Financier Eldad Tamir Rejects Materialism, Prefers Taxis and Scooters

Eldad Tamir, CEO and owner of investment house Tamir Fishman and fintech company FINQ, shared his unconventional views on wealth and success in a recent interview. Tamir, 64, who holds degrees in economics and business administration from Tel Aviv University, stated that he no longer owns a car, preferring taxis or scooters, and views large vehicles as mere "show-off." He believes that true success lies not in accumulating wealth but in knowing one's worth and having enough to live comfortably and support his children.

Tamir also reflected on his career, highlighting a pivotal decision to buy out his partners in Royal Bank of Canada, a move that involved significant financial risk and sleepless nights but ultimately proved successful. Conversely, he regrets a hasty decision to sell a substantial part of his employee options business to IBI during a downturn, a move he now sees as a long-term mistake. He also touched upon the myth that a kind manager is always a good manager, asserting that effective leadership sometimes requires tough, unemotional decisions.

When asked about entering politics, Tamir expressed disinterest, citing a need to adopt "lies and fakeness" and "flatter people," which he finds unappealing. He specifically criticized politicians around Prime Minister Netanyahu as "sycophants." Tamir values creativity in entrepreneurs but is immediately put off by flattery, which he sees as a sign of insecurity. He acknowledges that he can be a difficult person to work with due to his high professional standards and lack of leniency.