The Powerhouse Diaries

She Built New Zealand’s First Crowdfunding Platform And Changed the Game for FoundersIn this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Anna Guenther, co-founder of PledgeMe, New Zealand’s first crowdfunding platform, to explore the radical shifts happening in how entrepreneurs raise money, find community, and scale their vision.From writing a master’s thesis on crowdfunding to building a platform that has helped thousands of founders, artists, and innovators raise millions, Anna shares the highs, lows, and pivotal lessons she’s learned along the way.This is a conversation about resilience, equity, and rewriting the rules of funding especially for women founders who have traditionally been shut out of investment opportunities. Anna also opens up about solo motherhood, building a business with heart, and why inviting people into your journey is the key to success.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer04:08 - The master’s thesis that sparked a movement05:33 - Building PledgeMe and the first million raised07:26 - When your payment provider declares crowdfunding “illegal”09:00 - How transparency built trust in the early days11:57 - From rewards-based crowdfunding to equity investment13:43 - Why funding feels overwhelming and how to simplify it15:12 - The gender gap in venture capital18:33 - How women are raising through crowdfunding19:57 - The power of asking for help21:10 - Outsourcing your knowing vs. trusting your gut22:29 - Solo motherhood and recalibrating priorities24:17 - Building community and friendships through business25:39 - The proudest legacy of PledgeMe27:14 - Success stories: from kitchen table to global exit29:17 - Why now is still a great time to invest30:30 - Crowdfunding as the modern co-op model31:00 - Becoming a solo parent by choice33:25 - “Women can do anything, but not everything”37:25 - The $2M campaign that broke the platform39:25 - Reframing asking for money as inviting people inEpisode Resources:Guest Website: https://linktr.ee/pledgemeGuest Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/whereisannaGuest Instagram (PledgeMe): https://www.instagram.com/pledgemeGuest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaguentherFollow Us On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/

She Took On Menopause Myths And Changed the Conversation for Women EverywhereIn this episode, I sit down with Niki Bezzant award-winning writer, speaker, and women’s health advocate whose work is transforming the way we talk about menopause and midlife. After decades in journalism, Niki found herself frustrated by the silence, stigma, and misinformation surrounding this crucial stage in a woman’s life. So she decided to change it.We dive into her personal and professional journey: from building one of New Zealand’s most respected health and food publications to researching and writing the groundbreaking book This Changes Everything: The Honest Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause. Niki opens up about the science, the stories, and the systemic issues that keep women in the dark—and what needs to change.This conversation is essential listening for women navigating perimenopause or menopause, and for anyone who loves, works with, or leads them. It’s practical, myth-busting, and packed with real-life advice for reclaiming this life stage as a time of power and possibility.00:00 - The Perimenopause Rebellion01:20 - Why menopause needs a PR makeover04:10 - How Niki’s journalism career led her to women’s health advocacy07:45 - Breaking the taboo: the lack of menopause education11:15 - Perimenopause symptoms women aren’t told about15:00 - The role of hormones in mental health at midlife19:40 - Workplace culture and the menopause gap23:50 - Why we need a new narrative for midlife women28:00 - The research behind This Changes Everything33:15 - Hormone therapy: separating fact from fear37:20 - How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system41:50 - Building a supportive menopause community46:00 - Niki’s advice to women stepping into this new chapterGuest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikibezzant/Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikibezzant/Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikibezzant/Guest Twitter/X: https://x.com/nikibezzantInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

