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The Real Biz Life Chronicles
Unedited stories of Business, Branding and Life.
Banish boring as Tracy Fryer and her guests take a ride on the rollercoaster of being a business owner - or of simply being human! Get ready to learn exactly what it takes to grow with distinction and show mediocrity the middle finger. In this podcast Tracy interview’s authentic business owners, who share their story of building a successful business, their strategies behind their success and leading the way.
RAW. Honest. Unedited.
The Real Biz Life Chronicles
#106 Darren Linton on Leadership & Legacy
What does it take to step into a company built by a giant, and not just carry the legacy, but redefine it?
Darren Linton started on site at 15, not as the son of a managing director but as a kid with grit and determination. Today, he’s the Managing Director of Hanssen, WA’s largest apartment builder, with 6,500+ apartments delivered, 600 staff from 60 nationalities, and a flawless completion record.
But Darren’s story isn’t just about buildings. It’s about mentorship, a bold program that employs ex-prisoners, and a leadership style grounded in calmness, vision, and honesty. In this conversation, he shares the loneliness of leadership, the pressure of carrying his stepdad Jerry Hansen’s legacy, and the courage to keep learning. His advice to “trust but verify” is a reminder every leader needs.
If you’ve wondered how to balance tradition and change, or lead with both grit and grace, this episode is for you.
In This Episode:
- (07:00) The mentors who shaped Darren’s leadership
- (14:30) Why second chances matter
- (20:00) The challenge of stepping up as MD
- (23:00) “The job is the boss”—removing ego from the work
- (33:00) Darren’s proudest project and team morale
- (38:00) The brutal truth about leadership
About Darren Linton
Darren Linton is the Managing Director of Hanssen, with over 22 years of experience across construction, from labouring and tiling to logistics, site management, and executive leadership. Known for being grounded, driven, and visionary, Darren is passionate about training the next generation of leaders and building cultures where people thrive.
Connect with Darren
LinkedIn: Darren Linton
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About Tracy:
Tracy Fryer is a branding powerhouse, speaker, and founder of Design Studio Perth and Trace Designs Bespoke. She’s dedicated to helping business owners and creatives build brands that truly reflect their values, passions, and long-term vision. As the host of The Real Biz Life Chronicles, Tracy brings raw, insightful conversations that push entrepreneurs to embrace bold growth, develop strategic branding, and lead with unapologetic confidence. Her approach is refreshingly real—blending deep expertise with a passion for authenticity, creative excellence, and business success.
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