Scientist Neil DeGrasse Tyson once said, “There is always a place I can take someone's curiosity and land where they end up enlightened when we're done. That's my challenge as an educator. No one is dumb who is curious.”
Was he talking about seasoned oil analyst Kurush Mistry? Probably not. But as an energy analyst with expertise spanning traditional oil markets and emerging renewable fuels, he combines practical insight with curiosity. From mentoring junior colleagues to volunteering with seniors learning technology, Mistry’s approach is rooted in adaptability and connection — qualities that resonate in today’s fast-changing world.
“Being a primarily analytical person, having outlets like music or writing parts of a movie script have told me internally that, ‘Hey, you can do creative things as well,’” Mistry shares. “That then broadens the way you think or opens you up to more innovative ways of thinking or problem-solving.”
Kurush Mistry’s Case for Collaboration
No man is an island, and Kurush Mistry applies that to the trading floor — a space where he believes collaboration sparks progress. He describes the environment as one of “osmosis,” where casual conversations can inspire meaningful insights. This dynamic, he believes, is challenging to replicate remotely.
“In-person collaboration allows you to quickly exchange ideas and build trust,” Mistry explains. “You overhear something, start a conversation, and it can lead to new ways of looking at a problem. That’s hard to recreate in a virtual setting, where every interaction feels more deliberate.”
Mistry sees mentorship as another area where face-to-face interaction is invaluable. For junior team members entering high-pressure roles, the ability to observe and engage directly with colleagues can build confidence and foster learning. “It’s about giving them visibility and letting them present their ideas, and slowly, they gain confidence and also the trust of more seasoned people in the company.” Mistry says of the newcomers he’s helped over the years. “Hopefully I've been secure enough in my roles that I've been able to do that, whereas there are some insecure people who try and be the front person and have the junior people just do all the groundwork and never get the visibility.”
Renewable Energy: A Patient Approach
Kurush Mistry’s transition from traditional oil markets to renewable fuels reflects his adaptability. After more than a decade in oil trading, he was drawn to the renewable sector for its potential to address global energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.
“If you're looking at the production of renewable fuels in the U.S., one of the major crops, or one of the major feedstocks it's used for, is soybean oil to produce renewable diesel and biodiesel,” he says. “Seeing just how that interacts with the global soybean oil market, which has obviously a ton of food and other uses, that in itself is very interesting.
“What excites me about the future is the fact that we are all trying to solve this problem together, but not rush into things that are infeasible.”
Using Technology To Build Connections
Outside his professional life, Kurush Mistry has dedicated significant time to volunteering with seniors, teaching them much-needed digital skills. His work stems from a personal experience introducing his father to smartphone technology, which enabled their family to stay better connected.
One memorable moment involved showing an older client how to use Spotify to replace her broken CD player. “'Someone I worked with had a stack of CDs and wanted to buy a CD player. And I said, ‘That's great, but have you heard of this thing called Spotify?’ And she said, ‘Yes, but I have no idea what it is.’ So I just went and pulled out a CD from there.
“And I said, ‘All right, let's look this up.’ I looked it up on Spotify, 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 sort of have been away from this spurt in technology over the past 10 years, then it's completely life-changing.” Helping seniors has taught Mistry the value of patience and empathy — skills he finds transferable to other aspects of his life, including his interactions with colleagues and clients.
Blending Creativity With Analytics
Mistry’s analytical strengths are complemented by his creative pursuits. A self-taught musician and former film production collaborator, he credits these experiences with broadening his approach to problem-solving.
"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," he notes.
"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."
Finding Value in Balance
Kurush Mistry’s ability to bridge gaps — between traditional and emerging markets, analytics and creativity, technology and personal connection — defines his take on work and life. He views adaptability not as a one-time adjustment, but as an ongoing learning process and applying new perspectives.
Mistry’s insights offer a reminder of the value of balance. Whether he’s mentoring a colleague, exploring renewable markets, or helping a senior connect with loved ones through technology, his focus remains on fostering relationships and creating growth opportunities.
