Baskets Of Knowledge

This week on Baskets of Knowledge, we had the privilege of speaking with Kartini Clarke, a law student, neurodiversity advocate, political changemaker, and powerful voice for young people in Aotearoa.

Kartini’s story is one of perseverance, identity, and the courage to challenge systems that weren’t built to support everyone.

Raised in rural New Zealand, Kartini faced bullying, cultural isolation, and an education system that didn’t recognise or support her neurodivergence. Despite a love for learning, school often became a place of anxiety and misunderstanding. It wasn’t until university that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD, a turning point that gave her the language, tools, and support to thrive.

She went from being told she wouldn’t go far, to running for Parliament at 18, working as a union organiser, and leading the Young Neurodiversity Champions, a movement working to make diagnosis and support accessible for all.

Kartini now partners with law schools and workplaces to build awareness around neurodiversity, challenging the outdated models that have excluded so many for far too long.

Her story is not just inspiring, it’s a wake-up call. For educators, employers, and leaders alike.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the mould, this conversation will resonate.

Key learnings from this episode:

• One teacher can change the course of a student’s life. Positive or negative.

• Neurodivergence is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, especially in girls and people of colour.

• Changing your beliefs when new information emerges is not weakness, it’s growth.

• You do not have to prove your worth to anyone.

• What works for those at the margins often benefits everyone.

Kartini’s voice is one Aotearoa needs right now, clear, courageous, and unafraid to challenge the norm.

This is not just another podcast episode. It’s a conversation that will make you rethink how we support each other in schools, workplaces, and society.

Share your reflections in the comments, what stood out most from Kartini’s story?

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

In the latest episode of the Baskets of Knowledge podcast, we sat down with Joe Harawira, the CEO and co-founder of Wai Manuka, a unique beverage brand born in Whakatāne, New Zealand, and deeply rooted in Māori culture. Joe’s journey from the military to high-performance sport, and now to entrepreneurship, is a story of grit, purpose, and innovation.

Joe’s path to leadership wasn’t linear. He began his career in the New Zealand Army, where he learned the power of discipline and camaraderie. This military foundation shaped his mindset, teaching him the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of backing your team – lessons he later brought into his roles within the NRL and New Zealand Rugby, where he worked in athlete wellbeing and high-performance environments.

Wai Manuka was born from a simple but powerful idea, to create a globally recognised beverage that celebrates New Zealand’s natural bounty and Māori culture. It all started at a New Year’s Eve gathering where Joe, alongside his friends, decided to turn their shared vision into reality. Despite no background in the beverage industry, Joe and his co-founders leaned into their cultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually launching a product that now reaches markets as far as New York and Japan.

Joe’s work in high-performance sport, including roles at the NRL and New Zealand Rugby, taught him that true success isn’t just about physical strength but mental resilience and cultural connection. It’s about building strong, unified teams that support each other both on and off the field.

 Key learnings from Joe:
1️⃣ Back yourself fully:  Whether in the military, sport, or business, confidence comes from action and perseverance.
2️⃣ Community is everything: Success is amplified when it’s shared. Always honor where you come from.
3️⃣ Authenticity is a superpower: Lean into your culture and values. The world respects and recognises genuine brands.
4️⃣ Resilience is built over time: Every challenge you face, from imposter syndrome to business hurdles, shapes you into a stronger leader.
5️⃣ Legacy over fame: Focus on the long game and the impact you leave behind, not just short-term wins.

To get your own taste of Wai Manuka for your next occasion OR even just because you know a good thing when you see one head over to https://waimanuka.co.nz/

Listen to the full episode to hear more about Joe’s journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his vision for the future.

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

What happens when you tick all the boxes, graduate from uni, land the job, follow the ‘right’ path, but still feel something’s missing?

That was Sarah Kelsey in 2019.

She had a business degree, a corporate job offer, and a life that looked perfect on paper. But deep down, she was asking herself:
“Why am I doing this?” “What’s my purpose?”
❓“How come I still don’t understand how to manage my own money?”

Fast forward to today, Sarah is the creator of The One Up Project, a leading podcast that has empowered thousands across New Zealand (and now, London!) to become more financially literate, more self-aware, and more courageous in carving their own path.

In this episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we dive into Sarah’s incredible transformation, from first-gen university student, to accidental digital nomad, to globally respected podcast host.

