The Adult Toy That Helped This Stock Broker Surge To The Top
🎭 Larger Than Life: Meet René Rivkin, the Unconventional Stockbroker 🎭
René Rivkin was not just another businessman. He was one of Australia's most beloved figures, a prolific stockbroker managing the finances of high-profile clients like Kerry Packer and numerous high-profile funds. Known for his flamboyant personality, René once publicly sold one of his Lamborghinis simply because he was too large to fit into the front seat.
Childhood was an ephemeral phase for René, as he was busy trying to decipher the intricate workings of money before he could even walk. While attending university, he realized that his life experiences had taught him more than any institutional education. At just 20, he turned a meager $50 into almost $200 through a small investment in Channel 10 - this was when he fell in love with investing.
📈 Master of Investments: Rivkin's Success in the Financial World 📈
René's passion for investing found a suitable outlet in Rivkin James Capel, his own stockbroking firm, which soared to new heights throughout the 1980s. However, his career was not just about victories; there were also controversial instances that made headlines:
- Offset Alpine Printing: The company's printing plant was destroyed in a fire in 1993, which led to a massive insurance payout due to the plant being insured for significantly more than its purchase price. The subsequent rise in the company's share price created a substantial windfall. This deal later landed René in hot water when it was found he held a significant share of the company via a Swiss bank account.
- Rivkin James Capel: Rivkin's primary wealth source was his stockbroking firm, which flourished, especially during the economic boom years of the 1980s, earning him a fortune.
🔮 Beads and Superstition: Rivkin's Unique Stress-Busting Method 🔮
Every successful person has a way to combat stress, and René was no different. However, his solution was a far cry from the usual choices of therapy, yoga, or substances. He turned to superstition, investing in a quarter pound of solid gold worry beads.
The beads became his constant companions, seen in his hand almost 24/7, warding off worries. Together with his market pager, these beads were René's staple accessories, accompanying him everywhere.
⚖️ Summary: Lessons from René Rivkin's Unconventional Journey ⚖️
René Rivkin's journey ended in 2005 after a battle with mental health issues, exacerbated by his involvement in an insider trading charge related to Qantas shares in 2003. His story is an intriguing blend of success, controversy, and an unconventional approach to stress management.
His tale provides a significant business lesson: regardless of our field, we need to find a unique method that helps us manage stress effectively. While René's solution may not work for everyone, his approach highlights the importance of mental well-being in maintaining a successful career. After all, the golden beads of resilience and stress management are the secret weapons in every mogul's success story.
More Reading Material for Rene:
✍🏼: Praise for Neil Chenoweth’s Rupert Murdoch (2002)and Virtual Murdoch (2001) - Link
✍🏼: Rene Rivkin and Friends, AFR Article- Link
🎥: Rene Rivkin - Enough Rope with Andrew Denton - Link
✍🏼: Stock tips, cigars and worry beads, The Age - Link
✍🏼: Rene's Lost Beads a Real Worry, AFR Article - Link