Employee Q&A: Brad Shaw

From mining sites to boardrooms, Brad’s career has spanned various industries, continents and more air miles than he can count. As InterFinancial’s CEO, he’s led multiple businesses through growth, change, and the curveballs – always with a strategic eye on what’s next.  

With his 25+ years of experience, Brad has seen what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to business transformation and M&A strategy. So, in this Q&A, we’re putting him in the hot seat and getting his insights on the highs and lows that have collectively shaped his entire career. Let’s jump in.  

You started your career as an engineer. How did you find your way into the world of mergers and acquisitions?

As a former Senior Executive in various engineering firms for many years, a large component of my role was dedicated to M&A and strategy in general. These were the most interesting parts of my role, so I set about trying to make a career change in the field, and luckily Sharon Doyle was good enough to give me a chance. 

What do you enjoy about working in M&A, and what have been some of your most memorable moments in this field? 

Being trusted by an owner to sell their business that they have poured their blood, sweat and tears into is a special privilege and responsibility. I will never grow tired of helping great people at such an important time for them and their families.  

You’ve had experience across so many continents – what’s one lesson you’ve learned from your international experience that has shaped your approach to business? 

To know the history is to know the people. If you’re working in another country, become a student of their history. It helps you understand the cultural norms and practices.  

Have you ever worked on a transaction that seemed set to close but ultimately fell through? How did you manage expectations and keep your team motivated during that time?  

It does indeed happen and it’s very disappointing. In my experience, I find that remaining calm while working through the issues coupled with staying positive and constructive are the ways to manage these things.  

Who has had the biggest impact on your career, and how did they influence your professional journey?  

My father showed me what being a good man was all about. From a career standpoint, I’ve been blessed to work with an amazing bunch of people. The leaders who believed in me (even when I didn’t) gave me a go and this had a huge impact on me (Jon Evans, Lee Dutton, Michael Robinson, Colin Robinson, Greg McPhee, Greg Schumann and Andrew Wood). Also, I had some great mentors and colleagues who set the standard for me and have been generous in showing me the ropes over the years (Jon Bonnet, Alex Willink, Sharon Doyle and Zimi Meka).  

As CEO, what is one piece of advice you can offer to aspiring individuals wanting to follow in your footsteps?   

I’m not sure I could narrow it down just to one, but here are some of the things I think might be useful: 

• Do your time.  Don’t be in a rush to get to your destination. It will make you a better person when you eventually reach the end.  
• Always treat people well and respectfully. 
• Stay humble – today you’re the rooster and tomorrow you’re the feather duster.  
• Be easy to employ and give your boss an easy life.  
• Stay curious and outlearn your competition.  

Lastly, we all know M&A can be high-pressure. How do you manage stress and stay focused during intense deal-making periods?  

Well, the first thing is that I work with a great team of high-spirited and fun individuals which makes my life a lot less stressful. At InterFinancial, we’re selective about our clients and the deals we take on, so this also makes things easier too. Additionally, having a supportive partner and family along with my regular fitness routine have all contributed to my work-life balance and made my life more enjoyable. Lastly, I rarely find myself getting too stressed or losing my temper and I try to avoid that as much as possible. So, it’s a combination of mindset and support in my experience.  

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