Three Key Takeaways from Our Jurrien Timmer Interview

This interview was packed with insights for investors and financial advisors. As one listener wrote to me, “Wow, that was a master class—amazing episode.” And it truly was.

Jurrien Timmer is a 30+ year veteran at Fidelity Investments. In this conversation, Robyn and I explored Jurrien’s fascinating career journey and his unique approach to market analysis as Director of Global Macro.

Market strategists typically fall into a few distinct categories. Some focus on serving other asset management professionals. To be effective in this role, a strategist must provide not only strong analysis and clearly articulated views, but also offer thought-provoking perspectives that broaden the audience’s thinking—not just about probabilities, but about possibilities. What risks or opportunities haven’t they considered?

Another type of strategist tailors their insights to an audience that needs clear, repeatable narratives and talking points they can use with clients. For this audience, the strategist's job isn’t just to sound smart—but to make their audience sound smart.

Jurrien Timmer is the rare strategist who excels at both.

There were many takeaways from the hour-long conversation, but here are three that stood out to me:

1. Do the Work

Jurrien may be a global jet-setter, but it's clear he does the work. He’s studying and researching while traveling, in the evenings, and on weekends. He’s found a sustainable balance, but he’s deeply committed. Some people believe you can be a strategist on a four-hour workweek, but to be great—like Jurrien—it requires much more.

2. Narrative Is Key

Jurrien’s insights are grounded in rigorous research—both quantitative and historical—but what sets him apart is his ability to distill all of it into compelling narratives. Storytelling, not data dumping, is the key to helping others understand the markets and make confident decisions. His use of clear, memorable phrases makes his insights both digestible and repeatable.

3. Wellness and Balance Matter

Despite his intensity as a strategist, Jurrien is also a role model for work-life balance and personal wellness. He spoke about the importance of integrating personal and professional life, sharing the activities that keep him grounded: swimming, cycling, cooking, and even attending events like Burning Man. He values “flow” experiences and has built a thoughtful weekly routine to support his well-being.

In short, Jurrien is not only a strategist worth following—his weekly LinkedIn asset allocation post is a must-read—but he’d also make an excellent dinner guest.

Listen to the full conversation here: Jurrien Timmer – Renaissance Investing, Wisdom & Wellness (Invest Well, Be Well podcast)

Enjoy the podcast—and please let me know what you think!