Navigating Leadership in a Divided World

Welcome to episode #954 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast.

I’ve know Dax Dasilva for close to twenty years. Dax is the creative force behind Lightspeed Commerce, a company he founded in 2005 that has grown into a leading unified POS and payments platform for ambitious entrepreneurs worldwide. Lightspeed powers some of the world's best businesses across over 100 countries, helping them accelerate growth, enhance customer experiences, and become go-to destinations in their markets. With a team of over 3,000 employees, Lightspeed has made significant strides under Dax's leadership, including going public on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. After serving as Executive Chair of Lightspeed's board for two years, Dax returned as CEO in February 2024, bringing with him a renewed vision for the company's future. During our conversation, Dax delves into the evolving landscape of retail and hospitality, emphasizing how these industries are increasingly focusing on providing experiential elements that cater to people's desire for unique experiences and social interaction. He believes that while technology plays a crucial role in modern commerce, the human touch remains indispensable. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Dax is deeply passionate about environmental conservation. He founded the Age of Union project, an initiative aimed at reconnecting people with nature and spirituality. Through this project, Dax has traveled to various parts of the world, immersing himself in different cultures and gaining a deeper understanding of social and environmental issues. He reflects on the challenges of balancing technological advancement and consumerism with sustainability and emphasizes the importance of supporting local, community-driven businesses. Our conversation also explores the current polarization in society and the impact of social media on politics. Dax expresses concern over the divisive nature of online platforms and the need for more balanced, nuanced conversations. Dax highlights the often-overlooked value of the "middle journey" in business - the day-to-day efforts and experiences that constitute the core of what companies do. He believes that true fulfillment comes from engaging in this journey rather than just focusing on the end goals. Throughout our conversation, Dax emerges as a leader who is not only focused on driving business success but also deeply committed to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and fostering meaningful human connections. His insights offer a thoughtful perspective on how businesses can navigate the complexities of today's world while remaining grounded in values that promote sustainability and community. Enjoy the conversation...

• Running time: 54:38.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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• Here is my conversation with Dax Dasilva.
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• This week's music: David Usher 'St. Lawrence River'.

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction and Background.
• (03:45) - The Future of Retail and Hospitality.
• (05:40) - The Importance of In-Person Interactions in the Workplace.
• (11:12) - Reconnecting with Nature and Spirituality.
• (16:31) - Balancing Technology and Consumerism with Sustainability.
• (26:40) - The Challenges of Polarization in Society.
• (30:32) - The Impact of Social Media on Politics.
• (37:31) - The Role of AI in Business.
• (43:36) - The Potential Societal Impact of AI.
• (51:07) - The Value of the Middle Journey in Business.
• (54:53) - Traveling and Immersion in Local Context.