Pete Lead
Coach at Scalable Leaders
Pete Lead is a seasoned leadership facilitator and startup coach based in Melbourne, Australia. With a rich background in developing business strategies, designing training programs, and coaching leaders, Pete has made significant contributions to changing workplace culture and building communities. He currently serves as a Leadership Facilitator at Scalable Leaders, where he helps tech leaders enhance their skills through a comprehensive development program.Pete's career spans various roles, including Startups Lead and Incubator Coach at Startup Dunedin, Customer Experience Specialist at The Care Co, and Director at Metal Monkey Infinity. He is also an accomplished author, having written "The Startup Guide," a toolkit for beginners in the startup ecosystem.His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration from The University of Sydney Business School and a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from Macquarie University. Pete has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Dean's Citation for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching of Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.In addition to his professional endeavors, Pete has volunteered as a peer coach, helping MBA students develop leadership and communication skills. His diverse experience and passion for innovation make him a valuable asset in the fields of leadership development and startup coaching.
In their own words
From Pete Lead: “You have permission to be awesome and complete freedom to fail” · The History of the Australian Startup Ecosystem - Interview SeriesMy motto in life is you have permission to be awesome and complete freedom to fail.
Career
- Now Coach · Scalable Leaders
- 2019–2022 Head of Programs · BlueChilli
- 2018–2019 Accelerator Manager · BlueChilli
Sources: petelead.medium.com
Key moments
Jump straight to the part of Pete Lead: “You have permission to be awesome and complete freedom to fail” you want.
- 0:31 Meet Pete Lead
- 1:20 Pete's Journey to BlueChilli
- 2:41 Transition from Law to Startup World
- 5:18 First Impressions of BlueChilli
- 6:19 Move from Sydney to New Zealand
- 7:14 Importance of Improv in Leadership
- 8:31 Key Lessons from BlueChilli
- 10:15 Steps for New Founders to Validate Ideas
- 12:15 Insights on the Startup Ecosystem
- 13:06 Community and Support in Startups
Heard on
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▶ Scalable Leaders on Day One
Scalable Leaders is a growth and support system designed for leaders in the tech industry, including engineering, design, product leaders, and founders. 1 person · 2 episodes → Connections
Adam SpencerHost, Documentary: The History Of The Australian Startup Ecosystem
Mark PesceFuturist & Host, The Next Billion Seconds, The Next Billion Seconds
Hayden WilliamsGroup Product Manager, MYOB
Evan ThornleyCo-Founder & CEO, LongView, Longview
Tim FungFounder & CEO, Airtasker, Airtasker
Trevor FolsomCo-Founder and Chairman, Investible
Peter DavisonFormer Co-Founder, Fishburners, Fishburners
Terry HilsbergPartner, Fork Ventures, Fork Ventures Spot something wrong? Suggest a correction Updated 28 September 2026
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