CEO Global Network Podcast
🎙 Hosted by John Wilson, founder of CEO Global Network and author of GREAT CEOs and How They Are Made, this podcast delivers powerful insights for CEOs and executives looking to grow as leaders and drive lasting success.
Each episode features candid conversations with high-performing business leaders, expert speakers, and industry trailblazers—all focused on sharpening your leadership edge, building resilient companies, and improving your life, your team, and your impact.
Join a community of CEOs helping CEOs succeed.
CEO Global Network Podcast
Darren Munnich, Leader & Mentor at CEO Global Network - Lessons in Leadership and Growth
In this episode of The CEO Global Network Podcast, host John Wilson sits down with Darren Munnich, a seasoned executive and Group Leader at CEO Global Network.
Darren shares key lessons from his decades-long career at Sysco, where he served as President, EVP, and CFO across multiple regions, and how those experiences now inform his work mentoring CEOs and leaders.
You’ll hear Darren discuss:
- The most pivotal moment in his leadership journey.
- How to help CEOs get unstuck during challenging times.
- The importance of consistency and reliability in leadership.
- What effective scaling and sustainable growth really look like.
- How his transition from executive to mentor reshaped his view of leadership.
This is a grounded, insight-rich conversation for leaders striving to elevate both their business performance and leadership impact.
John Wilson (00:00)
Darren, I can't thank you enough for being on the CEO Global Network podcast today.
Darren Munnich (00:07)
Thank you, John. I'm looking forward to it.
John Wilson (00:09)
(Introduction of Darren’s background and leadership experience at Sysco; now a Group Leader and Mentor with CEO Global Network.)
John Wilson (01:13)
What was the most pivotal moment in your career that has shaped how you lead today?
Darren Munnich (01:26)
For me, it was the Sysco Canada Leadership Development Program. Four years of immersive leadership training prepared me for my role as President of Sysco Edmonton and helped define my leadership brand.
John Wilson (02:36)
How do you help CEOs get through challenges when they feel stuck?
Darren Munnich (02:56)
I slow things down, help them see the issue from 20,000 feet, and remind them that leadership means coaching and guiding their teams — not fixing everything themselves.
John Wilson (03:43)
What did leading at Sysco teach you about scaling and sustaining a business?
Darren Munnich (03:54)
Scaling and sustaining are different but must be coordinated. Success depends on aligning growth strategies with long-term sustainability plans.
John Wilson (04:35)
How do you build trust quickly with the CEOs and teams you mentor?
Darren Munnich (04:46)
I start by asking about their goals. Tailoring mentorship to what they want to achieve shows that I have their best interests at heart.
John Wilson (05:39)
What’s the most underrated skill for CEOs and senior executives?
Darren Munnich (05:52)
Consistency and reliability. Emotional volatility erodes trust. Emotional intelligence and self-awareness help leaders build credibility and followership.
John Wilson (07:08)
How has transitioning from executive roles to mentoring changed your perspective on leadership?
Darren Munnich (07:11)
It’s deepened my appreciation for the long-term impact of effective leadership. I now focus more on sustainable growth and lasting influence, rather than short-term results.
John Wilson (08:05)
Thank you, Darren — this was fantastic.
Darren Munnich (08:07)
My pleasure, John. Thank you.
