Mitchell Geisler on Building Businesses and Leading Through Change

From Bartender to Healthcare CEO

Mitchell Geisler didn’t start his career in a boardroom. He started in downtown Toronto, running a bar in his younger days. That early experience gave him a taste for managing people, solving problems, and working under pressure.

Over the years, Geisler would go on to lead companies across industries—from mining to healthcare. Today, he’s the CEO of LevelJump Healthcare, where he’s grown the business from $850,000 to over $17 million in gross revenue. But his journey wasn’t a straight line.

“Success is a mixture of achieving personal and professional goals that you set for yourself,” he says, “and knowing in some way you’ve made a difference.”

How Mitchell Geisler Built His Career in Business

Geisler graduated from York University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Born in Montreal, he moved to Toronto when he was young, and sports played a big role in his early years—basketball, volleyball, track and field. Those habits stuck. Today he is an avid runner, a sport he took up in his adult years and has completed many 10k’s and  two half-marathons.

The discipline from sports carried over into business. Early in his career, he stepped into the mining sector, where he served as COO of Pacific Gold Corp. Later, he shifted to healthcare, taking over as CEO of CTS in 2010.

Each move was strategic, but also driven by a willingness to face new challenges. “My career has been building businesses, which naturally come with speed bumps, roadblocks, and surprise issues,” he says. “The key is to remember there is always a solution. Don’t think you always have the answer—ask others, learn, listen.”

Leadership Lessons From Healthcare and High-Stress Teams

Working in healthcare means more than hitting targets. For Geisler, it’s about understanding people under pressure.

“You deal with patients who may be under a lot of stress, doctors who are working in a stressful capacity, and staff who are trying their best,” he explains. “A good leader needs to find ways to connect and create a true team environment.”

It’s a reminder that even in data-driven industries, emotional intelligence matters. Geisler leads by staying grounded and open to different perspectives.

He believes in stepping away when needed. “Stop what you’re doing, go for a run or walk, and evaluate the situation. Talk to others. Take deep breaths,” he advises.

This kind of leadership has helped him guide teams through complex changes, tight timelines, and unexpected setbacks.

How Geisler Measures Success in Business

For Geisler, success isn’t a trophy on a shelf. It’s something you earn every day.

“Success is in the results—that is your feedback,” he says. “Do you increase sales, revenue, profitability? If you’re giving a presentation, does it lead to engagement? The standard is to always improve.”

He’s clear-eyed about how business really works. Every win is followed by the next challenge. You don’t coast on past success.

“Every failure is a lesson that teaches you,” he adds. “It’s an opportunity to gain knowledge and be mindful with future decisions.”

Balancing Work and Life in a 24/7 World

Being a CEO often means your mind is always on. But Geisler is intentional about stepping back when he needs to.

“I think for most leaders, the professional side is 24/7,” he says, “but you have to find a way to put the phone down. The best ideas come when your mind isn’t focused on your work.”

He’s a firm believer in the idea that time away can lead to clarity. Music, sports, and running are more than hobbies—they’re tools for thinking clearly.

Why Mitchell Geisler Still Listens First

Even after decades in business, Geisler doesn’t claim to have all the answers. His approach is rooted in humility.

“Ask others, learn, listen, understand, compute,” he says. “Then you can make the most optimal solution.”

That mindset is rare. But it’s also part of why he’s been successful across very different industries. Whether running a mining firm, managing a bar, or leading a healthcare company, Geisler adapts—but stays true to his values.

Key Takeaways From Mitchell Geisler’s Journey

• Start anywhere. Even a bar in Toronto can be the beginning of a business journey.
• Face problems head-on. There’s always a solution, even if it takes collaboration.
• Measure what matters. Success isn’t a feeling—it’s in the numbers and impact.
• Make space to think. Some of the best insights come when you step away.
• Lead with empathy. Especially in high-stress industries, people come first.

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