What stood out most? Sarah’s honesty. She opens up about:

• Leaving her corporate job less than a year in.

• Battling isolation while living solo in Bali.

• Cold-DMing high-profile guests (like Steven Bartlett’s Head of Marketing) on LinkedIn.

• Navigating the identity crisis of moving to a new city where no one knows her.

• And still choosing curiosity, every single time.

 “The best creative projects come from not being obsessed with outcomes, but being obsessed with the process,” Sarah told us. 

And it shows.

She didn’t start a podcast to build a brand, she did it to ask better questions, to get the ‘one-up’ on her former self. And in doing so, she’s helped an entire generation do the same.

Whether you’re chasing a pivot, building a brand, or just figuring life out, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ Curiosity and courage are career superpowers.
✔️ You don’t need to be perfect to start, just willing to learn out loud.
✔️ Your degree might open doors, but it’s your self-awareness that keeps them open.
✔️ Empathy starts with dropping the ego.
✔️ The podcast space isn’t too saturated, your voice matters.

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

Raised in South Auckland, Leilani Faaiuaso’s journey is a powerful testament to cultural pride, intergenerational learnings, and community service.

In this Baskets of Knowledge episode, Leilani opens up about what it means to grow up as a Samoan woman in spaces where brown faces were few and far between, from her scholarship experience at St Cuthbert's College to thriving in the corporate world at Deloitte.

Despite feeling pressure to assimilate and moments of cultural disconnection, Leilani's story is about coming full circle. From disassociating with her culture to declaring “I am Sāmoan” on a TEDx stage, her story is a lesson in vulnerability, growth, and standing firm in your identity and roots.

In our conversation, she shares:

• The power of embracing your heritage

• The behind-the-scenes of her TEDx talk on identity and belonging

  Experiencing burnout and the importance of rest.

• The ongoing need for youth leadership and representation in governance spaces

Leilani doesn’t just talk about impact, she lives it. From her work in Pasifika and youth leadership to becoming a Young Local Hero of the Year medalist. Leilani is empowering the next generation of Aotearoa’s changemakers.

Key learnings from Leilani’s story:

✅ Your cultural identity is valid, no matter how fluent or “full-blooded” you are

✅ You can live your ancestors’ wildest dreams while still making room for rest and reflection
✅ Being young it’s important that we have the people and opportunities to gain experience
✅ You can never pour from an empty cup, fill up your cup to overflow into your community
✅ Faith, family, and gratitude are what keeps you grounded

Whether you’re navigating your cultural identity, aiming for corporate success, or looking to make a difference in your community, this episode is your reminder that you can do anything, anywhere as long as you have the right people and right resources around you. 

🎧 Listen now on Spotify and YouTube:
🔗 [Insert Spotify link]
🔗 [Insert YouTube link]

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In this week’s episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with the incredible Eman Ghandour, a passionate advocate for migrant and refugee communities, and founder of the inspiring Khawat Network.

Eman shares her journey from Jordan to Aotearoa, navigating the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging. As a proud Jordanian migrant, Eman’s story is one of resilience, growing up in Dunedin, trying to fit into a new culture, and later embracing the beautiful intersection of her Arab and Kiwi identities.

Through studying sociology at the University of Otago, working with Red Cross, and mentoring young refugees, Eman found her passion: helping others who walk similar paths of displacement, identity crisis, and self-discovery.

Today, she leads Khawat Network ("sisters" in Arabic), a powerful collective created to support young migrant and refugee women in New Zealand. What started as a simple group chat has grown into a movement of over 1,000 wāhine strong, creating safe spaces, launching events like Galentine’s, Iftar celebrations, and soon, a leadership league for young women entering adulthood. 🌟

Key Learnings from the Episode:

• The power of a name and identity: How reconnecting with your roots can fuel purpose.

• Navigating dual cultures: Eman’s experience of growing up Arab in Aotearoa, and the lessons in embracing "third culture" identities.

• Creating collective impact: Why grassroots initiatives like Khawat are critical for real, community-driven change.

• Volunteering as a gateway: How giving back helped Eman discover her true passion.

• From surviving to thriving: The importance of sisterhood, community, and mentorship for young migrant and refugee women.

Whether you’re a migrant, a community advocate, or someone passionate about creating real impact, this is an episode you cannot miss!

