Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Dax Dasilva of Lightspeed Is Helping To Change Our World
Create more leaders within your organization — Surround yourself with those who share the same values as you and then open doors for them to also fulfill leadership positions. Not only can you accomplish more, but you will empower others to make the type of difference you hope to see in the world.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dax Dasilva.
Dax Dasilva is a global tech leader and environmental activist well known for his roles of Founder and Executive Chair of Lightspeed Commerce Inc. and Founder of Age of Union Alliance. Lightspeed is one of the world’s most powerful commerce platforms serving retail, hospitality, and golf merchants in over 100 countries. Following the 2019 debut of his book Age of Union, Dasilva launched a non-profit environmental alliance by the same name in 2021 that supports and makes visible a global community of changemakers working on the ground to protect the planet’s threatened species and ecosystems.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Both sides of my family are originally from Goa, a small state on the west coast of India. My parents chose to settle in Vancouver and my sister and I were born a few years later. From a young age, I became obsessed with the crossover between technology, liberal arts, and design. I truly entered the tech world when my father, a communications director and graphic designer, brought home a Mac. I was intrigued by what this new kind of computer represented. I turned my interest in user interface design into programming to bring my own interface designs to life. This is what inspired me to eventually launch Lightspeed Commerce in 2005 which has grown exponentially and now is a publicly-traded, global leading commerce solution provider in over 100 countries for small and medium-sized businesses.
As a teenager surrounded by so much natural beauty in British Columbia, I also started to feel a strong sense of affinity for the environment. At 17, I enlisted in the battle to save the old-growth forests where I protested the clear-cutting of thousand-year-old trees, which stood like nature’s cathedrals, at Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
The concept of Age of Union came together as I penned my first book (Age of Union) in 2019 as a compelling guide for igniting today’s changemaker. Grounded in four pillars — leadership, culture, spirituality, and nature — the book advocates that the time for change is now and that our choices are the catalyst.
It quickly became apparent that there was an urgency to focus on “nature” and direct my energies to saving the planet through conservation work, which led me to launch Age of Union as a non-profit.
With strategic donations, we support and make visible a global community of changemakers working on the ground to protect the planet’s threatened species and ecosystems. We seek to ignite a flame within every person through conservation efforts that solve critical environmental challenges around the world and inspire high-impact change by showing the positive impact that each and every individual can make.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
It all began with the environmental activism and protesting I did as a teenager. On the journey to Clayoquot Sound, I had seen the dead, grey, clear-cut valleys that previous generations had not saved. These images of man-made moonscapes on earth have never left my mind.
I still go back to Clayoquot every few years. In doing so, it became apparent the impact just a few people could make saving those forests still there today. Yet comparatively, I realized that these gorgeous ecosystems have lived much longer than ours and we are only a small part of their timeline. The most important thing we can do is protect precious land for future generations of numerous species. As I got older, I began to understand this even more.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
The conservationists I have met over the last few years have truly been my inspiration. In 2020, I decided to host Instagram Lives with conservationists like Kerry Bowman, Founder of Canadian Ape Alliance, and Paul Rosolie, Co-Founder of Jungelekeers in Peru. Hearing their stories of how they took on leadership roles to protect critical ecosystems and species reminded me that everyone has the potential to become a changemaker. Local boots-on-the-ground conservation groups like these also reminded me of Lightspeed in our early stages. You can see a great deal of “start-up” mentality where there is so much passion for the mission and all the bones of the organization are strong; they just needed funding to fuel growth and help them reach their full potential. I wanted to funnel that fuel and inspire others just like they inspired me.
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. But you did. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
This goes back to building relationships within the community or industry of the non-profit organization you’re looking to start. For me, that ties back to the networking I did that helped me learn about conservation. Before the Instagram Lives, we also interviewed conservationists for Age of Union’s blog. This type of relationship-building taught me about the rewards and challenges along with operational considerations for this field of work. The same approach should be taken across the board. Whether you are looking to open a food shelter, social services organization or any other non-profit, getting involved early on with the community of interest is imperative.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
The first time I visited one of the conservation sites Age of Union started funding, I had an important moment of clarity where I realized I was on the right path to achieving change. When I was in the Peruvian Amazon, Paul Rosolie (Junglekeepers) took me out on a small boat down the Las Piedras River, guiding me towards the area Age of Union would now protect. It was the first day of light after a tropical rainstorm with trees glistening in every direction. We crossed a clearing where the river opened for us and Paul proclaimed, “This is it. You are now entering the region forever protected by Age of Union.” Just as Paul spoke those words, four Macaw parrots came flying out of the rainforest in vibrant colours. Unbelievably massive creatures with screeching calls echoing across the river, I was stunned to realize their significance. They are the most threatened species of parrots in the world and can only live atop one type of tree in the Amazon often cut down by loggers for their high value. Their call was a stark reminder that Age of Union’s investment is not only protecting this land but saving threatened wildlife — the millions of lives that call these ecosystems home.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or take away you learned from that?
