Slicing Through The Noise
This exciting channel dives into real leadership stories from Australia, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, setbacks, and triumphs of business leaders.
Hear firsthand how they navigated adversity and turned obstacles into success. Even more special, our guests are past clients of Integrity and Values who have been deeply influenced by our programs.
Be part of an exciting new journey with our founder and podcast host, Jennifer Elliott.
Slicing Through The Noise
Episode 4 Tuned to Lead: Gary Marshall on jazz, leadership, and the real cost of culture
🎧 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.
đź“Ś 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 successo
Thank you for listening to 'Slicing Through The Noise' the podcast that uncovers real stories behind impactful leadership in Australia and around the world.
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