Dr Kelli Francis-Staite

Dr Kelli Francis-Staite, a mathematician, researcher and investment manager, is passionate about problem solving and mathematics. Kelli has an extensive background in research and industry that has led her to be the Head of Investment Strategy for Hostplus.

Kelli studied a Bachelor of Mathematics and Computer Sciences and a Master of Philosophy in Pure Mathematics at the University of Adelaide, where she was awarded numerous prizes for her academic achievements. She was awarded the 2015 Rhodes Scholarship for South Australia, which lead her to study for a DPhil (PhD) at the University of Oxford. With a passion for communicating mathematics, Kelli tutored Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Adelaide and held a lectureship at The Queen’s College, Oxford. Kelli’s DPhil thesis has recently been published as a joint book with her supervisor at Cambridge University Press. Following her DPhil, Kelli undertook a Postdoctoral Researcher position and currently has an Adjunct Senior Lecturer position at the University of Adelaide while working in her industry role.

Did you always have an interest in mathematics?

Rather than always knowing what I wanted to do, my interests have developed over time but have been guided by my passion for problem solving. It was not until my first year at university that I realised I could study Mathematics in its own right and that it would teach me skills for solving problems in both abstract and practical settings. This led me to continue my studies to a Masters, then DPhil. While my studies tended towards abstract mathematics, I developed an interest in Finance, Economics and Investment towards the end of my DPhil, which has led me to my current role as Head of Investment Strategy at Hostplus.

When you look back, what experiences shaped your interest in pursuing your career?

I had passionate teachers, supportive parents and strong friendships, which all shaped my research and career path. In secondary school, I recall a teacher explaining to me how complex numbers were important for the engineering career that he had, before he became a teacher. Another experience was a problem-solving session with a volunteer to our school that showed a more interesting side to mathematics than solving equations. These experiences helped shaped a positive view towards mathematics and eventually led to my university studies.

What motivates or inspires you?  

I don’t have a specific person I am inspired by, but I have felt inspiration from the enthusiasm of others. In general, I am motivated by trying new things, solving new problems, and connecting with people. I am someone that enjoys the journey more than the destination, as I enjoy the struggle to solve a complex problem and the many different phases of a project.

I am also inspired by helping others, a reason I work in the Superannuation sector and have continued my volunteering in Surf Life Saving since my childhood. I particularly enjoy mentoring and hearing from other people as they navigate their studies and career paths.

What have been the proudest moments/highlight achievements of your life so far?

With a love of the journey and pursing the next goal, I tend to look ahead, so I do find this question challenging to answer. While I recall the first time I returned to Australia after having finished and defended my DPhil, and the sense of relief and calmness of having finished, in general the achievements I feel the proudest of have come from working in a successful team. This includes collaborating on a book with my supervisor following the completion of my DPhil, and team medals in Surf Life Saving, which took several years of training to achieve.

How do you measure success in your career?

Success in my career is firstly about taking care of myself, physically and mentally, with a good work/life balance so that I can put my best foot forward. Then success for me is about achieving my own goals (which includes improving my skill set, finishing projects, and now developing my own team), helping my own company succeed and also assisting others to achieve their goals. I like to reflect roughly every 6 months about how things are tracking and what I should focus on next. I do not find having particularly specific goals about the future helpful, as the world changes quicker than I can predict, but having more adaptable ideas of what I want to do and where I want to go have been helpful. 

What do you remember of your university days? 

I remember keenly the enthusiasm of a few key Mathematics lecturers, who I could tell enjoyed teaching the subject as much as undertaking their research; they instilled in me a similar passion for mathematics. I later remember the keenness of my own students and how their questions challenged me to think deeper about my own work. I recall one particularly tough course and final exam, the feeling of success of the final scores, which despite being lower than my other marks, I felt the proudest of. I also recall not every day was a good day, and there were many people (both students and staff) that were supportive to me in those times, which I still appreciate.

I still know several people from my university days. While some of them continued with academia, others are teachers or work in the government sector, and many work in industry, such as in science, technology, medical sciences, and finance. A few have written books, started families and pursued goals outside of a career as well. I remain impressed by the broadness of vocations available to mathematicians and admire the many paths my cohort have followed.

Are you working on any exciting projects at the moment?

While I am working on both mathematical and finance-related projects, my next important project is building a team. Our team is expanding and I am excited to start collaborating with and developing these new team members.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career like yours?

My own career has been mathematics related, and I always encourage a positive attitude towards mathematics and problem solving.  More generally I encourage everyone to give new things a go and not to be discouraged by early failure. While luck always plays a role, I think hard work and perseverance set the parameters of that luck and are the keys to success. And wherever you can, try to pay it forward and help others, even in small ways.