In this insightful and deeply human episode, host Jennifer welcomes Mitch Birt, Managing Director of Pure Fishing Asia Pacific, for a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about modern leadership. From humble beginnings as a supermarket checkout clerk to leading a multi-national organization, Mitch shares the real story behind his rise—and the leadership lessons learned through both triumphs and costly mistakes.With warmth and candor, Mitch unpacks the evolution of his leadership style, the critical importance of empathy, and why building culture and growing people are non-negotiables for sustainable success. This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a leadership masterclass filled with actionable insights for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, resilience, and heart.🧩 Episode Breakdown:00:00 – IntroductionJennifer sets the stage with a personal intro to Mitch Birt and the episode’s focus on purposeful leadership.03:00 – Mitch's Early JourneyFrom Woolworths checkout kid to national executive—how early roles built his foundation in people and execution.08:00 – Retail, Fishing, and AccountabilityLessons from the ground: why execution and customer focus became Mitch’s core principles.13:00 – Leadership Style EvolutionFrom command-and-control to servant leadership—Mitch gets real about past mistakes and mindset shifts.17:00 – Empathy at the CoreThe surprising role Mitch’s wife played in shaping his emotional intelligence and leadership depth.21:30 – Navigating Tough ConversationsHow emotional maturity and preparation shape crucial leadership moments and team restructures.27:00 – Culture as a Competitive AdvantageRebuilding Pure Fishing’s culture during a pivotal transition and why clarity is everything.31:00 – Mistakes That MatterA COVID-era overinvestment gone wrong—and the million-dollar lesson it delivered.36:00 – Strategic DetachmentWhy stepping back from the day-to-day “scrum” is vital for long-term leadership.40:00 – Building Legacy Through PeopleMitch celebrates those who’ve risen through the ranks—and why that’s his proudest achievement.44:00 – Street Smarts Over TheoryReal talk: why direct experience with customers beats any strategy deck.47:00 – Life Integration Over BalanceRejecting the myth of work-life balance and choosing values-alignment instead.49:00 – Final Words for Aspiring LeadersMitch’s closing advice: Work hard, stay humble, and never stop learning.✨ Why Listen?Learn how authentic leadership is built—not bornHear how empathy, humility, and hard lessons can shape successful executivesDiscover practical strategies for building culture, leading teams, and owning mistakesBe inspired by a real-world story of resilience and purpose-driven leadership🔔 Like what you heard? Subscribe, rate, and share.Stay tuned for more episodes of Slicing Through the Noise—where we uncover what it really takes to lead in today’s world.#Leadership #EmpathyInBusiness #CultureFirst #MitchBirt #PureFishing #SlicingThroughTheNoise #LeadershipPodcastThank 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

Ver todos los episodios