Scott Barbrack, based in New York and New Jersey, has spent more than three decades building a career shaped by high-stakes decisions, fast-moving markets, and the art of recognizing opportunity. His background in interest rate derivatives positioned him at the center of financial volatility, teaching him how to manage risk while thinking several steps ahead.
But Scott’s experience doesn’t stop at the trading floor. Over the years, he’s ventured into hospitality, as a partner in The Lion, a popular New York City restaurant, and into fashion, as an early investor in Pretty Green, the UK-based brand founded by Liam Gallagher of Oasis. He’s also an active supporter of Rutgers Athletics, a believer in education, and someone who values time spent outdoors—whether fishing, scuba diving, or cooking.
His path, shaped by data and intuition, offers valuable insights for anyone interested in business, decision-making, or personal growth.
What drew you into finance, and what kept you in it?
I got into finance because I was fascinated by the pace, the pressure, and the potential. When I first started in the late ’80s, the markets were a different beast—but the core challenge was the same. You’re navigating uncertainty, trying to make smart decisions faster than everyone else. That’s the game.
What kept me in it was the learning curve. You never master it. There’s always something changing—economics, politics, human behavior. You have to adapt constantly, and I like that tension. I like being challenged to stay sharp every day.
You’ve worked in finance for decades. What do most people misunderstand about the industry?
People think finance is about spreadsheets and money. Sure, that’s part of it. But really, it’s about decision-making under pressure. It’s about knowing when to move, when to wait, and when to walk away.
They also think it’s purely technical. But some of the best calls I’ve made came from instinct—grounded in research, of course, but ultimately guided by feel. There’s a human element people underestimate.
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When you moved into the restaurant business, did anything about it surprise you?
Almost everything. On paper, you’d think running a restaurant is nothing like finance—but it’s incredibly similar. The margins are tight, timing is everything, and the stakes are high.
I thought I’d be making menu decisions and branding choices. In reality, I was managing volatility—just like in the markets. Staffing issues, vendor relationships, food pricing, seasonal demand—all of it required real-time adjustments. It was exhausting and exciting.
What was the biggest risk you ever took outside of finance?
Investing in Pretty Green was a bold move. It wasn’t in my comfort zone. I knew fashion was unpredictable—trend-driven, hard to scale, tough to time. But the brand had a clear identity, and Liam Gallagher gave it a cultural credibility that you can’t buy.
The risk wasn’t just financial. It was reputational. I was stepping into a space where I wasn’t the expert. But I believed in the vision and the potential. And it worked out.
How do you define risk, now that you’ve seen it from so many angles?
Risk isn’t a negative. It’s not the enemy. It’s a condition for growth. If you’re doing anything meaningful—starting a business, changing careers, investing in an idea—you’re going to face risk.
I define it as uncertainty with consequences. You don’t know what will happen, and what happens matters. The question isn’t “Is there risk?” The question is “Is the upside worth the unknown, and how prepared are you to absorb the downside?”
What’s your process for evaluating whether something is worth the risk?
I start with the downside. What’s the worst-case scenario, and can I live with it? If the answer’s no, I walk away.
Then I look at timing—how urgent is the decision, and what’s the cost of waiting? Some opportunities vanish if you hesitate. Others get better with patience.
Finally, I ask myself if it fits who I am. I’ve learned that you can make a good investment on paper but still lose if it doesn’t align with how you think or operate.
How have your personal values shaped your professional decisions?
In more ways than I realized early on. Early in my career, I was chasing outcomes—returns, recognition, wins. But over time, I started paying attention to how I was achieving those things, and who I was aligning with.
Now, I value integrity, clarity, and long-term thinking. I won’t partner with people I don’t trust. I don’t chase short-term wins if they compromise something I care about. And I try to leave space for generosity—supporting causes, giving time, mentoring when I can.
What role has failure played in your life and career?
It’s a teacher. It’s brutal, but it teaches you things success can’t.
I’ve missed out on opportunities because I waited too long. I’ve made investments that didn’t pan out. I’ve been overconfident. But each mistake has helped me refine my judgment and build resilience.
Failure strips away ego. It shows you what really matters. And it forces you to ask better questions next time.
What advice would you give to someone early in their career, regardless of industry?
Don’t try to be bulletproof. Take risks before you feel ready—because you’re never really ready. The longer you wait for the perfect moment, the fewer moments you’ll have.
Also, learn to listen. Not just to experts, but to yourself. Pay attention to what energizes you, what drains you, and what challenges you in a good way. That’s your signal.
And build real relationships. The people you work with and learn from will shape your future more than any job title or salary.
How do you stay grounded when everything moves so fast?
I cook. I fish. I get outside. I check in with people I trust. I make space to think without a phone in my hand.
Also, I reflect. I keep a mental list of the decisions I’ve made—good and bad—and revisit them. I try to understand what went right or wrong, not just to beat myself up, but to stay connected to reality. Self-awareness is the anchor.
What’s something most people don’t know about you that has shaped how you approach business?
I’ve always been a fan of sports—not just watching, but studying the mindset of athletes. Discipline, repetition, focus, and managing pressure—those are all skills that apply to business.
I’m a big supporter of Rutgers Athletics, and that connection to sports has reminded me that progress isn’t always linear. You win some, lose some, and keep showing up.
What’s next for you?
More conversations like this. More learning. More giving back where I can. I’m not interested in chasing the next big thing for the sake of it—but if something lines up with what I value, I’m open.
At this stage, I’m focused on alignment—between work and life, instinct and action, strategy and heart. That’s the intersection I want to live in.
Final thoughts?
Don’t let fear of risk keep you from your potential. Risk isn’t something to eliminate—it’s something to understand, manage, and sometimes, embrace. If you can do that, you’ll not only build a career—you’ll build a life you believe in.