It was a privilege to welcome School Governor Dr. Mathew Hampshire-Waugh for a special meeting with the Senior Student Leadership Team’s Environmental Committee.
Dr. Hampshire-Waugh shared insights from his career journey, beginning with his studies in Chemistry at the University of Bristol, followed by a PhD at University College London. He reflected on how his initial PhD application to research invisibility cloaking materials was unsuccessful, but his perseverance led him to a project on smart nano-coatings for more efficient solar panels, a shift that solidified his passion for sustainability.
He also discussed a pivotal moment in his career when he decided to leave academia in favor of a new direction in investment banking. Mathew joined the chemicals team at a global investment bank, where he focused on forecasting market trends, technological advancements, and macroeconomic shifts in order to evaluate company earnings, value shares, and provide buy/sell recommendations to hedge funds and pension funds.
In his role, Mathew specialised in new energy supply chains, combining his scientific and financial knowledge with his passion for sustainability—something that distinguished his team’s work and contributed to the bank’s research efforts. The team’s forecasts and recommendations had the potential to influence the value of billion-pound companies. When asked if he ever felt pressure about forecasting the future, Mathew responded: “Of course, but the job is about marginal gains. It’s about being right a little more than you’re wrong. No one has a crystal ball. There’s no perfection when predicting the future. When calls go wrong, you don’t hide behind your computer, you get out there and speak with the clients – that shows resilience, integrity, and it builds trust”.
Mathew later transitioned away from banking to focus entirely on sustainability. He spent two years writing a book that explored the science, technology, politics, and economics of climate change and the transition to a net-zero future. After publishing his book, he founded a consulting business, advising corporates and financial institutions on understanding climate change risks and decarbonizing their operations and portfolios.
Reflecting on his career, Mathew shared his motivations: “What drives me? I love learning. The more you learn from different disciplines and experiences, the more knowledge you have to draw upon, to differentiate your offer, and create value in what you do.” He also shared advice with the students on career choices: “Think about what makes you tick—what emotional needs you want your career to fulfill and where your talents lie. When you find something that aligns with these three elements, you’ll set yourself up for success.” When hiring, Mathew looks for “genuine passion, curiosity, and creativity” and emphasised the importance of being “personable.” He reminded students that qualities like perseverance and passion, which are integral to the school’s lessons and Future Ready programs, play a key role in career success.
We’re excited to see how the Environmental Team will take inspiration from Mathew’s journey, using their blend of school knowledge, scientific insights, and business acumen to drive sustainability throughout Thorpe Hall School, our local community, and the wider world.