E51: Big Deals & Bigger Lessons with David Kassie

In this episode in our Lessons with Legends series, on The Unlimited Podcast, we welcome David Kassie, Chairman of Outcome Asset Management and Chairman Emeritus of Canaccord Genuity. Brian and David discuss David's journey to becoming Chairman and CEO of CIBC World Markets, the founding of Genuity, some of his most significant deals, and more.David Kassie has held key leadership roles in the financial industry for decades. He served as Chairman or Executive Chairman of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. since May 2010 and was Chairman and CEO from April to October 2015. Previously, he was Principal, Chairman, and CEO of Genuity Capital Markets from November 2004 to May 2010, leading the firm until its acquisition by Canaccord Financial. Before that, he served as Chairman and CEO of CIBC World Markets and Vice Chairman of CIBC from 1979 to 2004.With extensive experience as an advisor, underwriter, and principal, David has played a crucial role in major financial transactions and serves on multiple corporate boards. Beyond finance, he is deeply committed to community and charitable initiatives. He is a Director and former Chairman of Baycrest Health Sciences, where he also led its commercialization efforts. He has previously served on the boards of the Toronto International Film Festival Group, the Hospital for Sick Children, and Ivey Business School.David holds a B.Comm. (Honours) in Economics from McGill University (1977) and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario (1979).Timestamps0:00 Disclaimer and Intro3:43 Investment Banking & Merchant Banks10:28 Outcome's history & performance15:55 Banking in the 80s and 90s20:14 Leading bankers26:46 Building the team at Genuity34:13 Markers of success in interviews37:33 David's transformative deals41:01 David's angel investing44:04 Thoughts on Canadian leadership & trade49:11 David's best career advice51:36 If David could do anything, what would it be?53:48 Outro