Grayden’s Story

Est. 3 minute read

Grayden is a Christian working in finance in the UK. He earns to give to tackle global poverty and preventable diseases.

He is also a CFI impact mentor.

Academic Background

I graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2010, where I studied Maths, Physics, and Land Economy. While volunteering during my time at university, I realized that what charities needed most was funding, not just more people sending in CVs. This realization significantly shaped my career aspirations.

Career Path

I initially pursued a career in strategy consulting, which provides fantastic transferable skills, and later transitioned into investing, due to my suitability for the role and its high earning potential. I have specialised in carve-out investing, which involves separating a business from its group and standing it on its own two feet. My role involves a combination of business, finance and people skills. Day-to-day activities include speaking with investment bankers to identify opportunities, reviewing potential investment opportunities and working with teams to improve the health of the businesses we acquire. Salaries in these roles range from £100,000 to £1,000,000, depending on the seniority, with additional compensation on top depending on the success of the investments.

Professional Experience

Despite facing around 20 rejections during my job application process leaving university, I persevered and eventually secured a position as a junior strategy consultant. I spent six years in strategy consulting, where I developed valuable hard skills and received extensive in-house training. I then moved into investing, where I have spent the past eight years working in both public and private equity. In the UK, compensation in these roles can range from £100,000 to £1,000,000, depending on the position.

Philanthropy and Impact

I have donated a seven-figure amount to effective charities, focusing on global health, development, and animal welfare, such as the Malaria Consortium. I believe some people are called to earning to give. I am fortunate to have skills that are valuable to an employer and even after donating a major portion of my income, I’m still have more to live on that 99% of people in the world. I think what matters most is having a sacrificial attitude towards giving and a heart of love that cares that it helps as many people as possible.

Influence of Faith

My Christian faith has significantly influenced my life and career. I cannot take any credit for being born in a country with a good healthcare system into a warm family and with access to education and opportunity, but we live in an era when I have the opportunity to use what I have graciously received to make an outsized difference in the world. Inspired by the transformative experiences of the disciples following Jesus' resurrection, I strive to live radically for Christ.  

Advice for Young Christians

• Research Finance Sectors: Explore the various divisions within finance to find the best fit.

• Also consider High-Frequency Trading: This area is popular within the Effective Altruism community due to its academic nature.

• Explore EA Call

• STEM Backgrounds: Common pathways into investment careers often include STEM degrees as well as directly studying finance (more common outside of the UK).

• Objective Thinking: Enjoying and excelling in objective thinking can be beneficial for a career in investments.

• Workload Expectation: Be prepared for demanding hours, up to 100 hours a week, and a poor work-life balance. But remember the disciplines didn’t stop at 5pm each day to pursue hobbies.

Grayden’s Impact

At CFI, we believe that Grayden is on a high-impact path because so far through his career, Grayden has made meaningful contributions through philanthropy. Grayden has donated over £1m to effective charities, focusing on global health and animal welfare, reflecting his commitment to "earning to give." Grayden’s career and philanthropic efforts illustrate a successful blend of high-earning potential and impactful charitable contributions.