Seeds

This is a chapter by Chris Clarke from the new book 'Changing Paradigms' which is now out!   You can download the full book here  https://www.parryfield.com/changing-paradigms/  

This is the first chapter in the new book 'Changing Paradigms' which is now out!   You can download it here  https://www.parryfield.com/changing-paradigms/   

This is the introduction from a new collection of essays called 'Changing Paradigms' which you can register to receive at no cost on the landing page over here: Changing Paradigms - Parry Field Lawyers There are 25 essays in this collection and I hope you enjoy it an it challenges thinking! For more visit www.theseeds.nz 

In this episode I got the chance to speak with Judene Edgar who is from the Institute of Directors.  We talk about moving from Compliance to Confidence in governance with a particular focus on charities and societies.  Thanks to the IOD for the chance to be part of the webinar!   If you'd like the slides just email at stevenmoe@parryfield.com For more content visit www.theseeds.nz  Overview Governance of not-for-profit organisations is not just about purpose — essential though that is — but about building organisations that are resilient, trusted and fit for the future. Recent legislative changes have sharpened expectations on boards and committees while also creating a timely opportunity to strengthen governance practice, build confidence and position organisations for long-term success. New requirements under the Charities Act 2005 now require registered charities to formally review their governance procedures at least every three years, while the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires all existing societies to re-register by 5 April 2026 if they wish to continue operating. For many boards, these changes can feel like another compliance burden. Yet approached well, they provide a powerful catalyst for renewal. This session explores how boards can move beyond a narrow compliance mindset and use these legislative milestones to lift governance quality, strategic clarity and organisational resilience. Rather than simply asking "what do we need to change to comply?", directors are encouraged to ask deeper questions: are our structures still fit for purpose? Do our rules support good decision-making and accountability? Does our board composition reflect the skills and perspectives we need for the future? Join Steven Moe MInstD, a leading expert in charity and not-for-profit law with a strong background in governance, and Judene Edgar MNZM CMInstD, Institute of Directors' Principal Governance Advisor and an experienced not-for-profit governor, for a practical discussion linking legal obligations with effective governance leadership. Together, they will explore how boards can turn legislative change into an opportunity to govern with confidence and set their organisations up for long-term success.

In this short 2 minute episode I reflect on "The Spotlight Paradox" and what it might mean when we come to make decisions.   Who might you know that this would help?  Why not post about it, tag them in or forward the link?  It all helps to spread the word about seeds! For more content visit www.theseeds.nz    "In this episode I want to talk about a principle that could unlock a new approach for you.   It's something called the spotlight paradox.  The point here is pretty simple - we all know what a spotlight is.  it illuminates someone on stage and a lead role might step into the spotlight so all can see them.   To use that picture, we are like the main lead actor or actress in the stage show of our life, so we probably assume that the spotlight is always on us.  In other words, everyone is watching us in detail and studying our every move. So the paradox part of this is that while we all assume we are in the spotlight being observed the opposite is actually more likely to be true. No one is actually watching or observing you the way you perceive they are - you are not in the spotlight at all.  While our self centred egos may put us there it is a perception.   But the reality is that others have their own worries and fears.  They are probably thinking you are watching them in their own spotlight rather than even noticing you. In other words, we think people notice us more than they actually do. So the consequence of this: It should free you up to take risks and live without a fear of others opinions.  If you don't have to think that others are obsessed with you or noticing every choice you make, then it should free you up to do things and experiment and have ideas not work out, but then try again. The next time you find yourself hesitating to take a risk or embrace an opportunity because of what others might think, just remember they probably are not noticing you the way you might think they are.  The spotlight paradox helps us remember not to worry so much about what others think.   So what might that mean you do? Until next time, Ka kite ano."

