fulfillment while also gaining a unique edge in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of global energy markets.

Published By: Aize Perez