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 14: Seat at the Table, Not the Head: Why the CEO Role Isn’t Always the Goal
Tim Cutler—senior executive with over two decades of leadership experience—shares his candid journey through the realities of leadership, culture, and accountability.
From sourcing great products to building high-performing teams, Tim reveals the hard-earned lessons that shaped his leadership style. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this conversation delivers practical insights on what it takes to lead with integrity and purpose.
Key Takeaways
• Why cultural fit matters more than credential
• The difference between skill and attitude
• Why owning mistakes is critical for growth
Tim also reflects on his time as CEO, the lessons learned, and why he chose to step back into a role that aligns with his strengths and values. Through honest stories and actionable advice, he highlights the power of trust, agility, and creating a culture where people thrive.
Watch now and discover what it truly means to lead with purpose.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 — Intro
• Welcome to the podcast and guest introduction
• Overview of Tim Cutler's leadership journey
• Focus on culture, accountability, and integrity
03:15 — Defining Good People
• Importance of cultural fit in teams
• Distinction between skill and attitude
• How to identify 'good people' in the workplace
10:45 — Lessons from Poor Cultural Fit
• The cost of tolerating poor fit
• Indicators of misalignment in teams
• Why addressing issues early is critical
18:30 — Owning Mistakes as a Leader
• Tim's personal story of a costly mistake
• The importance of transparency and accountability
• How owning mistakes strengthens team trust
26:00 — The Role of Fun in Culture
• Balancing fun with business challenges
• How values like 'fun' shape team dynamics
• Adapting culture to market realities
33:20 — Reflections on Being a CEO
• Why the CEO role wasn’t the right fit for Tim
• The challenges and responsibilities of leadership
• Lessons learned about leadership and self-awareness
41:00 — Building a High-Trust Executive Team
• The importance of trust and accountability
• How to foster open, honest conversations
• Aligning loyalty to vision and values
48:15 — Leadership as Teaching
• The analogy of teaching and learning with his son
• How leaders can learn from their teams
• The role of humility in leadership growth
55:00 — Closing Thoughts
• Tim’s advice for senior executives: grow your people
• Balancing ego and service in leadership
• Final reflections on leadership and culture
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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