7 Leadership Lessons from Merchant Gourmet’s MD, Richard Peake
At Merchant Gourmet, Managing Director Richard Peake leads with a blend of humanity, courage, and clarity. In a recent conversation, he shared timeless lessons in leadership that any brand, big or small, can learn from.
1. Give People “Roots and Wings”
“If people know they can take risks within clear rules - that there’s a nurturing environment underneath them - they’ll spread their wings. You need deep roots so people can fly, knowing the roots are always there.”
Leadership takeaway:
The best company cultures balance structure with freedom. Give your team stability, but also space to explore, innovate, and take smart risks.
2. Psychological Safety Isn’t a Buzzword - It’s How You Unlock Creativity
“True empowerment is rare. Too many businesses claim psychological safety, but as soon as something goes wrong, people get thrown under the bus. The minute that happens, all that empowerment disappears.”
Leadership takeaway:
A culture of fear kills innovation faster than any bad strategy. If you want people to experiment and grow, protect them when things go wrong.
3. Build a Culture Where People Can Play
“You don’t burn out when you’re playing. When you’re doing things that give you energy, you thrive. Build a business where people can play, take risks, and be themselves - that’s the magic.”
Leadership takeaway:
High performance doesn’t have to mean high pressure. Create systems that energise your team, not ones that drain them.
4. Give People Autonomy - It’s What They Actually Want
“We’ve all done the employee engagement stuff - pizzas on Fridays, ping pong. But autonomy was the number one thing people valued most. Feeling like what you do has a direct impact, within a safe structure.”
Leadership takeaway:
Replace token perks with trust. Empowerment and ownership beat free snacks every time.
5. Culture Is About Behaviour, Not Words
“Behaviour breeds behaviour. You can’t shout at people and then talk about empowerment. The second someone acts out of line, the culture’s broken.”
Leadership takeaway:
Culture isn’t what’s written in your handbook - it’s what happens when things get hard. Consistency and integrity matter more than slogans.
6. Take Growth Seriously - But Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
“You can be relentless and still have fun. The difference between a team that burns out and a team that thrives is whether they feel energised or drained by the pace.”
Leadership takeaway:
Sustainable performance comes from energy management, not constant hustle. Have fun along the way.
7. Don’t Create Rules Where Trust Should Exist
“People asked for summer hours, finishing early on Fridays. I thought it was sad they needed a rule for that. If someone’s done their work, let them finish. But some people need permission - structure gives them comfort.”
Leadership takeaway:
Great cultures flex between clarity and freedom. Know your people, and build systems that support both.
Final Thought: Leadership Is About Energy, Not Control
Richard Peake’s lessons remind us that modern leadership isn’t about command and control - it’s about trust, empowerment, and creating space for people to thrive. The most successful brands are built on cultures where people feel safe, energised, and free to grow.
