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.

Season 2 of PEP Talk is here! 🎉We open with a powerful kōrero featuring Lee Timutimu — Māori tech advocate, storyteller, and social equity leader.In this episode, Lee shares his journey from reluctant leader to trailblazer, how his lived experiences shaped his advocacy for Māori data sovereignty, and why creating safe, empowered digital spaces for our people is more urgent than ever.🌱 From founding Te Hapori Matihiko and Te Matarau to shaping kaupapa with Health NZ and universities, Lee reflects on identity, digital equity, and what it means to step into leadership when nobody else will.🔍 What we talk about:How social justice pushed Lee into leadershipThe role of Māori data sovereigntyBuilding digital communities for and by MāoriNavigating the tech world with purposeLessons from confronting NZ Tech🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, and wherever you get your podcasts.📹 Watch full episodes on our YouTube channel + follow for more Purpose Empowered People.#LeeTimutimu #PEPTalk #MāoriTech #DigitalSovereignty #IndigenousLeadership #KaupapaDriven #Trailblazer(c) 2024 Purpose Empowered People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Season One of PEP Talk wraps up with a reflective conversation on purpose, governance, community work, and what we’ve learned along the way.In this episode, Simon and Marie look back on a year spent working alongside purpose-led businesses, social enterprises, churches, and community leaders — people doing meaningful work, often under pressure and with limited resources.We talk about:• Why clarity matters more than more ideas• The hidden governance load carried by Pacific and Indigenous organisations• What it really takes to move from vision to proof of concept• Lessons from launching PaCIVICa as a civic leadership pilot and trust• Why learning by doing beats theory aloneThis is a conversation about purpose in practice — not perfection, not hype, but real people building real things in real communities.Thank you to everyone who has supported PEP Talk through Season One. Season Two returns in 2026.(c) 2025 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Capitalism promises progress — yet many of us feel the system is breaking under its own weight. In this episode of PEP Talk, Simon and Marie explore a different way forward, inspired by Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.Drawing from Indigenous worldviews, the Honorable Harvest, and our relationship with whenua, they unpack what a values-aligned, relational economy might look like — one that honours people, planet, and purpose.You’ll hear about:Why capitalism leaves so many behind The Indigenous principle of reciprocityWhat it means to treat land and resources as kinThe Honourable Harvest and its everyday relevanceHow business and Indigenous values can absolutely co-existIf you’re exploring purpose-led leadership, social enterprise, or Indigenous thinking in modern business — this one will resonate.✨ Join the PEP community: https://pep.nz(c) 2025 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Former Manu Samoa rugby player Pesetā Fa‘amātuainu To‘oto‘olea‘ava Lama Tone shares how a career-ending neck injury on the field redirected him toward a life of design, teaching, and cultural leadership. Now a Professor of Architecture at the University of Auckland and founder of New Pacific Architecture, Lama opens up about identity, resilience, and how Pacific concepts shape his work. In this PEP Talk special (recorded in the Covid era, still completely evergreen), Lama reflects on: Growing up between Auckland and Samoa, and how village life shaped his valuesThe injury in 2001 that left him briefly paralyzed and ended professional rugby Returning to university as a mature student, relearning essays, and rediscovering curiosityBeing the only Pacific student in his architecture class and turning that tension into purposeHis Master’s thesis, “Designing with Pacific Concepts,” and why culture belongs in contemporary designNavigating rejection during the global financial crisis and launching New Pacific ArchitectureThe Pacific legacy of navigation — from wayfinding on the ocean to charting a career on land If you’re looking for a story about reinvention, cultural pride, and creative grit, this one’s for you.(c) 2025 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What happens when faith meets strategy? In this episode of PEP Talk, hosts Salā Marie and Sui Simon Young share the behind-the-scenes story of how EFKS Sandringham partnered with PEP to transform their unused car park into a community-minded income stream.You’ll hear how cultural values, smart partnerships, and a spirit of stewardship led to one of Aotearoa’s most inspiring social enterprise initiatives.