Claim OwnershipNZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain
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New Zealand's podcast that inspires and challenges those in business and leadership. Hear from numerous top NZ leaders and entrepreneurs including Rod Drury, Sir Stephen Tindall, Sir Michael Hill, Sir Graham Henry, Mike Bennetts, Andy Hamilton and many more.
86 Episodes
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In this episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Ben Kepes—entrepreneur, investor, board director, and co-founder of Cactus Outdoor—for a candid exploration of his journey in business and technology. Ben shares the squiggly line of his career, including founding one of New Zealand’s beloved outdoor brands. He offers honest insights into the challenges of co-founder relationships, the evolution of Cactus, navigating tough decisions like shifting manufacturing offshore, and the lessons learned from successes and failures alike. Ben also dives into his perspective on New Zealand’s tech landscape and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to your passions.
Host Paul Spain sits down with Daniel Hopkirk, Founder and Managing Director of BcgCrave, an innovative agency born from the merger of Crave Global and BCG2. Daniel shares his journey working with international marketing campaigns for brands like Red Bull, Kerry Group, and Virgin Australia. He shares valuable lessons learned from building relationships, navigating global markets, and starting his own agency here in New Zealand. Daniel also dives into the art of scaling through strategic mergers, the importance of a brand’s “why,” and his approach to creating campaigns that truly matter. It’s an inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for business leaders, marketers, and anyone hungry for creative thinking in the NZ business landscape.
Host Paul Spain is joined by Matthew Hayter, Founder and Chief Product Officer at Projectworks—a New Zealand-born software platform that’s making waves in the professional services sector around the world. Projectworks has evolved from a humble side project into a rapidly growing global business, serving clients across New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and more. Matt shares his journey from small-town Gisborne beginnings to spearheading a company now valued at over $100 million and recently named High Tech Emerging Company of the Year at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, with candid insights on navigating startup hurdles, growing an international team, transitioning leadership roles, and focusing on solving real problems for customers. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just love a great business story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.
Host Paul Spain sits down with Kiwi innovator Sir Ian Taylor. From his humble beginnings in rural New Zealand—where he vividly recalls the first time his family home was lit by electricity—to founding Animation Research Ltd and revolutionising sports broadcasting technology worldwide, Ian shares tales of pivotal life decisions, setbacks, lessons in leadership from the army, and how Māori values have shaped his business philosophy. Sir Ian’s story is a powerful reminder to follow your curiosity, look for opportunity in every challenge, and—above all—to get out of bed and seize the day.
Host Paul Spain is joined by Rachel King, founder of Quotient, to dive into the art (and necessity) of working at "human speed." With a background as a civil engineer and expertise in psychology, Rachel unpacks why our obsession with busyness doesn’t equal value, how digital overload and workplace pressures can drive burnout—and, most importantly, practical strategies for leaders and teams to prioritise meaningful work, set boundaries, and thrive without running on empty. Whether you’re a startup founder powering through long hours or part of a corporate team drowning in emails, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and a refreshing perspective on finding real fulfilment and impact at work.
Join host Paul Spain as he sits down with Dr. Simon Malpas, scientist, entrepreneur, and chief executive of Kitea Health. Explore Dr. Simon’s inspiring journey from his global research experiences to co-founding successful medical device companies. Explore how Dr. Malpas' innovative work is poised to transform lives with a groundbreaking micro-implantable pressure-sensitive device. Discover insights on overcoming challenges, raising capital, and the potential of New Zealand as a hub for technological advancement. This episode is a compelling narrative of science, business, and passion, paving the way for future Kiwi-led medical technologies.
Host Paul Spain sits down with Grant Straker, the CEO and co-founder of Straker, a global leader in AI-driven language and translation technologies. From his early days growing up in New Zealand and his time as an elite paratrooper in the British Army, to his journey into entrepreneurship and eventual public listing on the Australian Stock Exchange, Grant shares a fascinating tale of innovation, perseverance, and growth. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of building a tech company from the ground up, the impacts of AI on the translation industry, and Grant's insights into balancing business with personal life.
Host Paul Spain is joined by Simon Bridges, former leader of the National Party and current CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. Simon shares insights into the decision-making processes that have shaped his career path from law to Parliament and eventually into the business world and reflects on key moments of risk and opportunity. Simon also offers a rich perspective on New Zealand's business landscape, touching on the challenges and opportunities in the current economy, the role of technology in business growth, and the importance of fostering innovation. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, business strategy, and economic resilience in New Zealand.
