Damon Fahey
Risk Analyst
What is the last book you read?
The last book I finished reading was Factfulness, by Hans Rosling, a Swedish academic. It is a non-fiction book that focuses on the positives of the world, and how, contrary to what we can often read in the media, the world is becoming a better place. The book I am currently reading is called Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker. This book delves into many aspects, including the evolution of sleep, and how humans have developed such a sophisticated yet seemingly simple mechanism that helps us thrive in life.
Can you play any instruments?
I was lucky enough to learn numerous instruments at school, including the clarinet. Although that only lasted a couple of years, I also spent a fair amount of time learning percussion including the drums. That kept me going right up until finishing year 12. Not only was it enjoyable, but it provided me with something else to focus on when during years 11 and 12 when the academic side of school got more challenging.
Which sport team do you support?
I support Collingwood in the Australian Football League. They are a team that you either love or love to hate. Being in the former category makes the wins that little bit sweeter. It also helps when your team doesn’t have too many down years!
If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why?
It may be a little cliché, but Bill Gates would definitely be up there. Not only did he create one of the world’s largest companies, but he has also spent a good portion of his time not only donating to philanthropic needs, but also on the front line in trying to help alleviate many problems in the world. His drive and determination makes him someone that would have many insights into current problems and possible ways to address them.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?
If you are not sure whether to do something, do it. You never know what opportunities will come out of trying something new, so don’t be afraid of jumping into something! When something seems that it is too hard, it may be challenging to get there, but there is always going to be a benefit, something that I have come to find out numerous times.
What event has changed your life?
Exchange. I went to Geneva, Switzerland. Not only did I get to meet a great bunch of people but living in a different country and even culture during university allows you to not only appreciate home more but gain an understanding of the world.
Geneva was such a unique place as well and I had the opportunity to take subjects that I either would not take at home or were not on offer at my home university. An example of this is International Institutional Law, which gave me insights into how the global institutions work and the legal frameworks that govern them.
What is something you learned last week?
I recently learnt that Australia has some of the largest trees in the world. The Mountain Ash, which can be found in Victoria and Tasmania has grown up to 100 metres. Left undisturbed, they give you a sense of how incredible nature is.
What skill do you wish you had?
Being a polyglot. There is something envious about people that can speak multiple languages with ease. While I learnt French right through high school, being fluent in more than one language, and even more that two is such a useful skill these days in an increasingly interconnected world.
What attracted you to your role?
I started off interning at FPL Advisory. A position came up for Risk Analyst while I was an intern, and it presented the perfect opportunity for me as I enjoy working my way through the public policy implications for businesses and how FPL can mitigate those risks. The internship gave me an ample opportunity to not only meet the team but get exposed to some of the clients and projects that we work on, and this helped my decision.
How would you describe your job to a 5-year-old?
I help research what government decisions will mean and write things on a computer that will help other businesses. I also get to work in the city and sometimes play table tennis on a custom-built table!
Find out more about Damon here: http://www.fpladvisory.com.au/about-us
or check our his LinkedIn profile: https://au.linkedin.com/in/damon-fahey