Alanna Irving is a co-founder of Fundsorter which is a new tech based start-up making life easier for charities to find grants and funding.   In this conversation we start by talking about her childhood and growing up in California as well as her studies, time spent in Japan and what she learned there as well as how she ended up in New Zealand and found her true home here.  We both lived in Japan so we had a lot to discuss on that topic! This is a second part of an interview series as last time I spoke with Lani Evans so be sure to check out that conversation as well for another perspective.   Seeds is a project that now has 472 conversations so subsribe and check out more at www.theseeds.nz  Fundsorter website: Fundsorter | Grant Funding, Sorted Other links mentioned in conversation with Alanna •    Loomio: collaborative decision making •    Gift Collective: charity fundholding •    Open Collective: transparent finances •    The Gift Trust: donor advised fund

Lani has been involved in many fascinating projects which push boundaries of thinking about the intersection of business, philanthropy and charity.   In this conversation we talk about her childhood and early influences and trace a life filled with innovating and trying new things before diving deeper into the most recent venture which is Fundsorter.  https://www.fundsorter.com/   If you enjoy this then check out some of the other 470+ conversations with other inspiring people and more about seeds project is at www.theseeds.nz  Other projects and links mentioned in the conversation:   Steward ownership book https://steward-ownership.com/steward-ownership-101  Generous Ventures https://www.generousventures.org/  Share Collective https://www.sharecollective.nz/  Thankyou Payroll https://www.thankyoupayroll.co.nz/   

I enjoyed speaking with Dr Anu Anandaraja about her life and the work she does with Women Together Global.  I really enjoyed this conversation with Anu and hearing about her childhood and her dream at age 9 to help with health care in Africa - which came true, thanks to both hard work and serendipity!  If you enjoy this check out the 470 other episodes in the back catalogue and more info is at www.theseeds.nz  Website: https://www.womentogetherglobal.com/  New Zealand site for Women Together Global: https://www.womentogether.org.nz/  Video by Kea on Anu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQS1xebR67I  Women Together empowers women and girls to achieve the economic independence, confidence, and solidarity to transform their futures together. Through peer to peer skills transfer, education, access to land and funding to launch cooperative businesses,  women and girls are supported to build a better world for themselves and their communities. 

Shaun Seaman from Mushroom Material recently won the Next Fest 2025 pitch competition run by the Sustainable Business Network and this is his pitch.  I attended the event and enjoyed the discussions there.   Thanks to SBN for the chance to share this with others as it is a good example of innovative and new ways of doing business and thinking!   Website: https://www.mushroommaterial.com/  His bio: Shaun is Founder & CEO at Mushroom Material. Mushroom Material is replacing expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) with a high-performance, home-compostable alternative made from mycelium (mushrooms). The material matches expanded polystyrene in impact resistance, thermal protection, and acoustic insulation. The end product is fully circular, microplastic-free, and safe for home composting. More interviews www.theseeds.nz 

I was interviewed by Azoora Ali for her new "Care beyond profits" podcast recently - this is a portion of that interview.  For the full episode listen on her show: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1nkiSFbWQhBoGCFkXZR6lA?si=aNWoGQyQQ6yzm8N2pJT1KA  Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8j76XbSDm8g  In this episode, discover how to: • Overcome the fear of the unknown with courage  • Embrace mindset shifts to unlock growth and success • Build resilience while navigating challenges and change • Find purpose-driven direction in your career and personal life • Align values, community, and even faith  with authentic leadership This conversation is perfect for anyone seeking personal growth, career inspiration, or guidance on leading with purpose. Timestamps: 0:00 Would your 95-year-old self regret this choice? 0:27 Meet Steven Moe: Lawyer turned purpose-driven leader 1:27  Family chaos, laughter & a love of books 3:36  Childhood across countries → building resilience 7:32  The leap to Japan at 21 that changed everything 10:20  Why "work–life balance" is a myth 12:07  The bell test: How to find your true purpose 15:32  Faith, values & the spiritual side of leadership 21:18  3 daily habits for focus & lasting energy 25:17  Family first: urgent work won't matter in 10 years 31:57  The #1 thing founders must do to succeed 37:12  Everyone is a leader - starting with yourself    Join us in this interview series of inspiring purpose-driven founders, CEOs, and social enterprise leaders who build care into how they work and live. We unpack their values, choices, and habits so you can apply the same ideas in your world. I believe that care turns purpose into impact in positive ways. Hosted by Azoora Ali, a Virtual (Fractional) CFO using the CARES lens: clarity, actionable insights, returns, efficiency, stability. New episodes every 2 weeks.

