In this episode, Mike Dickson speaks with Trish Pegorer, Managing Director of Mutti Australia, to explore her unconventional path to executive leadership and the journey of building a challenger brand into a category leader.

Trish’s career is a clear example of a non-linear trajectory, shaped by entrepreneurial roots and pivotal “sliding doors” moments. From early exposure in her family’s small business through to a chance professional connection that ultimately led her to Mutti, her story reinforces how long-term impact is often driven by relationships, reputation, and how you show up in key moments.

A defining leadership principle throughout the conversation is Trish’s focus on being a “response, not a reaction” leader—highlighting the importance of measured decision-making over emotional instinct. This is complemented by traits she credits for her success: curiosity, humility, accountability, and what she describes as “annoying persistence.”

The discussion also unpacks the realities of stepping into an MD role without a traditional corporate blueprint. Trish shares how she scaled the Mutti business in Australia, built capability by hiring talent stronger than herself, and created a high-performing, values-led team in a lean, fast-growth environment.

They explore what leadership looks like in practice—balancing strategic growth with operational execution, influencing a global organisation from a local market, and continuously evolving as the business matures into a market leader.

With strong reflections on self-development and leadership readiness, the episode reinforces that progression to CEO is less about functional excellence alone, and more about self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to build and lead teams that outperform.