🎧 Listen to the full conversation now on Spotify or watch it on YouTube! Dive deeper into how Eman and the Khawat Network are reshaping the future of leadership, belonging, and community empowerment in New Zealand and beyond. 

#BasketsOfKnowledge #Podcast #EmanGhandour #KhawatNetwork #SpotifyPodcast #YouTubePodcast #MigrantVoices #ThirdCultureKid #Empowerment #Leadership #Sisterhood #CommunityBuilding #SocialImpact #Aotearoa #JordanianMigrant #IdentityMatters

This episode might just wake you up.

We sit down with Wyndi Tagi, international speaker, business founder, cancer warrior, proud Māori wāhine, and unapologetic force of nature. Her story? It’s not just inspiring, it’s a roadmap for what it means to live on your own terms, challenge norms, and lead with heart.

Wyndi is the co-founder of WE Mana, an accounting and business advisory firm that grew into a movement. But her journey didn’t start with business school or a corporate ladder. In fact, she doesn’t even have a university degree.

What does she have? Lived experience. Cultural strength. Deep self-awareness. And a powerful reason why.

In this honest and moving conversation, Wyndi talks about:
💥 How facing cancer forced her to reimagine life and legacy
🌺 Why she chose to build a business that uplifts Māori and Pacific communities
🌍 Her bold move to create an outsourcing centre in Samoa driven by values, not margins
📖 The power of storytelling and cultural identity on global stages
👣 How her moko kauae became a symbol of not just pride but purpose

We also dive into powerful leadership themes:
 Why “work-life balance” is outdated and what work-life integration really looks like
What to do when your purpose fills your cup but the world tries to put you in a box
How to lead with integrity in a world full of “sayers” who don’t “do”

This episode is for:
→ Entrepreneurs craving meaning over metrics
→ Leaders tired of living someone else’s version of success
→ Māori and Pacific people rewriting the rules of business
→ Anyone navigating purpose, burnout, or the desire to do more with the time we’ve been given

Because as Wyndi reminds us:
 “Challenges aren’t in the way—they’re on the way.”

And if you’re still waiting for the right moment to chase your purpose? This is it.

🎙️ LISTEN NOW on Spotify
📺 WATCH FULL EPISODE on YouTube:

🔔 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this message.

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

In this powerful episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Rhys Blisset, a young man whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. From surviving a childhood shaped by domestic violence to launching a movement that’s gaining national attention, Rhys is using running to create real change.

Founder of Run for Change, Rhys ran 137 kilometers to raise over $16,000 for Women’s Refuge NZ, turning his own trauma into a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness. At just 17, he’s not only inspiring a generation of young New Zealanders, he’s planning a 300km ultra run to raise more funds and visibility for those suffering in silence.

🎧 In this episode, we explore:

• Rhys' powerful personal story of resilience and survival

• His journey from safe houses to self-sufficiency at age 12

• How running became a mental and emotional escape

• Founding Run for Change and building community support

• His dream of becoming a police officer to help others like him

• The shocking reality of domestic violence statistics in New Zealand

This is more than a story, it’s a movement.

💥 Whether you're into mental health advocacy, ultra running, youth empowerment, or New Zealand’s fight against domestic violence, this episode will leave a lasting impact.

🔗 Support Rhys & Run for Change:
📍 Donate: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-carry-on-supporting-our-country
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runforchangenz
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18zaSGzjiz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
🥗 Sponsor: Wealth of Health

🎙️ Baskets of Knowledge brings you real conversations with inspiring people doing incredible things. Subscribe for weekly episodes that move, motivate, and challenge the way you think.

👉 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share this episode if Rhys' story inspired you.

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

This week, we had the privilege of speaking with Louisa and Kath, the dynamic duo involved with Hold On to Your Friends, a student-led initiative that’s transforming the culture of safety and care within Dunedin’s vibrant student community. Their mission? To ensure students can enjoy their university experience without compromising safety or well-being.

What is Hold On to Your Friends?
Born out of tragedy, Hold On to Your Friends was founded in memory of Sophia Crestani, a young student whose life was tragically cut short due to a preventable accident at a student party. What began as a response to a devastating loss has now evolved into a proactive movement advocating for safer, more connected student experiences.

Louisa, Kath, and their team believe in empowering students to take ownership of their safety while fostering a culture of support and community care. It’s about balancing the fun and freedom of student life with responsibility and mindfulness.

