Can you build a business that delivers exceptional financial returns while also making a positive impact on the world?

In this episode of Beyond the Family Business, Luke Hansen-MacDonald sits down with Olivier Desmarais, third-generation member of the influential Desmarais business family and Chairman of Power Sustainable, an alternative asset manager focused on investing in the future economy.

Olivier shares his journey into the family business, from his early career at Power Corporation to building Power Sustainable into an investment platform focused on renewable energy, infrastructure, and private equity.

We explore his philosophy that profitability and sustainability don't have to be competing interests, and why he believes private capital will play a critical role in addressing climate change.

We also discuss Canada's unique opportunity to become a global energy superpower, the importance of investing in Canadian infrastructure, and how the next generation of business leaders can build on their family's legacy while forging their own path.

Finally, Olivier shares his perspective on civic responsibility, why successful business leaders should become more involved in their communities, and why building a strong society may be the most important legacy we can leave our children.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Olivier's journey as the third generation of the Desmarais family business
• The evolution of Power Sustainable and its investment philosophy
• How to balance strong financial returns with measurable environmental impact
• The opportunity for private capital in Canada's energy and infrastructure sectors
• The importance of community involvement and public service
• How to think about family wealth, responsibility, and legacy across generations

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or member of a family business, this conversation offers valuable insights into building businesses that are both financially successful and meaningful to society.

Beyond the Family Business explores the stories, challenges, and lessons of entrepreneurs and family business leaders, with a focus on building and sustaining successful businesses across generations.

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Geoff Smith is the 2nd generation Owner and Executive Chairman of EllisDon, one of Canada’s largest construction firms. Geoff was previously the CEO and drove massive growth over the last three decades. We discuss his tumultuous relationship with his father, his journey of taking over the business and why he decided to make his employees shareholders.

beyondthefamilybusiness.com

In this episode of Beyond the Family Business, I sit down with Jen McCain, a proud Maritimer from Florenceville, New Brunswick, and a third-generation member of the McCain family. Jen shares her own journey of building an identity outside of the family business, becoming an entrepreneur, and then stepping into a more active ownership role within one of Canada’s most iconic family enterprises. We discuss what it means to be a responsible next-generation owner, why ownership is a skill that has to be developed over time, and how family values like community, stewardship, and integrity are passed down — but also need to be openly discussed and intentionally practiced. Jen also shares her perspective on purpose-driven investing, the role of capital in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs, and why doing good and generating strong returns do not have to be in conflict. This is a thoughtful conversation about identity, responsibility, community, and the evolving role of the next generation in a family business.

beyondthefamilybusiness.com