PEP Talk

In this episode of PEP Talk, we speak with Ruta Tonumaivao — community leader, systems navigator, and co-founder of Tapasā Navigating Futures.Ruta shares how her leadership journey didn’t begin in an office or a boardroom, but in a busy West Auckland home where multiple generations lived together and service to family was simply a way of life.From helping her parents navigate systems as a child to supporting communities today, her story shows how leadership often grows quietly through responsibility, culture, and care for others.This conversation explores:How culture shapes leadership identityWhy service is stronger than statusNavigating two worlds as a Pacific New ZealanderTurning lived experience into community impactPEP Talk shares real conversations with purpose-driven leaders building stronger communities.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders creating impact.(c) 2026 Purpose Empowered People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of PEP Talk, Suitauloa Simon Young sits down with organisational coach and facilitator Colart Miles to explore what it really means to bring humanity back into business.Colart shares his journey from sub-Saharan Africa to New Zealand, his experience working with startups and large organisations, and why he believes modern companies are still running on a 300-year-old operating system.The conversation explores:Why many organisations treat people like parts in a machineHow purpose shapes decisions and leadershipThe difference between mechanical organisations and human systemsWhy experimentation and failure are essential for finding purposeThe “scout and pioneer” mindset that drives innovationIf you’re interested in purpose-driven leadership, organisational culture, or building more human businesses, this episode is for you.(c) 2026 Purpose Empowered People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of PEP Talk – the podcast for purpose-empowered people, we sit down with Tuilaepa Tumama Tu’ulua to explore what it truly means to build legacy and break barriers.Born and raised in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Tumama shares his journey from sport and education into consulting, community leadership, and anti-racism work — all grounded in a commitment to creating meaningful impact for future generations.In this conversation, we discuss:The responsibility of legacyBreaking systemic and personal barriersLeading with values“Know better. Do better.” in actionBuilding pathways for the next generationThis is a powerful conversation about purpose, leadership, and stepping into impact.🎙 New episodes every week.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with purpose-empowered people.(c) 2026 Purpose Empowered People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Something powerful is growing in West Auckland — and this is just the beginning.In this episode of Pep Talk, we share a major update:Salā Marie Young steps into the CEO role at PaCIVICaThe vision to see a Pacific Prime Minister within 20 yearsHow PaCIVICa was incubated through Purpose Empowered PeopleWhy leadership pathways must begin early — from prefect to ParliamentPaCIVICa exists to create the conditions for greater Pacific representation in civic leadership — not by accident, but by design.As Marie shares in this episode, Prime Ministers don’t “pop out of thin air.” They are shaped by pathways, governance experience, and community support  .We believe leadership should be normalised from a young age — so that Pacific voices are present at every table where decisions are made.Purpose Empowered People (PEP) continues its mission to build strategy, systems and story — incubating bold ideas like PaCIVICa into reality  .If this resonates with you:Like. Subscribe. Share.Because this is only the beginning.(c) 2026 Purpose Empowered People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Twenty years ago, Fonoti Pati Umaga broke his neck.In a single moment, everything changed.Paralysed from the chest down, he faced not just physical loss — but the loss of identity, independence, and certainty.What he discovered next changed his life forever.In this powerful episode of PEP Talk, Pati shares:The mindset shift that helped him rebuildThe moment he confronted his own ableismHow serving others gave him renewed purposeWhy adversity doesn’t cancel callingAnd what YOU can learn when life doesn’t go to planIf you’re serious about finding and fulfilling your purpose — especially when life feels unfair — this conversation is for you.Purpose doesn’t disappear when life changes.Sometimes it becomes clearer.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with Purpose Empowered People.#PEPTalk #Purpose #Resilience #DisabilityAdvocate #Leadership(c) 2024 Purpose Empowered People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.