Vancouver-based business executive and venture capitalist, Lucas Birdsall, has held many leadership positions over his career. He served as the CEO for BMBG Capital Corp and Castlebar Capital Corp where he built a reputation for creating long-term client partnerships. Currently, Birdsall works with Parabellum Capital Strategies as a Venture Capitalist where he focuses on investment opportunities in the industries of natural resources, technology and pharmaceuticals.
Birdsall is a graduate of the Beedie School of Business, holding his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Operations Management. Birdsall’s ability to create genuine relationships with clientele is what sets him apart as a leader. Today we sat down with Lucas Birdsall to ask him some questions.
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face with clients in your job as a Venture Capitalist?
Lucas Birdsall: Any relationship needs to be built on trust. Once that trust is there, I usually don’t find too many challenges with clients. But I have had experiences where at the beginning of a partnership they are hesitant to trust in you and your company. That usually leads to micromanaging from their end. To fix this, you need to be transparent and articulate in how you plan to work with them. In many cases, you can tell when a person isn’t being genuine. Once they see that I really do want them to succeed, then it just comes down to good communication and making sure you are actively listening.
Q: In your experience, what qualities does someone need to possess to create and maintain strong business relationships?
Lucas Birdsall: Some of these might seem cliche, but they really are the building blocks for working with other people. First, you need to have a ‘teamwork’ mentality. A good work relationship shouldn’t feel one-sided. Other qualities that I think are essential are good communication skills, problem-solving, and adaptability. I have seen people throughout my career who aren’t willing to bend or adapt in order to create the best outcome for their clients. You need to be willing to grow so your client can grow as well.
Q: As a leader in the field, does the relationship that you hold with employees or co-workers differ from the ones you build with your clients?
Lucas Birdsall: Honestly the relationship isn’t very different. At least for me it isn’t. I think both need to be built on trust and respect. I think because you work with your employees and co-workers everyday, the communication might come more naturally. With co-workers and employees, it is important to get to know them as people. I try to learn about what my team’s interests are outside of the workplace. I want them to feel like they are a whole person, not just their job.
Q: When choosing what clients you want to work with, what qualities do you look for?
Lucas Birdsall: As a Venture Capitalist it is my job to look for growth potential when it comes to taking on new clients. Do they have a service or product that is needed right now in the world? Do they have the work ethic and drive to make the changes needed for them to grow? Of course, I am also looking for people who are genuine and team players.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career in the world of finance?
Lucas Birdsall: There are a lot of factors to consider and many things that I wish I knew when I first started my career. I think my biggest piece of advice would be, ‘don’t be afraid to put yourself out there’. The world of finance and business can be very competitive. You can’t wait for an opportunity to come to you, you need to take initiative to make things happen. Be your own biggest supporter!
