Mitchell Geisler is a Canadian entrepreneur and CEO of LevelJump Healthcare. Based in Toronto, he has led the company since 2010, growing it from $850,000 to over $17 million in gross revenue.
His journey into leadership has been anything but conventional. In his younger years, he ran a bar in downtown Toronto. That early hands-on experience taught him how to manage people, juggle challenges, and make decisions under pressure—skills he carried into the boardroom.
Before taking over at LevelJump, Mitchell held executive roles in other sectors, including serving as COO of Pacific Gold Corp. His career has spanned healthcare, mining, and hospitality, showing his ability to lead across different industries.
Mitchell earned a BA in History from York University in 1994. He’s known for his calm, collaborative leadership style. “Every failure is a lesson,” he says. “There’s always a solution—you just need to ask the right questions.”
He believes good leadership requires empathy and reflection. In a high-pressure field like healthcare, he reminds leaders that success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating strong, respectful teams. A daily runner who’s completed two half marathons, Mitchell often finds his best ideas come when he steps away to think clearly.
At heart, he’s someone who listens first, leads with intention, and believes that success comes from constant improvement—personally and professionally.
Mitchell Geisler on Growth, Leadership and Listening
Q: Let’s start at the beginning. What was your first experience running a business?
A: I actually started out running a bar in downtown Toronto in my twenties. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was intense and fast-paced. You’re handling staff, managing inventory, dealing with customers—all at once. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure and how important it is to listen to the people around you. That experience never really left me.
Q: And how did that evolve into becoming a CEO in healthcare?
A: After that, I moved into more formal business roles. I was the COO of Pacific Gold Corp in the mining sector. Then I transitioned into healthcare, where I led a medical imaging company. Eventually, I took over as CEO of LevelJump Healthcare in 2010. It was a big shift, but every industry has its challenges—and lessons carry over. You need to build strong teams, adapt quickly, and always keep learning.
Q: LevelJump has grown significantly under your leadership. What’s been key to that success?
A: We’ve gone from $850,000 to over $17 million in gross revenue. That’s not just because of one decision—it’s a mix of discipline, good people, and never getting too comfortable. I always tell my team, “Don’t get caught up in success. Keep improving.”
Q: What kind of leader do you consider yourself?
A: I lead with reflection and empathy. In healthcare, you’re dealing with patients under stress, doctors working long hours, and staff giving it their all. A leader’s job is to support, not just direct. Create a space where people feel heard. That’s when teams start performing at their best.
Q: What’s your approach when things go wrong?
A: Stop. Go for a run or a walk. Let your brain settle. Then talk to people. Get other perspectives. I believe there’s always a solution—you just have to clear your head enough to see it. Some of my best decisions have come after stepping away and re-evaluating.
Q: You’ve mentioned before that failure is a learning tool. Can you explain?
A: Every business has roadblocks. That’s normal. The key is to see each one as a lesson. Don’t take it personally. Ask: what went wrong, what did I miss, and how can I do better next time? Failure makes you sharper, if you let it.
Q: Outside of work, how do you stay grounded?
A: Running is a big part of that. I’ve done two half marathons. I run almost every day. It keeps me focused. I also love sports and music. But really, it’s about finding time away from the noise. That’s when the best ideas come—when you’re not trying so hard to find them.
Q: Looking back, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
A: Don’t think you always have the answer. That was a big one. Ask others, learn from them, listen, and then compute the information. That process helps you make better decisions—and it helps your team grow too.
Q: What advice would you give someone stepping into a leadership role for the first time?
A: Lead with clarity and patience. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Build trust by listening. And never stop reflecting. That’s where real leadership comes from.
Read more:
Mitchell Geisler on Listening, Leadership and Business Growth