 Key highlights from our conversation:

• Turning pain Into purpose: Louisa and Kath shared how Sophia’s passing spurred them to address the challenges of student culture head-on. From unsafe party environments to a lack of resources for young adults navigating independence, their initiative fills a crucial gap.
• Making safety cool: They’re challenging the notion that safety has to be “lame.” Through engaging events, open conversations, and practical resources, they’ve shown that looking out for your friends is the ultimate form of care, and it doesn’t mean missing out on fun.
• Community and Collaboration: By partnering with local organisations, the police, and the wider Dunedin community, they’ve proven that teamwork truly makes the dream work. This collective effort is paving the way for a safer, more inclusive student environment.
• Redefining student culture: Their work extends beyond addressing drinking culture. They’re highlighting the many facets of student life, exploring nature, volunteering, building lasting friendships, and creating memorable, meaningful experiences.

What can we learn?
Louisa and Kath remind us that while university life is about freedom and exploration, it’s also about responsibility. Their message is clear:

• Prioritise your well-being and your friends’ safety.
• Advocate for change in your community, no matter how small your steps may seem.
• Recognise that true connection comes from showing up for each other.

Key Takeaway:
“Hold on to your friends, make sure everyone gets home safe, because life is too precious to take for granted. Together, we can create spaces where fun and safety go hand in hand.”

Why you should listen to this episode:
Whether you’re a student, an educator, or someone reflecting on your own community’s safety and care, this episode is packed with insights on how small actions can lead to big change. Louisa and Kath’s passion is contagious, and their story is a testament to the power of community-driven impact.

🎧 Tune in to the full episode on Spotify and YouTube to discover how Hold On to Your Friends is reshaping student culture for the better.

Let’s amplify their message: look out for your friends, foster connection, and be the change you want to see.

Most people know Stanley Henry as the founder of The Attn Seeker, a powerhouse agency redefining organic social media. His company is everywhere, on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, helping brands craft authentic, attention-grabbing presences online.

But this episode of Baskets of Knowledge isn’t about business strategies or viral content.

It’s about Stanley the man.

We uncover the real story behind his success, his upbringing, the struggles that shaped him, and the pivotal moments that turned him into the entrepreneur he is today. From navigating personal and professional challenges to building one of the most talked-about brands on LinkedIn, Stanley shares raw, unfiltered insights into his journey.

He opens up about:
- How his past experiences shaped his leadership and vision
- The challenges that tested him and the lessons he took from them
-  Why authenticity is his greatest strength in a noisy digital world
- The role of his wife, Claire, as his anchor in both life and business

Stanley’s story proves that success isn’t just about having great ideas, it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Your personal story is your brand’s biggest asset—embrace it.
✅ Success comes from doing the inner work, not just chasing opportunities.
✅ Authenticity wins over perfection—people connect with real stories.
✅ A strong support system is essential—find yours.

This is one of the most powerful and honest conversations we’ve had. Don’t miss it!

📲 Listen now on Spotify & YouTube 🔗👇
#Podcast #BasketsOfKnowledge #TheAttnSeeker #StanleyHenry #EntrepreneurMindset #BrandBuilding #Authenticity

Maths is boring, right? Not if you’re learning from Subash Chandar K, a Top 10 Global Teacher Prize finalist, the winner of the KiwiBank NZ Local Hero of the Year, and the brains behind the YouTube channel Infinity Plus One.

By day, he’s a humble maths teacher at Ormiston Junior College. By night, he’s running live-streamed tutorials, breaking down tough maths concepts, and helping thousands of students succeed, all for free.

But Subash’s journey wasn’t always smooth. He failed maths papers, took six years to finish a three-year degree, and worked graveyard shifts just to get by. Instead of giving up, he turned failure into fuel and built a career around helping others succeed.

His secret? Innovation, resilience, and making maths actually make sense. He’s shaking up the way students learn, using robots for trigonometry, interactive tools like Desmos, and live sessions that pull in hundreds of students at a time.

Now, he’s not just changing classrooms—he’s changing lives. From mentoring students to training teachers, speaking at international conferences, and even running sustainability projects, Subash proves that one teacher really can make a difference.

And now, he’s been crowned the KiwiBank NZ Local Hero of the Year! 🏆👏