W. Brett Wilson

One of Canada’s most popular television personalities, W. Brett Wilson's successful approach to business and philanthropy has generated a wide national following. Known for his big heart, and penchant for investing in people rather than projects, he is living proof that it’s possible to succeed in business without losing your principles.

His latest show, Risky Business, is a Canadian series based on the British program Beat the Bank - each week a team or couple of investors are presented with two investment opportunities and are asked to pick one.  Brett Wilson, by default, picks the other investment and they follow the success of each opportunity over 30 days.  At the end of the 30 days, Brett and the other investors compare who's done better and sometimes - way, way worse.

After three successful years on the hit television show Dragons’ Den, Brett established himself as the lead deal-making Dragon, with over 30 successful investments in his Dragons’ Den portfolio. His larger-than-life story about success, loss, and finding balance leaves audiences determined to live more intentional, focused, and successful lives.

Brett has been particularly successful in the oil and gas industry; he co-founded one of the industry’s leading investment banks, now one of Canada’s most respected companies. FirstEnergy Capital Corp. is a leader in institutional sales, trading, research, financings, and a pioneer in innovative corporate philanthropy. In addition to his energy interests, Brett has acquired holdings in real estate, agriculture, sports, and entertainment.

Brett has used his national platform to promote entrepreneurship and innovation to audiences throughout Canada. He has also founded the W. Brett Wilson Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Saskatchewan, promoting entrepreneurship among all disciplines, with a vision for becoming one of Canada’s pre-eminent centres for entrepreneurship.

A noted philanthropist, Brett has sought to inspire, engage, and lead the business community into seeing corporate social responsibility not as an obligation, but an opportunity. To help them realize their potential for giving back, he has organized dozens of highly popular – and successful – fundraising events that have not only raised awareness but also tens of millions for Canadian charities.

Respected for his principles and passion, Brett has received wide recognition for his business and philanthropic leadership. He has been singled out as Alberta’s Business Person of the Year, named Calgary’s Person of the Year, and recognized as a Nation Builder for his role in encouraging entrepreneurship, particularly among youth. In 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Royal Roads University.

• 1. Partners, Principles and Priorities: The Real Secrets of Success

• 2. Why Everyone Should Study Marketing, Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship

• 3. Philanthropic Entrepreneurship: How to Use Philanthropy to Build a Business and Community

• 4. Tales from the Den: How Aspiring Entrepreneurs Found Success in the Den