Episode 6: Michael Schneider

Is instinct-based leadership dead?

We are delighted to share the next episode of ARA Retail Therapy – with Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings Group.  

Bunnings is Australia’s leading retailer for home improvements and is one of the most recognisable brands in the country. With more than 350 trading locations and 48,000 team members, Mike’s insights into leadership, growth, collaboration and innovation are incredibly valuable.  

Michael was appointed Managing Director, Bunnings Group in May 2017 following his appointment as Managing Director, Bunnings Australia & New Zealand in March 2016. Prior to this, Michael led the store operations teams across Bunnings Australia and New Zealand, after joining Bunnings in 2005. 

Before joining Bunnings, Michael held a range of senior operational, commercial and human resource roles across regional and national markets, both in retail and financial services businesses. 

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of NSW and has completed the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD, and the Advanced Strategic Management Program at IMD. 

Paul and Mike discuss:  

  • Mike’s journey to the top job at Bunnings  

  • The role of leaders in retail to coach and develop  

  • Managing stores in each state and territory, each with different Covid safety rules  

  • How Bunnings pivoted during Covid-19   

  • Unique connections to community  

  • The future sustainability plans at Bunnings  

  • Mentors and becoming a mentor to pay it forward

Season 1: Trailer

Welcome to Retail Therapy – a podcast proudly brought to you by American Express. Each episode we’ll be chatting to a leader in Australia’s retail industry, including the CEOs of some of Australia’s biggest retailers. We’ll be finding out what makes them tick… What defines their leadership style… And how they got to the top of their game.

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Episode 1: Nicole Sheffield

What do canoes, boxes of wine and air-fryers all have in common? They are just some of the items Australia Post delivered, or sold, to Australians during lockdown. This first episode of Retail Therapy features a fantastic conversation with Nicole Sheffield, Executive General Manager, Community and Consumer at Australia Post.

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Episode 2: Sarah Hunter

In this episode of Retail Therapy, we speak with Sarah Hunter, the Managing Director of Officeworks – the go-to retailer for so many of us when it comes to office supplies, tech equipment and for families when it’s time for back to school.

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