A Career Shaped by Calculated Risks
Scott Barbrack is an investor and entrepreneur based in New York and New Jersey, known for his experience in finance, hospitality, and strategic investments. With over three decades in interest rate derivatives, Scott built a career in high-stakes financial markets, learning how to make quick, informed decisions that drive success.
Beyond finance, he has explored industries that require both creativity and business acumen. He was a partner in The Lion, a well-known New York City restaurant, and an early investor in Pretty Green, a UK-based fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher of Oasis. These ventures taught him about market timing, risk assessment, and the importance of adapting to change.
Scott is also a strong supporter of Rutgers Athletics and an advocate for education and philanthropy. He believes in taking calculated risks, staying ahead of industry shifts, and embracing opportunities as they come. When he isn’t analyzing markets or investing in new projects, he enjoys cooking, fishing, scuba diving, and following the New York Rangers.
What is the biggest misconception people have about risk?
Most people assume risk is something to avoid. But risk is just another word for opportunity with uncertainty attached. If you completely avoid risk, you’re also avoiding potential rewards. The key is knowing how to manage and measure risk rather than fearing it.
How do you decide when a risk is worth taking?
I look at two things—data and instinct. You need research, market trends, and experience to make informed decisions. But at some point, all the information in the world won’t eliminate uncertainty. That’s when instinct and confidence come into play. Some of the best opportunities I’ve taken weren’t the safest bets—they were the ones I believed in the most.
What is one risk you regret not taking?
Early in my career, I had an investment opportunity that I passed on because I was too cautious. I watched others take that leap and succeed, and it was a reminder that hesitation can be more expensive than failure. Sometimes, playing it too safe is the worst mistake you can make.
How did investing in a restaurant compare to working in finance?
They’re surprisingly similar. Both require understanding market demand, adapting to trends, and making decisions quickly. In finance, if you’re too slow, the opportunity disappears. In restaurants, if you miss what customers want, your business fails. The difference is that in finance, the numbers tell the story. In hospitality, success is about experience and perception as much as the bottom line.
What was the biggest challenge of investing in the fashion industry?
Fashion moves fast. If you get in at the wrong time, you either miss the trend or burn out before the market catches up. With Pretty Green, we had a strong brand and a built-in fan base, but even then, the industry is unpredictable. Timing and execution are everything.
What advice would you give someone who wants to take more risks in their career?
Start by understanding how much risk you’re actually taking. People fear risk because they don’t fully analyze it. Look at the downside, the upside, and the odds of success. Once you have that perspective, you’ll realize that many risks aren’t as dangerous as they seem. And if you believe in something, don’t wait too long—the right time is often sooner than you think.
How do you handle failure?
Failure isn’t fun, but it’s part of the process. The trick is to see it as information, not an endpoint. If you learn from it, adjust, and apply what you’ve learned to your next move, then it’s not really a failure—it’s just part of growth.
What’s the best investment you’ve ever made?
Investing in my ability to adapt. Markets change, industries shift, and what worked five years ago might not work today. Whether it’s in finance, business, or life, the most valuable skill is the ability to pivot when needed and stay ahead of the curve.
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