Fierce individualist with an introspective streak.
By Emma Bache
n the latest of our graphology series, our graphologist takes a look at the handwriting of an investment manager. Our subject “has found a way of working independently to use their considerable intelligence in a very effective way”. Here she delivers her verdict on Robert Talbut, chief investment officer at Isis Asset Management.
Life and career of Robert Talbut.
Robert Talbut, 43, has been an investment manager for almost 20 years. After graduating in economics at Warwick University, he began his career at the asset management arm of Royal London, the life insurance company, before moving to Chase Manhattan, the US investment bank that is now part of the JP Morgan Chase group. He managed international portfolios for institutional clients.
In 1989, Talbut joined Threadneedle, the asset management arm of the Zurich Group. There he took on a marketing and client liaison role in addition to investment management. Seven years later he moved to his present employer as head of UK equities. He has since been appointed chief investment officer.
Talbut, a graduate of INSEAD, the European business school, is married with four children.
“This handwriting belongs to someone who is capable of creating a public image that is far removed from their true and inner personality. The writer is basically introverted, but has learnt to work and socialise in a more outgoing way. The middle zone of the writing is dwarfed by the upper and lower zone. The writer has a tendency to underrate their own achievements, but, nevertheless, has found a way of working extremely independently to use their considerable intelligence in a very effective way.
The upper zone is extended and unembellished — the writer is an idealist, but in a controlled way. Attention to detail is strong and the overall simplification of the writing shows a person who is ambitious, but quietly and steadily. They have no time either for fools or ambiguity, but often have difficulty in accepting a negative response from colleagues.
The slight convexing of the lines points to a writer whose stamina does not always keep up with their mental enthusiasm. There is a slight left slant to the writing, yet another indication of some inner withdrawal behind the social exterior. Always the generous host and affectionate friend, true feelings remain more of a mystery, even to themselves. It is hard for them to exhibit anxieties and especially to ask for help. This self-absorbtion can be isolating and, at times, everyday social and emotional interaction puts a strain on them. However, they are by no means insensitive and, despite the reserved friendliness, they are blessed with a naturally unconventional outlook on life which others find attractive.
On a more personal level, the writer is reliant on support and approval from others. The wide and leftward swinging lower-zone strokes are an indication of a reluctance to move away from the comfort of the past, whether this be a mother figure or partner.
The extreme independence in their work environment is unlikely to be matched or reflected in their personal life. Emotional wounds are not easily recovered from.
The spacing of the writing is clear and generally easy to read, but the words are set wide from each other. There is clarity of thinking and good organisational skills, but, again, an unconscious need to remain at some distance from others and to keep their private life resolutely private. There is a reluctance to admit to failure, but this can also put a barrier between themselves and others. This trait is backed up by some unusual strokes, particularly the claw-like “d”, open at the side, and some “t” bars attached to the adjoining letter, which creates an impression of speed, as one would expect from a quick thinker, but also egocentricity in their persistent desire to take a different view from others.
Much of the writing is disconnected or even printed, which belies any attempt of a speedy hand. Again, the writer maintains their psychic distance, but has a knack for just “knowing” about people and situations. Certainly intuitive, but occasionally their feelings are off balance, particularly when they are feeling inadequate or under pressure. The desire to be liked but the insistence of doing things their own way can be a difficult tightrope to walk and the danger is in cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face. The form of connection between letters is flattened arcades with some threading.
This is an excellent combination and suggests control, but a good negotiator. An artistic sense of proportion exists, as well as a creative intellect. The loopless writing shows concepts are given more weight than emotions, but this makes for effective and quick decision-making. Compromise is not in the vocabulary, but it is rarely needed as they are so verbally talented.
A writer who appears relaxed, but in reality views themselves and the world around them with some disquiet can feel lonely and isolated, which is difficult even for a freedom-seeking individualist.