Baskets Of Knowledge

Over the last few weeks you may have heard, seen, tasted or missed out on the pre- pro- biotic sodas made by Moodi. This product has taken the market by storm!

In this episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Kate Gatfield-Jeffries, co-founder of Moodi, a mental wellness supplement brand redefining the way we consume pre- and probiotics. From law and business school to disrupting the wellness industry, Kate shares her insights on risk-taking, customer-driven product development, and building a brand that truly resonates.

Kate’s story is one of bold decisions, mindset shifts, and breaking boundaries. Originally risk-averse, she studied law and business as a “safe” career path but ultimately followed her passion for empowering women and enhancing mental wellness. She candidly shares the fears she overcame when transitioning from student to entrepreneur and how she built a brand from the ground up, without a background in science or manufacturing.

One of the key drivers behind Moodi’s success? A deep connection with customers. Kate emphasises how Moodi’s flavours and formulations were co-created with customer feedback, resulting in not just effective supplements, but "crazy delicious" products that people love to drink. This commitment to listening has led to Moodi’s incredible growth, including their pre- and probiotic sodas selling out upon launch.

Beyond business, Kate discusses the importance of balancing hustle culture with mindfulness—practicing presence, appreciating simple joys, and knowing when to step back. Her advice? You create your own reality.

Moodi’s probiotic sodas are flying off the shelves! If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the time.

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

In the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Ronan Payinda, a medical student who didn’t just stop at mastering anatomy but decided to build a whole digital health startup called SurgReady. But what really stood out was his heart for the community, especially his work with refugees and advocating for health equity.

Ronan's passion for supporting refugees was sparked by the incredible example of Dr. Fahema Saiyad, a former Doctors Without Borders physician who now leads an organization in Auckland that helps newly arrived refugees and vulnerable migrants settle into their new lives. Inspired by her story and dedication, Ronan jumped in, first as a volunteer and then as a board member of the same organisation. His work focuses on making healthcare accessible and understandable for refugees, ensuring they aren’t left behind by a system that can often feel cold and overwhelming.

Through initiatives like peer support groups and community health education, Ronan is helping refugees navigate everything from managing chronic conditions to understanding the healthcare system. For him, it’s not just about treating symptoms but about tackling the bigger issue of health equity. This isn’t just a side project; it’s a core part of who Ronan is and what he wants to build in the healthcare space.

And that spirit of community is woven into everything he does, including SurgReady, a platform that helps patients prepare for surgery months in advance through personalised care plans. It’s about making sure everyone, no matter where they come from, gets the support they need to thrive.

Key Takeaways from Ronan’s Journey:

Community is everything: Whether it’s creating peer support groups for refugees or surgery patients, Ronan proves that healthcare is a team sport.

Health equity matters: Ronan’s work highlights the gaps in healthcare for marginalized communities—and how tech can help bridge them.

Find your purpose early: His journey shows that discovering what drives you, helping refugees, building startups, or public health, can set the course for everything else.

Embrace uncertainty: Ronan didn’t plan to become a founder, but leaning into the unknown is what led to SurgReady’s impact.

Balance Stress with gratitude: His approach to managing the chaos of med school and a startup? Gratitude, nature, and stepping back to appreciate the journey.

Talking to Ronan was a masterclass in how true leadership is about lifting others as you climb, whether it’s through innovative healthcare solutions or making sure refugees feel seen and supported.

If you’re ready to dive into Ronan’s world of medicine, community, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship…👉 Check out the full episode of Baskets of Knowledge on Spotify and YouTube!

And drop your thoughts or key takeaways in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going! 🎧🔥

In this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with the incredible Briana Belford, a 19-year-old university student whose journey is a tapestry of kindness, culture, and courage. From navigating her Pacific heritage in academic and personal realms to embracing grief as a teacher of life's impermanence, Bri shared stories that resonate deeply.

Key Learnings:

1. Kindness as a superpower: Bri reminds us of the transformative value of kindness, not for recognition but as a way to lead a fulfilling life.
2. Navigating grief and growth: Her reflections on losing loved ones highlight the coexistence of grief with personal success and the importance of leaning on community and therapy for support.
3. Morning routines as anchors: Simple practices like meditation, journaling, and gratitude set a powerful tone for the day, even amidst challenges.
4. Cultural identity: Learning Samoan in an academic setting deepened Bri’s connection to her heritage, illustrating the power of language in shaping identity.

