189: What makes a great founder? Lessons in leadership with Kirstin Hunter

Got a business? Welcome - you are a founder! 

In this episode of The Essential Shift Podcast, we’re joined by Kirstin Hunter - the current CEO of Birchal and former Managing Director at Techstars NSW. 

From co-founding ethical investing platform Future Super to mentoring Australia’s most promising founders, Kirstin brings a unique lens to what it takes to lead and grow mission-driven businesses.

We explore what makes a great founder, the mindset shifts needed to transition to startup life, and why conscious leadership matters more than ever in today’s business climate.

This is an inspiring, grounded conversation for anyone navigating the evolving path of entrepreneurship.

KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

• The traits successful founders share - and how to cultivate them

• What it really means to lead a business with purpose

• Lessons learned from mentoring startups at Techstars

• What it’s like stepping into the CEO role at Birchal

SHOW RESOURCES

• Learn more about Birchal – HERE

• Follow Kirstin on LinkedIn – HERE

• JOIN THE CIRCLE – A community for conscious, creative entrepreneurs - HERE

• Follow me on Instagram – HERE

• Find me on LinkedIn – HERE

ABOUT THE GUEST

Kirstin Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer at Birchal, Australia’s leading crowdsourced funding platform. Before Birchal, Kirstin was the Managing Director (NSW) at Techstars, where she selected and mentored some of the country’s most promising startup founders. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of ethical superannuation platform Future Super, and has held executive roles at Brighte. A reformed lawyer and ex-management consultant, Kirstin brings deep expertise across fintech, impact investing, and high-growth ventures. She’s also a long-time mentor with Blackbird's Giants program and Startmate Fellowships and serves on the board of Morphic Ethical Equities (ASX:MEC). Above all, she’s passionate about helping founders build companies that combine purpose and performance.

Bless it be. 

With love, Laetitia!