Careers in Canadian Capital Markets with Bill Vlaad

Lifetime at Work: Interviews with Founders, Investors and Advisors

Episode 59. Bill Vlaad is a well known name across Bay Street and the Canadian capital markets. He’s one of the most important connectors in the business because as a recruiter, him and the team are forever trying to put the best people at the best companies.

In this episode, host Greg Martin talks with the CEO of Vlaad and Company as he brings in-depth knowledge about the financial services industry and also discuss his previous experience as an investment banker and corporate development director.

Professional cadence is a high value yet often overlooked skill in the finance world. Professional cadence encompasses someone’s energy, methods, and the way they like to do things. As Bill explains, aligning a person’s cadence is critical to finding that place in the working world where you belong and thrive.

Key Takeaways and Discussion

• What a valuable mentor looks like and why they aren’t easy to find.
• The mentors who had the most significant impact on Bill’s career.
• The services offered at Vlaad and Company and what makes them an industry leader.
• How they support students in learning about their industry and the finance market.
• Why Bill says he wasn’t the best investment banker.
• The number-one thing Bill looks for in finance professionals and why.
• Why you shouldn’t fake your way into a role (even if you really want it).How the finance industry offers brilliant careers for the right person.
• What firms could do a better job of in order to attract unique new candidates.
• The challenge Bill was expected to face in the industry that hasn’t really impacted him.
• What the future looks like for Vlaad and Company as informed by their model.
• Who Bill counts on for new ideas to help him build a sustainable firm.
• Why being flexible in your tools and methods is important to your career evolution.