🎧 Episode Synopsis In this rich and reflective episode of Slicing Through the Noise, Gary Marshall, Managing Director of DEM Fire, shares his deeply personal leadership journey—from jazz musician to business owner, and everything in between. With host Jennifer Elliott, Gary unpacks the raw truth of what it really takes to lead through growth, mistakes, reinvention, and the long shadow of family business dynamics. This is a candid exploration of the highs of building something meaningful, the lows of letting things slide too long, and the lessons learned from not acting fast enough on culture, people, and performance. From tuning a business like a jazz ensemble to redefining leadership roles and empowering managers, Gary’s story is a powerful example of authenticity, humility, and commitment to something bigger than himself. 📌 Episode Breakdown 00:00 – 05:00 | Welcome & Framing the Journey Introduction to Gary and the DEM story Why leadership is about growing people—not just results Setting the tone for a values-driven conversation 05:01 – 12:20 | Early Life & Finding Purpose From trade school to electrical engineering The leap into full-time music and studying jazz Discovering a desire for a fuller life beyond the stage 12:21 – 20:10 | Entering Business by Way of Family Joining forces with his brother Tom From part-time work to full-time business owner The personal moment that shifted his trajectory 20:11 – 26:50 | Jazz & Business: A Shared Language Why leadership feels like conducting a jazz band The power of listening deeply and leading in the moment Balancing structure and improvisation 26:51 – 33:30 | Leadership Mistakes & Missed Moments Letting misaligned people linger too long How slow decisions around culture cost the team The pain of inaction and the toll it takes 33:31 – 39:40 | Truth, Team & Culture Repair Why everyone already knows what you’re avoiding Leading with transparency and cutting clean Owning up to the truth and leading by example 39:41 – 45:10 | Values in Action: The Real Impact Living the DEM vision before announcing it Why values aren’t just words—they’re everyday decisions Holding staff accountable to uncompromising standards 45:11 – 49:50 | From Control to Collaboration Shifting decision-making to empower managers Why budgeting is now a team responsibility Building trust by letting go of control 49:51 – 54:20 | Family Dynamics & Working with Tom Navigating the brother dynamic inside business The value of healthy conflict and open communication Keeping the relationship strong through growth 54:21 – 58:00 | Final Reflections & Advice Why external support is essential for every leader Lessons from Forum and the power of shared wisdom Advice for emerging leaders in fast-growing businesses 🎯 Key Takeaway “If you're walking past something that’s not right, everyone already knows. Culture is shaped by what you allow—and how quickly you act.” – Gary Marshall Perfect For Leaders navigating business plateaus and culture challenges Family business founders and successoThank you for listening to 'Slicing Through The Noise' the podcast that uncovers real stories behind impactful leadership in Australia and around the world. Follow us: Apple Podcasts Spotify Linkedin Youtube Instagram

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