Lucas Birdsall is a business executive and venture capitalist in Vancouver. He currently works at Parabellum Capital Strategies Ltd., focusing on investments in natural resources, technology, and biotech industries. He previously served as the CEO and Director of BMBG Capital Corp and Castlebar Capital Corp. Lucas graduated from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration focusing on finance and operations management.
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Q: What Inspired You to Go Into Business?
LUCAS BIRDSALL: The business world always struck me as exciting, with opportunities to solve problems and make connections with people. In business school, I was absorbed in the world of making strategic decisions and practicing effective leadership. It made me understand that business is not about numbers, it’s about people, earning and keeping trust and forming mutually beneficial, long-term relationships.
Q: How Do You Go About Maintaining Those Kinds of Relationships With Clients in Your Business?
LUCAS BIRDSALL: The first thing is trust, which you start building from the first moment. But you earn that trust through listening, through being honest, and by showing a sincere effort to help them solve problems. Earning trust takes time and constant effort, but those relationships are the foundation of any successful business. I try to stay focused on delivering value to my clients, making sure I’m helping them with their goals rather than selling a product or service. When clients feel you have their interests in mind, you’ve built a partnership.
Q: How Do You Define and Practice Effective Leadership?
LUCAS BIRDSALL: Leadership is leading by example. You have to be willing to adapt, to be empathetic, and to be great at communicating. You have to thrive on communication, both ways. Top-down authority doesn’t work for business, in my opinion. I think good leaders want to collaborate and find innovations that whole teams are invested in. Building a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and takes ownership of their work is so important, more than any short-term projects or deadlines. Great leaders invest in their team’s development.
Q: What’s Your Method of Staying Ahead of Trends in Your Industry?
LUCAS BIRDSALL: There are industry leaders, thought leaders that I keep up with, and trade publications that I read. It’s a matter of committing to research and to networking to make sure you’re aware of and reacting to market trends. It’s important to be proactive if you want to stay competitive. Technology is a huge help in being more efficient and informed. I keep a mindset of being open to change and open to new strategies that will lead to long-term success.
Q: Can You Tell us About Your Work With Childhood Cancer Canada?
LUCAS BIRDSALL: Childhood Cancer Canada is an organization that I’m really passionate about. It’s a great way to make a real difference in the lives of children and families who are going through impossibly hard times. I try to raise awareness of their work and make regular donations to pediatric cancer research. Philanthropy and making charitable contributions are a big part of my values, and I encourage others in the business community to consider this cause or other causes close to their heart to support.