0 In Portfolio

In conversation with Frank Giustra

As published on The Province blog, June 27, 2013

When leaving a dark theatre after watching a film, I experience a heightened sense of being, an urgency to write and create, a feeling of being even larger than my already tall person. As I emerge with starry eyes after an unwavering focus on one screen in an over-stimulated world, I find myself inspired by a story and all that goes into the telling of one. If I could read braille, the goosebumps on my arms would read, “Go create now,” and if my veins had speakers, the electricity streaming through them would cry, “You can do anything.”

I experienced these same invincible sensations after hearing Frank Giustra speak at BCBusiness’s annual Top 100 Event.

In an opulent ballroom in the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, over a thousand people converged to listen to the magnate extoll wisdom, insight, and anecdotes. Before the presentation began, suits mingled while precariously balancing plates piled with food and glasses sloshing with wine – a feat that led to conversations and neglected mobiles. Sponsors, such as Canadian Western Bank, Vancouver Foundation, Sauder School of Business, City of Surrey, and EVA Air, peddled and promoted their wares from tables hugging the walls. And Domenica Fiore Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, one of Giustra’s latest ventures, provided samples of the creamy oil soaked into crusty bread – an immediate transportation to Umbria as the ripe flavour hit waiting taste buds. It’s really no surprise the delicacy won Best Olive Oil in the World at the New York International Olive Oil Competition.

I was pleased to discover that I only recognized a handful of familiar faces in the diverse group (despite having been a suit like them once upon a time), and in my traversing I found others who thought alike. It was an opportunity to meet new people and be slightly anonymous in a city that often appears small. But rather than leap into the melee, I chose to lurk and watch – to be that creep in the corner merely observing with shady brown eyes intruding on interactions.

I watched people avoid eye contact, others seek it out, and some connect eyes lingeringly and inquisitively in passing without a word uttered. What was most fascinating to see was the (very generalized) difference between male and female relations. While two men standing together seemed quite comfortable with silent companionship, two women were rarely seen without talking. Upon a visit to the Ladies’ Room, I overheard frivolous conversations about dog accessories and nylon wear in the summer months, and I wanted to stay in there all day to discover what other topics would be covered. It sparked my curiosity about Men’s Room conversations and I briefly pondered sneaking in to have a listen. If someone could please provide me with some insight or a hall pass, it would be greatly appreciated.

Guests promptly took their seats in an adjoining ballroom as we were alerted to the show commencing – a sea of black was formed as waves of people rippled into their chairs. We were welcomed by Peter Legge, Chairman and CEO of Canada Wide Media, who was joined by his daughter, Samantha Legge, Vice President of the corporation – both interacting with each other and the audience with ease, familiarity, and wit. It was endearing to see. After words from Editor in Chief, Tom Gierasimczuk, tie rakishly askew, the compelling interview between Legge and Giustra began.

What ensued was a riveting tale of success, passion, and an undying love of life. With early years spent in Ontario, Italy, Argentina, and, ultimately, British Columbia, Giustra, although curious and eager to learn, had no interest in highschool and harboured initial aspirations to climb the managerial ranks of SuperValu. A trip into the big city and to a brokerage house with his father changed everything, and he has since conquered the financial (Yorkton Securities), film (Lionsgate Entertainment Corp., Thunderbird Films, Sea to Sky Entertainment), philanthropy (The Clinton Giustra Enterprise Partnership, Streetohome Foundation, The Boys Club…), olive oil (Domenica Fiore), and publishing (Modern Farmer) worlds – following a varied path of doing what interests and intrigues him.

The talk continued to weave stories about the realm of olive oil, his friendship with Bill Clinton, the satisfaction of helping others through countless philanthropic endeavours, serendipitous and fated meetings with Sergio Leone, and his love of poetry and song writing. He’s fascinated by quantum physics, eats (and loves to cook) a wholesome Mediterranean diet, made a film starring him and his friends, and (refreshingly) doesn’t work 12 hour days. We were captivated. Inspired by a man, a devoted family man, who believes in his dreams unequivocally and, thereby, gives them life.

I can safely say that I was not the only one leaving with a head swirling with imagination, ideas, dreams, and the belief that anything is possible. Our universe is full of fascination, curiosities, beauty, adventure, and inspiring people. The importance of making your journey rich with all that life has to offer was, at that moment, as clear as the water in my half full glass.

Lessons from Frank Giustra:

1. If you truly believe in something, you can have it. You can do anything you want to do. But you have to really believe in it to make it happen.

2. Avoid negative energy. Don’t take on negative attitudes and views of the world.

3. Think big.

4. Life is a series of adventures.

5. Sometimes, you just have to go for it.

6. Being a leader is an art that you have to learn through experience.

7. Never borrow money.

8. When you make mistakes, make them quickly, correct them, and learn from them. Life’s journey is about trying things.

9. Do something different than everyone else.

10. Success isn’t just about work and money. It’s about balance, friends, family, health, and learning.

Images from the Vancouver Sun.<

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