I learned a lot in this conversation with Alison Mau about her life and journey and what has led to the setting up of Tika.  Curiousity guided the questions and we talk about a lot of things starting with her childhood, growing up in Melbourne, experiences at primary school that shaped her and led to a resilient attitude, the special bond she feels with horses and why that is so, becoming a journalist back in the analogue days before lots of computers or dictaphons, and her presenting on TV and how she ended up in New Zealand.  Then we focus in on the setting up of Tika which is a charity that empowers people to come forward to report past sexual harm and how it works, what it means and the future potential.   And an encouragment for us all: "Happiness for me is not in money, possessions or anything like that - it is, how can I be useful..." Tika website: https://www.tika.org.nz/  Alison's book "No Words for this" is here or over here More about Anu and Women Together Global who we mention in the interview as she introduced us:  https://www.womentogetherglobal.com/  Spinoff book review: https://thespinoff.co.nz/books/01-04-2025/gripping-revelatory-generous-and-layered-no-words-for-this-by-ali-mau-reviewed  For many more interviews visit www.theseeds.nz 

This is a book review of Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards - I suggest you get a copy (link below).   For the written review visit over here and that also has links to her TedX talk and several podcast appearances talking about the principles in the book: https://theseeds.nz/articles/cues-book-review-and-principles-learned/  Link to the book: https://scorpiobooks.co.nz/product/cues-master-the-secret-language-of-charismatic-communication/  If this is of use why not share it with someone or post it with your thoughts on the topic? More here www.theseeds.nz 

In this short 5 minute episode share some reflections on the topic of saying no - what do you think?  When is it important to do this? More content is at www.theseeds.nz 

I really enjoyed my conversation with Susanne Ritzenhoff about her life and Toi Ora and the work they do – check out the links we mentioned in the conversation:   Toi Ora link: Toi Ora Live Art Trust   Gallery with art for sale: Gallery Shop - Toi Ora Live Art Trust   The Circle: Careers with Impact Book: The Circle: Careers with Impact - Seeds   Interview with Neil Ieremia: Neil Ieremia on founding Black Grace and the role Dance can play in commenting on our past and our future - Seeds   Shakespeare Festival link: Contact Us : Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ   Annie Dillard quote:   "One of the things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The impulse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes."  

Here is a short summary of sessions held at the reent two day Institute of Directors Leadership Conference.   The full article can be accessed here with a lot more summaries of other sessions as well!  https://theseeds.nz/iod-leadership-conference-2025-summary-of-sessions-and-key-themes/  Why not join the next one in Wellington in September 2026?  Info is at the IOD site here https://www.iod.org.nz/2026-leadership-conference  For more content visit www.theseeds.nz 

Julie Woods went blind as an adult and in this episode we hear about her journey and what that was like and how she embraces life fully today.  I was really inspired by this conversation and hearing how she has overcome challenges to really live life.  I guarantee you will come away inspired by this conversation.   Her website is here https://www.thatblindwoman.co.nz  One million names in braille initiative is here https://www.thatblindwoman.co.nz/1-million-names-in-braille/  CCS Disability Action page: https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/  Blind Low Vision site https://fundraise.blindlowvision.org.nz/ Tom Cooney interview mentioned https://theseeds.nz/podcast/professor-tom-cooney-on-inclusion-to-entrepreneurship-for-marginalised-groups-such-as-former-prisoners-refugees-and-those-with-disabilities/  More info www.theseeds.nz 

Audio of panel discussion just held at the Zero Waste Summit on 8 September 2025 discussing Tools for Transformation: System Change for a Zero Waste Future. More on the Zero Waste Network is here and worth signing up for their newsletter https://zerowaste.co.nz  Panelists:  Sue Coutts, Moderator from Zero Waste Network Steven Moe, Parry Field Lawyers Limited Dr Saeid Baroutian, University of Auckland James Griffin, Sustainable Business Network Description of the session: Panel Discussion: Tools for Transformation - System Change for a Zero Waste Future Achieving zero waste requires more than good intentions—it demands deep systems change. In this panel, leaders from business, legal, academic, and innovation spheres come together to explore how their sectors can enable, accelerate, or obstruct a zero waste future. How can business models shift from extraction to regeneration? What legal tools and policies are needed to drive accountability and equity? Where is research shining new light—or holding old assumptions in place? And how can innovation challenge the status quo without reinforcing it? This conversation will surface tensions, opportunities, and cross-sector insights to help us build a more circular, just, and resilient Aotearoa. Thanks Craig Fisher for taking the photo! More content at www.theseeds.nz   