Bri’s Instagram page, "To Who it May Concern", extends her voice to the digital world, where her raw reflections and writing inspire many. It’s a brave space she created to share lessons from her journey and encourage others to embrace their stories unapologetically.

Give it a follow here

https://www.instagram.com/towhoitmayconcern/

This episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating transitions, reflecting on their identity, or seeking to live authentically. 

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

What does it take to transform adversity into purpose? In this inspiring podcast episode, we explore the story of Khadija Usman, an entrepreneur, coach, and community builder who has turned her challenges into a global mission to empower others.

Born in Pakistan, Khadija grew up navigating the complexities of two worlds, her homeland and her second home, the UK. Her life took unexpected turns, from facing financial crises to grappling with cultural stigmas around mental health. Yet, Khadija didn’t just survive, she evolved. Today, she’s the founder of Grit Coaches, a platform connecting coaches with people worldwide, especially those who lack access to coaching resources.

Why Should You Listen?
In this episode, Khadija shares:
- Her journey from privilege to adversity and how she rebuilt her life.
- The story behind launching Grit Coaches and co-authoring Evolve: Stories of Transformation.
- Her take on mental health in South Asia and the power of coaching.
- How she balances the demands of entrepreneurship and motherhood.

 Key Learnings:
- A strong “why” can guide you through life’s toughest storms.
- Growth is uncomfortable, but that’s where the magic happens.
- Every setback holds a hidden blessing or lesson. Reframe and thrive.

Enjoy 

Prajesh and Tane

On the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we had the privilege of sitting down with Angad Chauhan, a recently graduated doctor and an inspiring individual with a journey that transcends borders, disciplines, and challenges. Angad’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and an unrelenting pursuit of purpose.

From grappling with tough decisions as a high school student to immersing himself in the demanding world of medical school, Angad shared how he navigated life’s pivotal moments. Whether it was deciding between mathematics and medicine, adapting to the solitude of online learning during the pandemic, or embracing the awe of seeing brain surgery firsthand, his reflections are rich with insights.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that you can apply to your own journey:

Seek Opportunities Relentlessly

Angad emphasised the importance of saying "yes" to chances that come your way, whether it's leadership roles, research projects, or personal growth experiences. Opportunities often shape the trajectory of your life.

No Knowledge is Wasted

Every piece of information, every skill learned, and every experience contributes to your story. As Angad’s parents reminded him, what you learn today could connect to something powerful tomorrow.

Stand on the Shoulders of Giants

By approaching mentors and experts, those who seem unapproachable, you unlock new pathways. Angad’s collaboration with renowned neurosurgeons is a testament to the power of learning from others' expertise.

Angad’s story reminds us that success isn’t linear. It’s filled with uncertainties, transitions, and moments of introspection. But with the right mindset and a willingness to learn, the journey can be transformative.

Angad shared much more about his personal growth, medical school highlights, and the profound impact of seeing cutting-edge brain stimulation in action.

Tune in now on Spotify or YouTube to catch the full episode and add some inspiration to your week!

What’s your biggest takeaway from Angad’s story?

On the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with Cairo Akehurst, a 17-year-old student from Christchurch who is proving that age is no barrier to innovation. Cairo is the founder of Cattle Credit, a startup transforming the agricultural industry by leveraging satellite data to monitor and reduce methane emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gases.

This young inspirational person spends two-thirds of his time running his business and the rest balancing schoolwork, defying traditional norms for someone his age. Cairo’s groundbreaking work has already earned him the Prime Minister’s Student Space Prize, national recognition, and mentorships with some of the brightest minds in aerospace, including a conversation with Rocket Lab’s founder, Peter Beck.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Turning passions into purpose:

Cairo’s journey began with astrophotography, a hobby that fueled his curiosity about space and sparked his entrepreneurial mindset. Learn how small interests can lead to big opportunities.

Harnessing the power of mentorship:

With over 20 mentors and industry support, Cairo shows how mentorship can unlock doors and accelerate growth, often more effectively than financial backing.

Innovating for impact:

Cairo’s work with Cattle Credit isn’t just about technology, it’s about solving global problems. By using satellite data to measure methane emissions, he’s contributing to a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Mastering Mindset:

Cairo’s advice is clear "Your biggest barrier isn’t what you have, it’s who you are." Discover how refining your mindset can propel you toward your goals faster than you imagined.

In this episode, Cairo shares:

The challenges and rewards of being a young entrepreneur in the aerospace and agricultural sectors.