👥 Featuring:Rev Dr Featuna’i Liua’ana & EFKS SandringhamStellar Car ParkingPEP (Pacific Enterprise People)🌐 Learn more🎧 Subscribe for more Purpose Empowered conversations#PacificEnterprise #SocialEnterprise #SamoanChurch #PEPTalkPodcast(c) 2025 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this inspiring PEP Talk replay, Professor Jioji Ravulo — the University of Sydney’s first Pacific professor — joins Salā Marie Young to explore identity, belonging, and purpose. From his roots in Ra, Fiji, to his rise in academia, Jioji shares how family, culture, and education shaped his journey. Together they reflect on honouring Indigenous peoples, celebrating Pacific heritage, and leading with purpose in a changing world.🎧 A timeless kōrero about space, place, and the power of knowing who you are.#PacificLeadership #PEPTalk #JiojiRavulo #PasifikaVoices #IndigenousIdentity #PurposeEmpoweredPeople(c) 2025 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Talofa and welcome to PEP Talk!This episode hits different. We’re sitting down with Tunganekore Kevene Fuavao, founder of Manu Golf, where Pacific culture meets the golf green. Kevin’s story? It’s about picking yourself up when life hits hard and finding a way to stand tall with purpose.We’re talking:🏉 Bouncing back from a rugby injury that could’ve crushed him⛳ The real meaning behind Manu and why it’s bigger than just golf🌺 Holding it down for Pacific culture in spaces that need our presence💡 How mentorship, hustle, and heart brought Manu Golf to life💪 Why mindset is the game-changer when life gets toughIf you’re about that grind, hungry for inspiration, or just need a reminder that setbacks can fuel your biggest comeback—this one’s for you.🎯 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs that motivation today.Join the PEP Talk community! Visit www.pep.nz/peptalk (c) 2024 PEP Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

💬 “Cancer gave me clarity—it was the start of a new mission.”In this powerful episode of PEP Talk, Karen Daniels shares her journey from being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer to living a purpose-driven life.Karen’s story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. As a Cook Islands-born mother, cancer survivor, and mental health educator, she reflects on how her toughest challenge became the foundation for Thrive Together: Mind Your Health.Listen as Karen discusses:✨ Finding strength in faith and reflection✨ Practical steps to embrace mental and holistic wellness✨ How community and connection fuel personal growthMentioned in this episode:💬 Contact Karen: thrivetogether@outlook.co.nz 💡Plan your business growth with the Lean Canvas 🚀 Want to stay inspired and connect with our community? Join the PEP Talk Community Waitlist for updates and resources at www.pep.nz/peptalk.(c) 2024 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Meet Tiare Rose, the founder of Tiare Rose Cosmetics, as she shares her incredible journey from a simple idea to launching a Pacific-led business. In this episode of PEP Talk, Tiare discusses the courage it takes to step into entrepreneurship, the power of faith, and how representation inspires the next generation.👄 From creating vegan, handmade lip products to empowering young entrepreneurs, Tiare’s story is a testament to passion and perseverance. 💪🔗 Listen now and discover how to “own your narrative” and turn your dreams into reality! Find Tiare Rose Cosmetics on Instagram: @tiarerosecosmetics.#Entrepreneurship #PacificLeaders #Inspiration(c) 2024 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Talofa lava and welcome to PEP Talk! We’re Suitauloa Simon Young and Salā Marie Young, here to share a bit about who we are and what drives Pacific Enterprise People (PEP). 🌊🌺 This episode’s all about the roots of PEP and the faces behind it. You’ll meet our managing director (and soon-to-be Doctor!) Salā Marie Young as she tells her story, from growing up in Christchurch and Samoa to the journey of building PEP. Our goal? To uplift and connect Pacific communities, creating spaces for culture, innovation, and impact. PEP Talk isn’t just a chat – it’s a movement. We're here to laugh, share, and celebrate everything Pacific, from resilience to leadership and those powerful voices in our communities. Whether you’re here for a cultural deep dive or just a bit of fun with us, you’re in the right place! (c) 2024 Pacific Enterprise People LtdHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.