In this episode of Hearts & Mines, David sits down with Trevor Nisbett, former CEO of The West Coast Eagles and leading businessman. Over more than two decades at the helm, Trevor transformed the Eagles from a financially troubled interstate newcomer into one of the AFL's most commercially successful clubs, competing in five grand finals and winning four premierships. Far more than a football story, this conversation is a masterclass in leadership, culture, resilience and people. Trevor reflects candidly on navigating the club's darkest chapter, the qualities that define great leaders, what it really takes to build a winning culture, and the wisdom he'd pass on to his 25-year-old self. Whether you work in sport, mining, or any people-driven organisation, the lessons here are universal.
David Beilby 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbeilby/
Alana Bray-White 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-bray-white-8b4478219/
ivy & gecko 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-gecko
Timecodes:
(00:00) Opening highlights on leadership, mistakes and resilience
(00:45) Welcome introducing Trevor Nisbett, CEO of the West Coast Eagles
(02:00) Trevor's career in review from WAFL to four AFL premierships
(03:00) Growing up in Bunbury a humble beginning and the role of discipline
(04:45) Early influences football coaches and the lessons of team sport
(07:00) Something most people don't know a passion for horse racing
(08:00) Career highs and lows from 14 staff and $14M in debt to 100,000 members
(09:30) The Wirrpanda Foundation and community legacy
(10:30) Post-Eagles plans family, grandkids and leadership education
(11:15) The qualities of great leaders toughness, empathy and mentorship
(14:30) Vulnerability in leadership Hayden Bunton Jr. and owning your mistakes
(17:45) The biggest challenge navigating the Ben Cousins drug saga
(21:00) What the club learned acting sooner and the power of a strong board
(23:15) Engaging a team of individuals getting young men to collaborate
(26:15) What makes a strong and healthy culture and why "culture" is overused
(29:00) Trevor's question to David how do you recruit from a shallow pool?
(33:45) Rapid fire dinner with Nelson Mandela and the question he'd ask
(35:00) The wisest person Trevor has met Ron Evans and the art of not recruiting
(36:30) The greatest AFL coaches of all time Norm Smith, Sheedy, Malthouse
(37:45) The greatest AFL players of all time Farmer, Ablett, Judd
(39:30) Book recommendation The Power of Choice by Neale Daniher
(41:15) What Trevor is most optimistic about
(42:00) Will a woman ever coach a men's AFL team?
(43:00) What energises him
(45:00) Advice to his 25-year-old self
(45:45) Closing remarks
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Recorded and produced by Podwave Studios:https://podwavestudios.au/
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in 'Hearts & Mines' are those of the podcast participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ivy & gecko or any other agency, organisation, employer, or company associated with the podcast. Content provided is for informational purposes only.
Italia