Jack Holdsworth
Junior Finance Analyst
Give us a brief overview of your role.
I am a Junior Financial Analyst at GSI. In this role, I support the Strategic Capital team with capital raises, financial modeling, and preparing all related financial documentation. A key part of my day-to-day is collaborating across our different teams to pull together the core assumptions needed to build accurate financial projections for our diverse projects and portfolios.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of my most memorable experiences at the company was recently traveling to work from our New York office. It was a great opportunity to meet in person with colleagues I normally collaborate with remotely, making our day-to-day working relationships feel even stronger.
Beyond the office, sharing lunches and dinners together made the experience especially meaningful, and exploring New York City with the team made the trip both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable.
What led you to a career in energy policy and market analysis and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
I actually began my university path in physics before transitioning into a Science and Business program. Along the way, I built up experience working at a major insurance company and a large bank, which eventually led to a fantastic internship experience with Saturn Power working alongside Tyson Zehr.
Through those experiences, I found myself drawn to project finance because it offers a true 360-degree view of a business. It allows you to synthesize complex information from various departments into a single, fleshed-out model to drive critical corporate decisions. I’ve always had an analytical mindset, so being able to apply those skills to a field where your daily work benefits both the company and wider society is an incredibly rewarding feeling.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
A couple of years ago, I lived in Montreal while working as a graduate analyst, where I managed the profit and loss statements for trading desks at a major bank. Living there was an incredible experience that allowed me to fully immerse myself in the city’s unique culture and explore different neighborhoods. It’s a beautiful place, and it’s definitely a city I plan on returning to over and over again throughout my life.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Since moving to Waterloo, I focus on staying active and keeping a busy sports schedule. You can usually find me road biking, golfing, or playing hockey and baseball. Because I grew up relatively close to this area, I also head back home almost every weekend to catch up with childhood friends and spend time with my family.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
I really want to plan a dedicated trip to either Europe or Australia, as I haven’t had the chance to visit either yet. If I head to Europe, I’d love to map out a train trip to travel from one iconic city to the next. For Australia, the goal would be a classic road trip exploring all up and down the East Coast.
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: There Will Be Blood
- Tv Show: Band of Brothers
- Book: Postwar by Tony Judt or Behave by Robert Sapolsky
- Musician/Band: Chris Stapleton or AC/DC
- Restaurant: Else’s (Montreal)
- Food: Smoked brisket
- Sports Team: Toronto Blue Jays
- City: Whistler, BC