Episode 2: Trish Pegorer | Response Over Reaction: Leadership Lessons from Mutti’s MD

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.