David Thomas

David Thomas, a seasoned business journalist and author of The Fairfax Way, shares insights into the remarkable journey of Fairfax. He delves into the company’s impressive 19.2% annual returns and its evolution in the insurance and investment landscape. David discusses the strategic lessons learned from both successes—like shorting tech—and challenges such as the missteps with BlackBerry. He also reflects on the importance of political contexts in investment decisions and offers a glimpse into the future as Fairfax navigates upcoming leadership changes.

David Thomas, veteran Canadian business journalist and author of The Fairfax Way, walks through his long reporting career and how he gained access to Prem Watsa. He explores Fairfax’s “Fair and Friendly” values, Prem’s immigrant roots and leadership style, the insurance float investing model, decentralization and succession planning. Short, lively stories about memorable reporting and corporate resilience.