I’m not sure I have any funny mistakes but surely some major lessons for launching a non-profit. For example, if you are trying to make an impact in other countries, there are extraneous legal processes involved for large donations. I thought this would have been simple and that a lump sum donation would be welcomed quickly, but there were complicated legalities involved that took planning. Some donations took up to nine months to organize. This made me realize why some organizations in different parts of the world may be severely underfunded — because of the red tape involved for foreign NGOs. I felt even more empowered to break down the necessary barriers. As a positive, we learned from these early experiences and developed a tool kit for the future. We’re already thinking about what new technology and processes could make this easier for other non-profits in the long run.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My father has been a major influence in my philanthropic journey. He also gave back to many causes that mattered to him. He didn’t just put money forward and sit back; he actively stepped up and was directly involved, just as I try to be.
I’ve been inspired by other conservationists like Captain Paul Watson who founded Sea Shepherd and arguably has single-handedly saved many important species of whales. He was a major inspiration for me in the early days of starting Age of Union.
Patrick Pichette, former CFO of Google and partner of Kenauk Nature (one of North America’s largest private ecological reserves) also served as Chairman of the Board for Lightspeed and has been an exceptional mentor for me. Not only did he guide me as CEO of Lightspeed, but gave me the confidence to pursue conservation alongside my love for technology.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Society Needs to Raise Their Voices to Make Conservation a Priority — Many politicians see the value in conservation work, but it can fall to the bottom of the priority list if there is no public pressure to do something. If society raises their voices to show that it’s a priority and demands action, I think we would see our politicians doing more for the planet.
Show You Care with How You Vote — It’s important we don’t take for granted the power of voting. If we want to see change, we need to enlist leaders who are going to help accomplish change.
Consider How Your Daily Actions Can and Will Make a Difference — We all have a role to play in protecting our planet. Tackling major issues like climate change may feel daunting, but there are absolutely tangible methods for making a difference — from reducing pollution and carpooling to constraining yourself from overconsumption, as well as reducing or eliminating meat and seafood from our diets.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
Businesses and consumers speak through choices. If consumers express they value sustainability through where they spend money, where they are eating, and where they are shopping, sustainable businesses will thrive.
On the flip side, there is an opportunity for businesses to educate consumers. How buying some products gives back to the environment and how other products derive from harmful poaching, mining, deforestation, and much more.
I’ve seen many businesses get creative with how they support the environment while also serving consumers. One of my favorite vegan restaurants in Montreal is called Tendresse. It’s owned by a group of entrepreneurs in the city’s food and beverage space, and during the pandemic, they adopted their own biodegradable packaging for delivery to lighten their carbon footprint — it was impressive!
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Do your research & network — There are many valuable lessons to be gained from other experts in the field, so take the time to foster knowledge.
- Don’t ever expect to stop learning — Even when you think you’ve mastered something, there is always room for education. Meeting locals in small communities where Age of Union has donated, I’ve continually been able to expand my knowledge.
- Be patient — Even what may seem like the simplest task can sometimes take much longer in non-profit work, but be persistent and patient for what will be an extremely rewarding outcome.
- Create more leaders within your organization — Surround yourself with those who share the same values as you and then open doors for them to also fulfill leadership positions. Not only can you accomplish more, but you will empower others to make the type of difference you hope to see in the world.
- Get involved and stay present — It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day work but never to lose sight of your mission. For Age of Union, working with locals in remote areas around the world and seeing the amazing work they do continues to keep me motivated.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
Environmental work does not just make the world a better place for today, but for future generations. Protecting precious ecosystems will help fight climate change and save species that play important roles in our ecological systems so that your children and your children’s children have a healthy planet. This aside, it’s also the most rewarding work you will ever do. There is no better sense of self-fulfillment that comes with the realization that your actions are truly making a positive impact in the world.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“All social change comes from the passion and intervention of individuals or small groups of individuals.” — Captain Paul Watson, Founder of Sea Shepherd
I’ve always loved this quote from Captain Watson. It reminds me that real change starts with those individuals who have the courage and drive to seek out that change.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Jane Goodall — Her environmental work is truly groundbreaking and demonstrates the importance of research alongside conservation. The insights she’s shown have allowed humankind to feel better connected to chimpanzees and played an important role in saving this species from extinction. I’ve always been inspired by her ability to ignite global interest and support for conservation. I know there is so much I could learn from her — hopefully one day I’m privileged to have the chance to sit down with her!
How can our readers follow you online?
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About the author: Penny is an environmental scientist-turned-entrepreneur. She’s worked as a climate scientist, an environmental planner, and a wilderness park ranger. Motivated by a passion to raise a generation of environmental leaders, in 2010 Penny founded Green Kid Crafts, a children’s media company that provides kids around the world with convenient and eco-friendly STEAM activities. Today, it’s become a leader in the subscription industry, with over 1 million packages shipped worldwide that have exposed a generation to think about and take a leadership role in sustainability. Penny, her husband Jeff, and her children Rowan and Declan live together in San Diego, California. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Management and an M.S. in Environmental Science. Penny has over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, management, strategy and finance. She’s a seasoned leader, an inspiring speaker, an encouraging business mentor, and a creative writer. You can learn more about Green Kid Crafts at https://www.greenkidcrafts.com/ and follow Penny’s stories and updates at https://www.instagram.com/greenkidcrafts/ and https://twitter.com/bauderpenny.
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Dax Dasilva of Lightspeed Is Helping To Change… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.