In this episode we uncover “The Person Behind the Profile” with Kurt Burnette, ex-chief revenue officer of Seven West Media, and one of the most admired leaders in the Media industry. Deeply thoughtful and a self confessed introvert, Kurt reveals his personal story, and how he embraces discomfort to continually transform and grow.
It starts with his first sales job of cold calling “you get use to doors being slammed in your face”, which leads to a thrilling stint playing rugby in the UK. With no “master plan” – it was only after Kurt made the bold move to Sydney to join the Manly team, that he eventually found his true calling at Seven West Media.
Kurt opens up about how he navigates his reserved nature while constantly pushing himself beyond his comfort zone. He shares the invaluable lessons instilled by his father about taking risks and confronting challenges head-on, lessons that have shaped both his career and personal life.
One of the episode’s standout moments is when Kurt recounts the day he received a call from Kerry Stokes, the owner of Seven West Media, inviting him to lead the network’s Olympic coverage. This pivotal moment epitomizes the rewards that come from stepping outside your comfort zone and seizing opportunities as they arise. On a personal front, Kurt also dives into the transformative power of mentorship and how he strives to uplift others, especially his own children. He sheds light on the importance of self-awareness and using discomfort as a springboard for growth. His insights on finding purpose and clarity are thought-provoking and relevant as he juggles a demanding career and life as a husband and father.
My three favourite quotes from Kurt’s story are:
“My purpose was not clear, but I’m at my best when galvanizing people for
growth and good.”
“I have a fear of not being able to do all the things I want to do and achieve.”
“You can do this thing right here, right now, without moving cities or jobs.”
Kurt’s rich tapestry of experiences offers honest and real insights on navigating career challenges, fostering personal growth, and discovering what really matters. So, tune in and get inspired by Kurt Burnette’s own story, and what decades in the industry has taught him.
New episodes of Uncomfortable Growth® Uncut drop weekly and are available to stream across all major audio networks.