This week’s Spotlight features Analyst Dan Portnof. Dan joined CFAR in 2020 after graduating from Boston University (BU) with dual BAs in Philosophy and Economics. He brings a committed sense of teamwork to his engagements at CFAR, with a focus on successful collaboration to meet client needs. Click here to read his full biography.
First and last name
Dan Portnof.
What is your role at CFAR?
Analyst.
How long have you been with CFAR?
About 10 months.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I’ve gotten exposure to a lot of interesting people across different industries. There’s a wide breadth of perspectives to take in within the firm and with our clients, which I think can be rare at a lot of first jobs.
What are three words you would use to describe CFAR?
Supportive, creative, and intellectual.
What motivates you to go to work?
Working with colleagues that have unique and interesting points of view. Being able to think together to solve problems creatively is a big motivator.
What has been your favorite memory at CFAR?
Our virtual holiday party was a Trivia Night—it was great to see everyone in an informal environment and to have fun together.
What is your favorite thing about working at CFAR?
The people!
In five words or less, what advice would you give for others in your profession?
Don’t hear without listening.
What book are you currently reading right now?
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende.
What is your favorite book/podcast?
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
If you could gain a new skill in 10 minutes, what would it be?
Anything athletic!
What are your top three publications that you read every morning?
New York Times and/or The Baffler and/or n+1.
What is one thing—industry-related or not—you learned in the last month?
That we’ve just begun to see the impact of the Information Age on retail investing.
What is one thing that made you smile recently?
I recently saw someone pick a flower in a park and slip it under their dog’s collar.
If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would it be and why?
Bill Belichick, because he seems to have done well with Tom Brady.
How do you define success?
When you feel that more can be done.
What inspires you?
The challenge of solving a problem.