She Left Corporate To Teach Women AI And Discovered It Was Never About the TechIn this episode, I sit down with Amanda Jeffs founder of SheisAI and a fierce advocate for women stepping into the AI revolution with confidence and creativity. From navigating a career in corporate leadership to building a platform that demystifies artificial intelligence for women entrepreneurs, Amanda’s journey is proof that the most powerful transformations often begin with a leap into the unknown.We dive deep into how she went from working in male-dominated industries to creating a global learning community, why women can’t afford to sit out the AI conversation, and how embracing tech can also mean reclaiming your voice, your authority, and your place at the table.This conversation is both a practical roadmap for women wanting to integrate AI into their businesses and a powerful reminder that your value is never just in what you know but in how you use it.In This Episode We Discuss:Episode Resources:00:00 Episode Trailer01:30 Amanda’s leap from corporate to AI entrepreneurship04:20 The gender gap in AI and why it matters now more than ever08:15 Demystifying AI for non-tech women11:45 How fear of technology holds women back in business15:00 Practical AI tools to save time, money, and energy20:10 Why mindset is just as important as skillset in tech adoption24:40 Building SheisAI into a global learning platform29:00 Stories of women transforming their businesses with AI33:50 The biggest myths about AI (and the truth behind them)38:20 The intersection of creativity, confidence, and technology42:00 Amanda’s advice to women ready to embrace AI nowFollow Us On:Guest LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeffs/Guest Instgram:https://www.instagram.com/amandajeffsnz/?hl=enGuest Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/sheisaiofficialHost Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

What does it look like to walk away from a life that looks good on the outside but is quietly destroying you from within? Rochelle Moffitt knows. After leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, losing her footing in the traditional workforce, and navigating the chaos of a blended family with six kids, Rochelle started again this time, on her terms.In this explosive and deeply human conversation, Rochelle opens up about how she built a brand with no website, launched one of New Zealand’s most exciting business events, and redefined what it means to be bankable as a woman in business. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, sat in a pile of highlighters trying to figure it out, or felt the pull toward something more this one’s for you.00:00 – Why she walked away from the life everyone else wanted04:01 – What people don’t know about starting from nothing10:45 – The truth about believing in yourself when no one’s watching18:01 – How she went from ‘hobby business’ to building a legacy23:01 – What being “bankable” really means for women in business30:01 – How she launched NZ’s boldest business event with no roadmap36:01 – Why your name is the most powerful currency you own42:01 – How to build a personal brand that actually stands out46:01 – What to do when you’re not ready… but know you need to startGuest Website: https://www.tickledpink.agency/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochelle.was.here/?hl=enApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440fInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

In this raw and powerful conversation, Yaela sits down with Wilhelmina Shrimpton to uncover the unfiltered truth behind creative entrepreneurship. This isn’t about highlight reels. It’s about the tough moments, the emotional toll, and what it really means to keep going when everything feels like it’s falling apart. If you’re a woman building something on your own terms, this one’s for you. 💬 Key Moments & Timestamps00:00 – 03:12 | Introduction and first impressionsYaela and Wilhelmina connect over shared truths and what it means to show up fully.03:13 – 08:47 | When the dream felt like a nightmareWilhelmina shares the moment everything crashed and why that breakdown became a breakthrough.08:48 – 15:30 | Letting go of the perfection mythReal talk about releasing pressure, redefining success, and trusting the messy middle.15:31 – 22:05 | Burnout and the beauty in breaking downThe truth about hitting the wall, choosing to pivot, and building back better.22:06 – 29:40 | Finding freedom through limitsWhy restrictions sparked more creativity and clarity than chasing "limitless" ever did.29:41 – 36:15 | Love, loss and leading yourself through itWilhelmina opens up about how personal grief shaped her work and her leadership.36:16 – 42:50 | From shadow to spotlightThe internal shift that helped her own her space and show up in full power.42:51 – 48:30 | Words of advice for the female founder in the middle of the stormGrounded guidance for navigating your own version of chaos with strength and softness.Guest Website: https://www.wilsandco.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilshrimpton/ Follow Us On:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440fInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

Welcome to the relaunch of The Powerhouse Diaries, a raw, rebellious, soul-stirring journey into what happens when women burn the rulebook and build something even better.If you've ever asked yourself “How the hell did I end up here... and what now?” … this is your invitation.