Mark Laurence and I had a great discussion on AI and the future and A.icehouse, a new initiative for SMEs that he is working on with Icehouse, to learn more about the future of AI and what it might mean for companies and directors and business owners as well as charities and other organisations.  Have a look at these links to find out more.   A.icehouse website: https://www.theicehouse.co.nz/a.icehouse   Ten Past Tomorrow site: https://www.tenpasttomorrow.com  Icehouse: https://www.theicehouse.co.nz  For more episodes visit www.theseeds.nz  More on A.icehouse: "You don't need to master every new app, platform or update. You need practical and pragmatic AI knowledge that powers your business to navigate the evolution AI is asking of you. AI is moving faster than leaders can follow. It can feel overwhelming, noisy, and hard to know what really matters. A.icehouse is designed to give Kiwi SME owners and senior teams clarity, in practical and tangible ways. No hype. No waffle. We focus on AI literacy and skills first, then layer in the tools so you can build the confidence to make better informed decisions. Back in 2000, Icehouse helped SMEs make sense of the internet and the knowledge era. Today, with applied AI expertise from Ten Past Tomorrow, we're helping businesses make sense of AI and the intelligence era. In A.icehouse you'll find: Plain-English explanations and demonstrations to build AI literacy around what AI is, what it isn't, and how it is reshaping business models and industries, right now. Practical AI skill training, so you yourselves become powerful users of frontier AI tools to drive radical and immediate efficiency and productivity in your own roles. Pragmatic strategies and maps so you can drive the same AI-powered efficiency and productivity as mentioned above, throughout your entire organisation Time-respectful sessions designed for busy leaders. Honest conversations about unknowns and trade-offs, not hype or silver bullets. A mix of formats, from quick webinars, online courses, to live in-person in-depth symposiums; so you can choose what fits your time and needs. A trusted partnership: Icehouse's 20+ years of SME support with Ten Past Tomorrow's applied AI excellence."

This is the audio of a talk I gave the other day to about 100 lawyers on principles and habits for life - it comes from content in the recent book: The Circle: Careers with Impact which is a download here https://theseeds.nz/articles/the-circle-careers-with-impact/  If it is of help, why not forward it on to someone else?   More content is at www.theseeds.nz   

In this session I talked with Dr Brett Mann about conflict and how it influences board dynamics and he had a lot of wisdom to share on this fascinating topic. This is part of our ongoing commitment from Parry Field Lawyers to hosting important conversations that help you all. Forward on or tag someone in it may interest?  Dr Brett Mann joined me in a conversation we need to have about conflict and board dynamics.  Brett shared his perspective as an educator and communication skills trainer and draw on his experience with governance to explain connection points as we cover:  - Looking at conflict - what do we mean by that?   - What do Chairs and all those on Boards need to consider when it comes to conflict?    - What role does our personal history around past conflict play in this?    - Is conflict 'bad' or can it help unlock new ways of thinking?      - What are some 'Rules of engagement' to manage conflict?   - How do you suggest we address three common, often unspoken, 'minor conflicts' to improve board dynamics? Earlier seeds conversation with Brett on the impact of stress on our bodies: Dr Brett Mann on the impact of stress on our bodies, psychotherapy and 'somatisation' - Seeds Recent book on Careers with Impact: https://theseeds.nz/articles/the-circle-careers-with-impact/  Biography of Dr Brett Mann Brett is a medical educator and recently finished forty years as a general practitioner. He had a central role in the design of the New Zealand general practitioner communication skills training programme. This included introducing training on 'dealing with conflict.' which, for the last eighteen years, has been an important part of the programme. He has given many seminars to doctors and provided many hours of one to one and group training in this area. Hat tip to Grant Adams for the suggestion.