Q: Can you share about your journey in the capital markets and how it shaped your career? 

DAVID BIRKENSHAW: Over 35 years ago, my journey started in the financial services sector with a focus on portfolio management and planning strategies. I quickly saw the need to understand market changes and find chances in undervalued areas. This view led me to the mining industry, where I noticed great potential for growth. I have led organizations like Meryllion Resources Corporation, focusing on exploration in South America and Oceania. Experience taught me that success in capital markets relies on flexibility and foresight. These qualities still drive my work at Birkenshaw & Company.

Q: What inspired you to create Bluesky Digital Assets and how does it fit with your expertise in mining and capital markets? 

DAVID BIRKENSHAW: My curiosity about disruptive technologies like AI and blockchain stirred the creation of Bluesky Digital Assets. These technologies could change traditional industries. Mining and technology feel distinct, yet both require innovation and efficiency. For example, AI improves resource exploration and operations in mining. There is a need  to connect these sectors, fostering investments that provide returns and expand boundaries in both industries. AI and innovation are vital.

Q: What trends do you see shaping the mining industry’s future and how should companies prepare? 

DAVID BIRKENSHAW: The mining industry now sees a major shift due to sustainability and technology. Investors and stakeholders prioritize ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles. Thus, mining companies need cleaner, more efficient practices. Technological advancements are becoming crucial. AI-driven exploration and automation help stay competitive. Companies should accept these changes by funding research, forming strategic partnerships and focusing on long-term sustainability. Preparation involves research and partnerships.

Q: How do you lead in a complex, changing industry? 

DAVID BIRKENSHAW: Leadership means fostering teamwork and empowering innovation. Challenges arise in mining and capital markets. Solutions-oriented thinking is key. Encourage a culture of constant learning. Transparency and integrity matter; they build trust with stakeholders and allow bold ideas. A leader inspires confidence and guides an organization toward sustainable success. Confidence and guidance lead to success.

Q: What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs and investors?

DAVID BIRKENSHAW: Remain curious and adaptable. The business world changes constantly. Success depends on anticipating and responding to these changes. Entrepreneurs should solve real-world problems and develop sturdy, scalable business models. Investors need diversification and thorough research. Also, never overlook strong networking and mentorship; supportive, knowledgeable people can truly make a difference. Adaptability and curiosity are crucial.

The post An Interview with David Birkenshaw, Managing Director of Birkenshaw & Company Ltd. appeared first on CEO Medium.

His fields of expertise are investing, business plan execution, financial guidance, business growth, and board and executive coaching, but his real talent is helping entrepreneurs reach for their dreams.

After spending his early career at Mercer and Macquarie Capital Markets Canada, Aaron Wolfe co-founded Toronto-based SagePoint Capital Partners. Today, he works with both public and private companies, advising Boards of Directors and senior management teams of high-growth companies.

In the course of his career, Aaron Wolfe has, on multiple occasions, grown a business from founding investment through to enterprise value exceeding one billion dollars.

Q: As a successful investor, which economic sectors are you keeping a close eye on, in the short-term as well as farther down the road?

Aaron Wolfe: I’m especially aware of the importance of two industries to the health of Canada’s economy, and indeed our standard of living: energy and mining. Canada has been blessed with tremendous resources, most of which still require their value to be unlocked. Sometimes these are viewed as legacy industries, throwbacks to earlier times and earlier technological revolutions, but the truth is many of the businesses in these sectors are critical to the development of a vigorous 21st-century economy.

Q: You have certainly played a central role in these industries.  Has your involvement in these crucial sectors gone beyond Canada?

Aaron Wolfe:

Natural resources, be them mining or energy, exist across the globe, but regardless of whether the assets are in Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, or elsewhere, Canada plays a very influential role.  When it comes to mining, by example, the TSX and TSX-Venture Exchanges are home to more mining companies than any other market in the world.  These Exchanges provide the programs and liquidity that mine developers need to raise capital to fund exploration, development, and production needs.

I have been fortunate enough to evaluate and participate in projects around the globe while representing Canada and the TSX to strategic investors in foreign markets. 

Q: Sometimes the risk in an investment is not simply a financial risk. In search of mining opportunities, you’ve had to navigate unforeseen situations on an international scale. Can you tell us about that?

Aaron Wolfe: About a decade ago, I was involved in the exploration and development of iron ore assets in Ukraine.  The ore body was fantastic, exploration work proved successful, and the economic studies were robust.  The project scored high on all the attributes of significance to an iron ore investor. The project was of such interest that the company was able to secure a joint venture partner for its development, an investment that would exceed US$1 billion dollars.  Unfortunately, there was more risk involved than we ever anticipated, given geopolitical developments in the country.  Development restarted and interest returned when tensions subsided, but stalled again with the latest Russian activity.  Someday, hopefully, soon, peace and stability will return and those assets will get developed.

Q: A great deal of your consultancy work seems to be focused on discovering emerging companies and advising them from the startup phase to listings on major stock exchanges. Are these exclusively energy/mining companies?

Aaron Wolfe: Not exclusively, not at all. High-growth businesses often need to access significant amounts of capital to execute on their plans.  This need of capital often leads them to the public markets; either to access the capital directly or to provide liquidity to those that funded the growth.  I have helped resource businesses go public, but have also worked with consumer, cannabis, healthcare, and technologies businesses.

The success and transition of a private business to a public entity is always a very rewarding and memorable transaction to be a part of. When you can participate in the growth of a small startup and see it evolve all the way to a major stock exchange — well, there’s no better definition of corporate success than that.

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