Stephan Knoll: Leadership Lessons from Family Business and Public Office

In this episode of The CEO Advantage Podcast, hosts Paul Edginton and Milly Albers are joined by Stephan Knoll to explore leadership shaped by family enterprise, public service, and lived accountability. Stephan shares his journey from growing up in a multigenerational food manufacturing business to serving as a South Australian government minister, and how those experiences continue to inform his approach to leadership, decision making, and responsibility.The conversation unpacks Stephan’s early immersion in work through Barossa Fine Foods, the realities of earning respect in a blue collar workforce, and the challenges of stepping into senior leadership roles at a young age. Stephan reflects on the contrast between private enterprise and public office, including the pressures of political systems, the impact of scrutiny and investigation on personal wellbeing, and the importance of preserving humanity, relationships, and judgement under stress. He also outlines his post politics portfolio career, including executive chair roles, board leadership, and advising growth stage businesses using first principles thinking.In this episode:• Growing up in a family business and learning leadership through work rather than theory• Earning trust and authority in tough operating environments• The differences between decision making in private enterprise and government• The personal cost of public scrutiny and how to recover perspective and balance• Building a portfolio career focused on impact, governance, and practical leadershipThis episode is for leaders, founders, and executives who want a grounded perspective on responsibility, resilience, and how leadership decisions shape both organisations and lives.We would love for you to become part of our growing leadership community. Visit ⁠www.ceoadvantage.com.au⁠.For leadership advice and more content, follow @ceo_advantage on Instagram.Connect with Paul Edginton on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/paul-edginton-5047a511.