Founder Story
Mitchell Geisler on Growth, Grit, and Leading with Purpose Across Industries
How the CEO of LevelJump Healthcare turned diverse experiences into business success—leading with resilience, empathy, and a results-driven mindset.
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From running a bar in Toronto to building multimillion-dollar businesses, the CEO of LevelJump Healthcare shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and staying grounded through change
Mitchell Geisler didn’t begin his career in a corner office or corporate suite. His journey started on the ground floor—managing a bar in downtown Toronto, where he learned firsthand how to navigate challenges, manage people, and stay composed under pressure. That experience would become the foundation for a leadership style that blends business acumen with empathy, adaptability, and grit.
Today, Geisler is the CEO of LevelJump Healthcare, where he’s grown the company from $850,000 to over $17 million in gross revenue. But his path wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of strategic pivots, hard-earned lessons, and a constant drive to do better.
“Success is a mixture of achieving personal and professional goals that you set for yourself,” says Geisler, “and knowing in some way you’ve made a difference.”
From York University to Global Leadership
Geisler graduated from York University in 1994 with a degree in History, a subject that may not seem like a direct path to corporate leadership, but which honed his analytical thinking and curiosity. Raised in Toronto after being born in Montreal, he credits sports—basketball, volleyball, track and field—for instilling in him the discipline and drive that carried over into his business life.
Today, he is an avid runner, having completed numerous 10k races and two half-marathons. Running, he says, helps him maintain both mental and physical stamina—a must for anyone in high-stakes leadership.
Building Businesses, Embracing Change
Geisler’s early career saw him step into the mining sector, where he became COO of Pacific Gold Corp. From there, he transitioned into healthcare, assuming the role of CEO at CTS in 2010. These moves weren’t accidental—they reflected his willingness to take on new challenges and adapt to new environments.
“My career has been building businesses, which naturally come with speed bumps, roadblocks, and surprise issues,” he explains. “The key is to remember there is always a solution. Don’t think you always have the answer—ask others, learn, listen.”
This philosophy has been central to his leadership—solving complex problems not alone, but by harnessing the insights and strengths of his team.
Leadership in Healthcare: Where Empathy Meets Execution
Running a healthcare company isn’t just about margins or KPIs. It’s about understanding people—patients under stress, doctors working under pressure, and staff navigating tight schedules.
“A good leader needs to find ways to connect and create a true team environment,” says Geisler.
He brings emotional intelligence into environments where stakes are high and stress is constant. His approach? Stay grounded. Step away when needed. Reflect and refocus.
“Stop what you’re doing, go for a run or walk, and evaluate the situation,” he advises. “Talk to others. Take deep breaths.”
These practices aren’t just coping mechanisms—they’re tools that help him make better decisions and build stronger teams.
Redefining Success: More Than Just a Number
To Geisler, success is about results, but also about momentum. It’s never a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous process.
“Do you increase sales, revenue, profitability? If you’re giving a presentation, does it lead to engagement? The standard is to always improve.”
But he’s quick to note that failure is part of the journey. Each setback is a source of learning, and every win is a stepping stone, not a destination.
“Every failure is a lesson that teaches you. It’s an opportunity to gain knowledge and be mindful with future decisions.”
Work-Life Balance in a 24/7 World
As CEO, Geisler acknowledges that the job often demands constant attention. Still, he’s learned to step back and create space for perspective.
“The professional side is 24/7, 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.”
For him, music, running, and time with family are more than hobbies—they’re essential parts of staying sharp and inspired.
The Power of Listening
Despite decades of experience across industries, Geisler remains committed to a learner’s mindset. His leadership philosophy is simple but powerful:
“Ask others, learn, listen, understand, compute. Then you can make the most optimal solution.”
That humility—and the willingness to evolve—has enabled him to lead through change, build strong teams, and deliver sustained growth.
Key Takeaways from Mitchell Geisler’s Journey
- Start anywhere: Even a Toronto bar can be the first step in a business career.
- Embrace challenges: There’s always a solution if you’re willing to listen and learn.
- Measure impact: Let the numbers—and the engagement—tell you what’s working.
- Create space to think: Stepping away can spark your best ideas.
- Lead with empathy: People, especially in high-pressure industries, come first.
Mitchell Geisler’s story is a reminder that leadership is not about titles—it’s about growth, resilience, and staying grounded in what really matters. Whether navigating the mining world or transforming a healthcare company, he leads with heart, listens first, and builds with purpose.
