What happens when one of Australia’s most successful café creators trades profit for purpose?

In this inspiring episode, Michelle sits down with Nathan Toleman, founder of Melbourne’s Mulberry Group—the visionary behind Top Paddock, Higher Ground, and The Kettle Black.

Nathan shares how he transformed his hospitality empire into a purpose-driven movement through the Common Ground Project, a social enterprise connecting food, community, and sustainability. Discover how he built iconic venues, redefined café culture, and created long-term impact beyond the plate.

In this episode, Michelle and Nathan unpack:

• How to lead with purpose in hospitality


• The business systems behind café profitability


• Turning passion into sustainable impact


• The future of leadership, wellbeing, and AI in hospitality

Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or creative visionary, this episode will inspire you to align your success with something greater.

• 
  Learn more about Common Ground Project → https://www.commongroundproject.com.au/


• 
  Work with Nathan via Mulberry Partners → https://mulberrypartners.com.au/
  


• 
  Subscribe to Michelle’s newsletter for leadership and service excellence insights → https://www.michellepascoe.com/blog
  


• 
  Discover more episodes with leading entrepreneurs and hospitality innovators → https://www.michellepascoe.com/The-Michelle-Pascoe-Hospitality-Podcast