About this episode

Mike Schneider discusses the essential qualities of leading at scale and the importance of leaving ego behind.

In this episode of Business & Beyond, Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider shares what it really takes to lead at scale — and why the best leaders leave ego at the door.​ From a modest upbringing in Sydney to leading one of Australia’s most trusted brands,Mike reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy — including moments of failure, tough decisions, and the pressure of leading through uncertainty.​ Topics covered:​ Why great leaders focus on the work, not the title ​ How to build high-performing teams grounded in trust and accountability ​ Lessons from Bunnings’ most challenging periods — and what they revealed ​ Why culture is a long-term advantage (and easy to get wrong) ​ Practical advice for the next generation of leaders​ BCG maintains a professional relationship with the company represented by this episode’s guest. Chapter markers: 00:00:00 Resilience, Setbacks and Fresh Starts​ 00:01:19 Upbringing, Family and Early Adversity​ 00:06:43 Leadership Philosophy and Tough Conversations​ 00:10:39 Humble Starts in Retail and Finding Direction​ 00:18:47 From Retail to Banking and Finding the Calling​​ 00:28:50 Joining Bunnings and Cultural…

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