Hear from Sir John Key, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, as he shares his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership. Key discusses his upbringing, his tenacity and strategic mindset in the world of currency trading, and the pivotal moments that led him to a career in politics. Key shares insights into his time as Prime Minister, the importance of surrounding oneself with talented people, and his post-political ventures into technology and innovation. Whether you're interested in business, politics, or personal success, this episode offers valuable takeaways and an intriguing glimpse into the life and career of one of New Zealand's prominent figures.
Join host Paul Spain and Grant Lynch, Managing Director of Unlimited Potential Real Estate, as Grant shares his journey from his roots in West Auckland, navigating the challenges of the real estate sector to stepping out and co-founding UP Real Estate with Barry Thom. Discover how Grants personal values, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity played pivotal roles in his entrepreneurial success. Don't miss this opportunity to glean valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and personal fulfilment from Grant's narrative of resilience, strategic growth, and gratitude.
Host Paul Spain is joined by Levi Fawcett, founder and CEO of Partly. Levi shares how his unique background fuelled his problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually leading Partly to secure New Zealand's largest Series A funding of $37 million. Join us as Levi reflects on his pivotal experiences at Rocket Lab, the trials and breakthroughs of running multiple ventures, and the audacious ambition needed to build a global company aimed at revolutionising the car parts industry. Gain insights into his learnings on navigating challenges, fostering a high-performing team, and strategic pivoting in achieving business success.
Join host Paul Spain and guest Mark Cochrane, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, as Mark shares his journey from the scenic landscapes of South Otago to leading one of the most acclaimed agencies in Asia Pacific. With engaging anecdotes from his diverse career—from marketing execution at BT Cellnet to expanding Saatchi's presence in Bangkok and Australia—Mark offers valuable insights into the art of fostering meaningful client relationships, innovative leadership, the adaptability and work ethic of New Zealanders, and embracing a "nothing is impossible" mindset in the ever-evolving landscape of global marketing.
Join host Paul Spain as he sits down with Kaila Colbin, founder and CEO of Boma. Kaila shares her wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and leadership, from orchestrating impactful TEDx events to her collaboration with the Crusaders Rugby team, Kaila shares her thoughts on the balance between courage and empathy in leadership, with engaging discussions on personal growth, the practicalities of business, and fostering innovation. This episode is packed with valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders alike.
Host Paul Spain sits down with seasoned business leader Mark Powell to delve into an inspiring journey of leadership, resilience, and transformation. Mark shares invaluable lessons from the frontline to the CEO's desk. Discover how he navigated the complexities of unionized environments, spearheaded significant operational turnarounds, and adapted strategies to fit diverse market contexts. Mark’s reflections on servant leadership, work-life balance, and the importance of continuous learning provide a treasure trove of wisdom not just for aspiring leaders but for anyone striving to make an impact.
With a wealth of experience across business growth, marketing strategies, technology, and consulting, Jon Bridge has led Refresh Renovations to achieve over half a billion dollars in completed renovation work. Jon shares insights about their successful business model, the challenges and strategies of franchising and international expansions in the renovation industry.
Andrew Young, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society’s Auckland Northland division join's Paul Spain to discuss his learnings over 20 years of leadership and governance in the business and charity sector. Andrew shares his journey, driven by personal loss and a commitment to reducing cancer’s impact. Listen and learn from a key New Zealand leader, plus support Daffodil Day and the fight against cancer.Donate at Daffodil Day 2024
Julia Grace is an international speaker, educator, author and award-winning recording artist. In this episode Julia shares personal stories of overcoming mental health challenges and turning them into teachable moments. With practical tips for creating a support system, navigating workplace challenges, and the value of facing feedback constructively, Julia offers invaluable insights on mental wellbeing, communication, and the power of turning personal challenges into impactful opportunities.
Serge Van Dam is a renowned figure in New Zealand’s tech startup scene, with a diverse background in FinTech, PropertyTech, AI, and SaaS. Recognized as a fintech thought leader, Serge also invests in promising Kiwi software ventures, earning the Arch Angel Award for his substantial impact on the startup ecosystem. In the episode, Serge shares his personal experiences, including start up challenges, corporate roles, and supporting NZ tech companies to build successful businesses.
On this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Mitchell Pham, a Vietnamese-New Zealand Tech innovator and Strategic Advisor. Mitchell shares his remarkable journey from escaping Vietnam as a refugee to becoming a prominent entrepreneur and reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business, including navigating crises, building resilient teams, and fostering international trade connections. From his early struggles to the challenges of steering his businesses through economic downturns, Mitchell's insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Misti Landtroop is the managing director for Palo Alto Networks in New Zealand, a key global cyber security leader. Misti has spent over 20 years in key leadership roles ranging from early stage start-ups through to Fortune 100 companies, including over a decade at Microsoft. Listen as Misti shares her insights on leadership, career challenges, and personal growth.
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