It’s been said you only get one chance to make a first impression. At first glance, Kurush Mistry’s career might appear straightforward. A seasoned energy analyst with a deep understanding of oil and renewable markets, you might think his professional life is firmly rooted in data, trends, and market dynamics. And that very well may be. However, his most impactful lessons didn’t come from the trading floor.
They blossomed in some unexpected corners of his life — music, the movie industry, and volunteering. These seemingly unrelated experiences profoundly shaped his approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and mentorship.
An Unscripted Challenge
In 2009, Mistry unexpectedly stepped into the world of film production. What began as a supportive role for his partner’s creative ambitions quickly became a crash course in managing the chaos of a small-budget film.
“Initially, I was just supposed to help with funding,” he recalls, “but as the process unfolded, I had to step in more directly to bring in experienced hands and oversee the project’s financial aspects.”
Despite his lack of experience, Kurush Mistry took on tasks ranging from reworking dialogue to handling logistical crises. He even contributed to the script, fine-tuning lines for characters working in finance — a world he knows intimately. “The writers were younger than the protagonists, so some lines needed adjustments to feel more authentic,” he explains.
This immersion in the creative process taught Mistry the value of adaptability. In a high-pressure environment like film production, where unexpected challenges arise daily, flexibility and problem-solving become second nature. He muses, “In a small budget film that’s run by a bunch of amateurs or myself included, you’re firefighting and there’s always going to be situations at work when you are firefighting, whether it’s a crisis in the Middle East or whether it’s something went wrong with your technology and you have to rebuild it quickly or whatever it is.”
The Rhythm of Problem-Solving
Music has been a consistent outlet for Mistry, a self-taught guitarist who dabbles in singing. Although he never pursued formal training, his passion for music has subtly influenced his professional life. “Music and math share an interesting, undeniable connection,” he says. “Both rely on patterns, structure, and finding harmony in complexity.”
Kurush 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.”
For Mistry, playing music isn’t just a way to unwind — it’s a mental exercise that sharpens his ability to approach problems creatively. “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.”
Learning Through Volunteering
One of the most rewarding chapters of Kurush Mistry’s life has been his work with seniors. Inspired by his experience introducing his father to smartphone technology, Mistry joined an organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide for older adults — but it turned out to be so much more than that.
“’I’ve realized that it’s really the loneliness and disconnectedness that a lot of elders feel from what they view is a fast-changing and different or new world. And you start with problem-solving a couple of things, but then very quickly it gets into introducing them to an app that really opens up access to another part of our digital sphere.”
One memorable moment involved a woman who wanted to replace her broken CD player. Instead, Mistry introduced her to Spotify. “I connected to her Bluetooth speaker and I played it, and it was just a mind-blowing experience for her — and completely understandable, because if you have been away from this spurt in technology over the last 10 years, then it’s completely life-changing.
“And now when I go over and visit her, she’s like, ‘Oh, I’ve listened to this opera today,’ and she’s making playlists on Spotify and things like that, which are really, I’d say life-enriching. That and communicating with family, things like that.”
Lessons in Flexibility and Empathy
Each of these experiences nudged Kurush Mistry closer to a more holistic approach to problem-solving and leadership. In film, he learned the importance of preparation while staying ready for the unexpected. In music, he found a way to balance structure with improvisation. And through volunteering, he discovered the power of empathy and patience in building relationships.
“The trading world can be quite intimidating, especially for those who don’t fit the stereotypical mold,” he says. “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.”
What ties these experiences together is Kurush Mistry’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone. While many professionals stick to the paths they know best, he has embraced opportunities to explore unfamiliar territory. This openness, he believes, is crucial in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Kurush Mistry’s unconventional journey offers a broader definition of success. It’s not just about excelling in your chosen field — it’s about finding ways to grow, connect, and contribute beyond the confines of your profession. Whether solving a trading challenge, playing a song, or helping a senior navigate technology, Kurush Mistry approaches each task with the same curiosity and commitment.
“The ability to think creatively and see problems from multiple angles is such an asset,” he says, “whether you’re crunching numbers on a trading floor or brainstorming solutions in a boardroom.”