Unsung Hero: Singing the praises of Janus Henderson's Ryder Harris

His career adviser may have had different ideas, but working in the finance industry was in Ryder Harris' blood. Now, in his role as an operations supervisor for Janus Henderson, with responsibilities across fund and investment operations, he's found the perfect role to match his perfectionism, enthusiasm and drive. We hear from Ryder's colleagues about his particular style, and from Ryder about what makes him tick.

"Friends in the office have nicknamed me "bps-y", as I have an eagle eye for "chasing the basis point"".

What his colleagues have to say...

Harry Wall, Head of Client Account Management (Australia)
Ryder demonstrates an understanding of both his role and the industry beyond his years. This understanding and his calm, approachable nature allows him to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders to either enhance a process or find a solution to the task at hand. Ryder's work is often behind-the-scenes however it is this work that allows us to meet our client's requests and ultimately provide a positive outcome for all parties.

Jane Docker, Senior Operations Manager
Ryder's enthusiasm and dedication to achieving the best result for our investors and Janus Henderson Investors as a whole is infectious. Every task and project he works on, he is constantly asking "can we do this better?"

Jon O'Keeffe, Head of Risk & Compliance, Australia
Ryder lives the Janus Henderson values in the way that he works - he puts clients first every time, acts like an owner and is most certainly a team player! Ryder is very aware of the importance of doing the right thing and asking the right questions when carrying out his critical function.

"Every task and project he works on, he is constantly asking "can we do this better?"

Jane Docker, Senior Operations Manager, Janus Henderson

Q&A with Ryder Harris

What do you enjoy most about your role?
Working in the Business Operations team provides a broad understanding of how the market functions, but also how the business operates. I enjoy, and find it satisfying, in providing practical solutions to our clients and the business.

What drew you to the industry?
My dad worked in the industry, so it's possibly in the blood! Growing up and trying to explain what my dad did for work to high school mates was challenging, especially when I didn't understand it myself. I asked a lot of questions and the more I learnt, the more I was interested in it. I knew I was going to work in this industry before I left high school much to the dismay of my careers counsellor!

"I'm passionate about my work, and I get a buzz when it all comes together."

What was your very first job?
Manning the grill station at McDonald's! The lessons I've learnt from my experience there will be engrained with me for life - resilience, hard work and the value of money. Working weekends at Coogee beach during the peak of summer when cheeseburgers were $1 was a true testament of building my solid work ethic...and provided a unique experience, not to say the least!

My first industry job was with a back office outsource provider. I was responsible for managing the entire process, including registry, middle office, unit pricing and tax. This is where I worked out I had the technical skill, coupled with a top-down view, of the end-to-end process.

Who do you most admire?
Outside of work I look up to my six brothers, one of which is an identical twin (Max). Christmas and holidays are always fun at the Harris household. Being an identical twin certainly allows some licence to get out of a tricky situation or two!

Max and I have a supportive and loyal relationship, and I know I will always have access to a spare kidney or liver if life gets tough! We're close mates and Max brings the best out of me.

"Being an identical twin certainly allows some licence to get out of a tricky situation or two!"

What makes your heart sing?
I pride myself on being a perfectionist when it comes to my job. Friends in the office have nicknamed me "bps-y", as I have an eagle eye for "chasing the basis point". This came from a relentless pursuit of accuracy and to ensure errors are picked up in advance from our administrator. I'm passionate about my work, and I get a buzz when it all comes together.

On a personal note, fishing is my passion. I've fished around the world, including Oman, Nicaragua and New Zealand.

Where did you grow up and what was it like
I was born in the Eastern suburbs of NSW but my family moved around a lot when I was growing up, including living in London for 3 years.

There was never a dull moment in our family home, as it was always the place to hang out with mates (including our rugby and cricket teams) every afternoon after school...going through 13 litres of milk and milo every week.

I attended Glenmore Road Public in Paddington, am an 'old boy' from Waverley College and graduated from UTS with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Finance.

I currently live in Bondi with Max and another school mate. The beach is a BIG part of my life. 9 times out of 10 you'll find me at Bondi or Clovelly beach.

"The beach is a BIG part of my life. 9 times out of 10 you'll find me at Bondi or Clovelly beach."

With the benefit of hindsight, what would you tell your younger self?
As a 25 year old, I don't think I'm in a position yet to reflect on my career. I do however regret not completing my Major in IT at university. I spend most of my down time at work writing code to enable me to do my job efficiently, so having this would have helped.

I'd also tell myself to ask more questions, be critical, and that it's OK to say "I don't know". Acknowledging that you don't know helps you understand and enables you to learn.

Fast forward to say thirty years, I hope when I look back on my career I will be proud of my achievements. There are so many experienced and talented people in our organisation, and I'd like to continue to learn from them.

What is something most people wouldn't know about you?
I'm into yoga at the moment. Most Friday lunchtimes are spent at a hot flow yoga class...strangely stimulating after a long week of work and time at the gym.

Ryder at work

Is there someone in your organisation that deserves recognition for going above and beyond? Contact [email protected] to nominate your Unsung Hero!