In this episode, Caitlin Taylor breaks down the science of styling and how to choose pieces that truly represent YOU! She shares her journey from fashion blogger to personal stylist and founder of her own label, revealing how personal style is a powerful expression of inner confidence. Caitlin dives into the mechanics of styling, offering insights on making intentional wardrobe choices that empower individuals to feel their best. She also opens up about launching her fashion label, balancing creativity with business demands, and the importance of authenticity in both fashion and life. About our guest: Caitlin Taylor is a personal stylist and style coach with nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. With degrees in psychology and journalism, she combines her expertise in style with a deep understanding of the way language and self-perception influence confidence. Caitlin is passionate about helping women appreciate their bodies, make smart wardrobe choices, and harness the power of fashion to feel amazing. Her extensive background spans both high-end designer brands and mainstream retail, equipping her with the skills to guide clients in maximizing the value of their existing wardrobes while making intentional future purchases. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Caitlin offers her styling services both in person and online, empowering women everywhere to embrace their personal style with confidence. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://chasingcait.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaitlinTaylor.stylist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CaitlinTaylor.stylist Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/** Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 03:32 - From fashion blogger to stylist 05:15 - Finding your personal style 08:28 - Importance of outward expression 10:05 - Helping clients feel confident 12:43 - Navigating style transitions 17:51 - Launching a fashion label 21:47 - Challenges of starting a new business 25:41 - Maintaining presence and clarity 29:59 - Learning from mistakes 34:27 - Worst business advice received

Discover how Marissa transformed her pain into purpose through her deep connection with her Tupuna (ancestors) and a life-altering wake-up call. Learn how her parents’ separation shaped her teenage years and led her to confront her struggles head-on. Explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure to conform, and the importance of self-worth—especially for women in minority cultures. Uncover Marissa’s concept of “flussel,” a balance between flow and hustle, and why honoring our natural rhythms is key to avoiding burnout. About our guest: Marissa Lewis is a dynamic confidence coach, keynote speaker, trainer, and retreat facilitator with over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and a decade as a business owner. Passionate about empowering women, she helps them cultivate unstoppable confidence, self-leadership, and personal branding that radiates from the inside out. Marissa’s own transformative journey through trauma led her to a profound mission—supporting entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in overcoming self-doubt, embracing their stories, and creating fulfilling, successful lives. As the founder of Marissa Lewis International, she combines psychology, life coaching, and wellness strategies to guide individuals toward self-acceptance and business success. A dedicated author and advocate for personal growth, Marissa is committed to impacting 100 million lives by fostering healing, confidence, and purpose-driven living. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://www.marissalewis.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyeN-MKFijOIc1K6K71K_ew Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmarissalewisgc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammarissalewis/ Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode trailer 04:56 - Growing Up and Identity Struggles 07:26 - Navigating Pain and Self-Destruction 09:40 - The Role of Family and Support 10:40 - Reconnecting with Ancestry and Purpose 13:36 - Transforming Pain into Purpose 15:18 - The Desire for Motherhood 18:09 - The Importance of Continuous Learning 20:15 - The Balance of Hustle and Flow 23:10 - The Power of Self-Trust and Intuition 26:35 - Lessons from Business Success and Failure 28:23 - The Value of Experience and Reflection 32:06 - Finding the Sweet Spot 35:21 - Empowering Indigenous Women 38:06 - The Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Success 40:30 - The Role of Self-Worth in Business 42:30 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Identity 49:09 - Finding Joy Amidst Burnout

Growing up in a family business gave Natasha a strong foundation in work ethic and a deep passion for empowering others—values she’s carried into her own entrepreneurial ventures. In this episode, she reflects on the lessons learned from her upbringing, the challenges she’s faced as a leader, and her mission to uplift women in the beauty industry. Natasha also opens up about how she prioritizes personal well-being amidst the demands of running a business and shares insightful advice for young female founders on trusting their instincts, embracing patience, and navigating the messy moments of entrepreneurship. About our guest: Natasha Bourke is the CEO of 200 Doors, the exclusive distributor of Dermalogica in New Zealand, and the founder of Skintopia, an innovative skin treatment salon that blends her passions for retail innovation, advanced skincare, customer experience, and holistic wellness. With a commitment to delivering exceptional results, Skintopia combines cutting-edge technology and a holistic approach to skincare. Natasha recently earned a Health Coaching certificate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York, deepening her expertise in wellness and its connection to skin health. She works closely with her team to shape business strategy while supporting and nurturing Skintopia’s talented staff across its locations, empowering individuals to achieve healthy, glowing skin. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://skintopia.co.nz/ https://www.200doors.co.nz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-bourke-a0890218/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha_200doors/ Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 03:02 - Growing Up in a Business Family 06:55 - The Key to Personal Growth 09:47 - Lessons from Mentors and Industry Leaders 11:55 - The Birth of Skintopia 13:44 - Challenges and Messy Moments 19:20 - Pursuing What Lights Your Soul on Fire 23:55 - Balancing Values and Growth 27:02 - Personal Wellbeing and Leadership 31:12 - Future Vision and Advice 32:52 - Reinvention and Resilience

In this inspiring episode, Aline shares her heartfelt journey of creating a sustainable, non-dairy butter that has made waves in the food industry. Aline opens up about the challenges she faced, from crisis management moments and balancing family pressures to the triumph of winning prestigious food industry awards. She discusses the pivotal role of intuition, perseverance, and staying true to her values while navigating a traditionally dairy-dominated market. This episode offers a raw and transformative look at the highs and lows of building an impact-driven business and the importance of maintaining balance between personal and professional life. About our guest: Aline Fonseca is the co-founder of Feliz Wholefoods, a family-owned business she founded alongside her husband, Patrick Malloch. Together, they are united by a shared vision of creating delicious, sustainable, plant-based food that nourishes both people and the planet. Their flagship product, Vutter, is a multi-award-winning vegan butter that represents their commitment to quality, wellness, and sustainability. Aline and Patrick’s journey began with a life-altering decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle and raise their children in an environment aligned with their values. With backgrounds in fine dining, architecture, design, marketing, and FMCG, they built Feliz Wholefoods from the ground up, using their diverse expertise to create products that make plant-based living accessible and enjoyable. Their innovative, award-winning products, such as the Vutter Avo Spreadable, have garnered recognition, including the Supreme Winner of the 2024 New Zealand Food Awards. Through Feliz Wholefoods, Aline and Patrick aim to inspire positive change by making mindful, sustainable food choices easier for everyone while supporting a healthier planet for future generations. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://www.felizwholefoods.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vutter.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vutter.nz/ Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 02:35 -  From Crisis to Success 04:26 - Balancing Business and Family 08:40 - A Vision of Transformation 11:30 - Why Success Demands Tears, Resilience, and Vision 17:03 - Change Starts from Within 21:33 - Facing Criticism and Misconceptions 24:27 - The Moment We Realized We Made It 28:15 - Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 32:36 - From Pressure to Purpose

In this episode, I chat with the amazing Cathy Pope, a jewelry designer who has built her business from the ground up with creativity and passion. Cathy shares how her journey from TV stylist to entrepreneur has been a slow and steady process, filled with meaningful milestones—like the time Jacinda Ardern wore her jewelry while meeting the Queen. We talk about her love for natural gemstones and how she celebrates their imperfections, making each piece unique. Cathy’s designs reflect her belief in individuality, encouraging women to mix her pieces with their own heirlooms for a personal, timeless style. About our guest: Cathy Pope is a New Zealand-based jewellery designer who combines her background as a stylist and dressmaker with a passion for bold, distinctive designs. She launched Cathy Pope Jewellery in 2011 as a response to a market flooded with overpriced or mass-produced pieces, creating her first signature design—a chunky choker necklace with a bold stone on a gold chain. Inspired by annual trips to Jaipur, India, Cathy sources gemstones and collaborates directly with artisans to craft unique, ethically made collections. Each piece reflects her love for individuality, celebrating the beauty of imperfections and personal expression. Cathy’s jewellery empowers women to embrace timeless style over fleeting trends while maintaining affordability and authenticity. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://cathypope.co.nz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathypopejewellery/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathypopejewellery/ Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 05:13 - The Slow Build-Up of Success 06:06 - Taking risks doesn’t have to be dramatic 08:55 - Creativity vs. Business Structure 10:54 - The Importance of Self-Care 14:12 - Finding Inspiration in India 18:51 - The Perfection of Imperfection 20:34 - Authenticity in Personal Branding 22:31 - Rebelling Against Trends 25:57 - Staying authentic without pressure to conform 29:11 - Building Confidence in Your Craft 31:35 - Learning happens by doing 35:32 - Not everything has to be perfect

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She Built a Startup Empire… Then Burned Out, Got Cancer, and Had to Rebuild EverythingIn this episode, I sit down with Marian Johnson startup ecosystem builder, founder champion, and former CEO of Ministry of Awesome who spent years at the forefront of New Zealand’s innovation scene… until her body forced her to stop.We dive into the untold truth behind building a mission-led movement, the funding gap women founders are still up against, and what happens when success demands more than you can sustainably give. After facing a crushing wave of burnout and a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Marian had to walk away from everything she helped build just to find herself again.This conversation is a raw and deeply honest exploration of identity, ambition, and why true leadership sometimes looks like stepping down, not pushing through. For every woman who’s ever carried too much for too long this one’s for you.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 Intro01:00 Building Electrify and why she walked away04:00 The 2% stat: women’s access to capital07:00 Why innovation is New Zealand’s future10:00 Female leadership on the world stage13:00 The myth of balance in high-growth spaces17:00 Burnout, fear, and the emotional toll of leadership21:00 Leading on grit and breaking because of it24:00 Getting the cancer diagnosis that stopped everything26:00 The pressure to stay in “high function” mode28:00 What actually helped her recover31:00 Letting go of control and urgency35:00 Role modeling from a place of wholeness38:00 Rewriting the startup founder narrative41:00 Advice for early-stage women entrepreneurs45:00 The one thing she needed to hear earlierEpisode Resources:Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianejohnson/Follow Us On:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440fInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/

🎙️ End of a Season: The PowerHouse Diaries Episode 20What a journey it’s been!Episode 20 marks the season finale of The PowerHouse Diaries, and it’s not just any episode, it’s a celebration.This special highlight reel revisits the unforgettable voices and stories that made Season One a firestorm of courage, vulnerability, and truth. From bold career pivots to deeply personal reflections, these powerhouse women have shown us what it really takes to rise, fall, and rise again.This episode is your backstage pass to the raw, the real, and the revolutionary moments that shaped this season.So let’s rewind, reflect, and honor these conversations that lit up our diaries.00:37 - Aline Forseca01:00 - Sarah Kennedy02:13 - Emma Peters03:15 - Krishna Botica05:45 - Sarah Anticich06:23 - Anna Paterson07:04 - Caitlin Taylor07:59 - Trish Peng09:32 - Janine Grainger10:55 - Sera Cruickshank12:06 - Cathy Pope13:58 - Natasha Bourke15:38 - Gaelle Thieme17:05 - Marissa Lewis18:16 - Marisa FongTo every listener who tuned in, laughed, cried, and reflected this season was for you.These weren’t just stories; they were lived moments of courage, heartbreak, and triumph.I hope you carry that same fire into whatever bold step you take next.Until Season Two, keep writing your own PowerHouse Diary.✨ Featured Voices in This Episode💌 A Note from Me

Janine Grainger is living proof that bold vision, grit, and conviction can change the game. From high school dropout to co-founder of one of New Zealand’s largest crypto platforms, Janine built Easy Crypto from a wild idea into a multimillion-dollar empire and then walked away on her own terms. In this episode, she unpacks what it takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, navigate burnout, and trust your gut in the face of massive uncertainty. This conversation is equal parts entrepreneurial insight and deeply personal growth.About our guest:Janine Grainger is a fintech founder, speaker, and advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. As the co-founder and former CEO of Easy Crypto, Janine led the company through record-breaking funding rounds, global expansion, and massive industry shifts all while championing equity, access, and ethical innovation. With a background in traditional banking and a passion for democratizing finance, she now focuses on empowering others to take control of their financial futures.Follow Our Guest:Guest LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/janine-graingerFollow Us On:Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:00 - From crypto empire to exit: Janine’s story behind the sale05:45 - Starting a fintech business with her brother from a hammock10:00 - The regulatory firestorm and building a bankless business15:10 - Owning her voice in a male-dominated industry20:00 - Why imposter syndrome doesn’t have to win24:30 - Crypto 101: what every founder should understand about digital assets29:00 - Burnout, identity loss, and life after your business34:15 - The dark side of raising capital and what she’d do differently39:30 - Redefining success after external validation fades43:00 - Janine’s one message to the woman she was when it all began