How his business ideas evolved, including the lessons learned from launching two startups before his 18th birthday.

His thoughts on balancing school, personal life, and the demands of running a business.

A glimpse into the future, including his upcoming tour of Rocket Lab’s U.S. and New Zealand facilities and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.Find out more about Cattle Credit here https://www.cattlecredit.com/

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

What does it take to transform a bold idea into a game-changing product? In our latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we chat with Mrinali Kumar, co-founder of EatKinda, the world’s first cauliflower-based ice cream.

Mrinali shares how she turned her passion for food technology into a thriving business, carving a unique path in the plant-based market. From growing up in a hardworking migrant family to co-founding a brand that challenges the norms of dessert, her story is one of resilience, innovation, and radical kindness.

At just 22, Mrinali took a leap into entrepreneurship, teaming up with her co-founder, Jenni, at a Startup Weekend. Together, they developed a product that’s not only delicious but also allergen-friendly and sustainable. What started as a wacky concept in a small-town pitch competition is now available in over 120 Woolworths stores across New Zealand.

In this episode, Mrinali opens up about:
🌱 Her upbringing in an entrepreneurial, food-loving family and how it shaped her mindset.
💡 Turning a random pitch idea into a marketable product with global potential.
🛠️ Navigating the challenges of being a young entrepreneur, from funding hurdles to balancing personal growth and professional demands.
🤝 The power of mentorship, asking bold questions, and building relationships that drive success.
🎯 Her vision to make EatKinda the vegan Ben & Jerry’s of the world.

This is more than a story about ice cream; it’s a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and believing in your vision even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Mrinali Kumar. Hear about her journey, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she’s learned on the path to success. 

Find out more about EatKinda and where you can try it for yourself here:

https://www.eatkinda.com/

https://www.instagram.com/eatkinda

Enjoy 

Prajesh and Tane

In our last Baskets of Knowledge episode for 2024, we sat down with the incredible Sam Landers, a young man from rural Taranaki, who’s rewriting the rulebook on what’s possible.

From missing out on medical school the first time around to running 200km for charity, refereeing rugby finals, and embracing imposter syndrome, Sam’s story is one of grit, growth, and purpose.

Sam’s achievements aren’t just about personal wins, they’re about lifting others along the way. Whether it’s raising funds for the Cancer Society or inspiring others to believe, “If you put your mind to it, you can do it,” Sam embodies the spirit of paying it forward.

What to expect in the episode:

Trust us you don’t want to miss this one. Sam’s humility, drive, and authenticity will leave you inspired to tackle your own challenges head-on.

Ready to add something amazing to your basket of knowledge?

Tag anyone who needs this dose of inspiration! 

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

In the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we had the privilege of speaking with Nimeesha Odedra. Her story takes us from the challenges of migration to the triumph of building a business with her mother, showing us what’s possible when we refuse to give up.

Key takeaways this week:

The Migrant Experience: As a migrant woman in New Zealand, Nimeesha faced the double burden of systemic biases against her gender and her cultural background. Despite being highly qualified, she was constantly overlooked for promotions. Her story sheds light on the silent battles many face in workplaces where unconscious biases linger. Yet, instead of giving in, she turned her frustration into purpose by pursuing a PhD to explore these inequities and amplify the voices of other migrant women.

The Power of Sharing Stories: One of Nimeesha’s key findings during her PhD research was the transformative power of storytelling. She discovered that when women shared their struggles and triumphs, it not only validated their experiences but also sparked their healing and renewed their confidence. Sharing your story isn’t just about being heard; it’s about reclaiming your strength and inspiring others to do the same.

Building a Legacy with Sobhna's: What began as her mother’s hobby, making curry paste for farmers’ markets, has grown into a thriving business. With Nimeesha’s determination and her mom’s passion, Sobhna's is now sold in over 100 Woolworths stores across New Zealand. 

You Are Not Alone: Perhaps the most empowering lesson from Nimeesha’s journey is this: you’re never alone in your struggles. Whether it’s in business, personal growth, or life’s challenges, there’s always someone who understands. But finding that connection requires taking the brave step of putting yourself out there. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s the bridge to growth and belonging.

 After you listen, reflect on this: What’s one challenge you’ve turned into an opportunity? 

Enjoy

Prajesh and Tane

What drives someone to create meaningful change from the age of 5? Meet Tara Shepherd—a trailblazer, advocate, and environmental leader whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Tara’s story begins with her experiences at Ronald McDonald House, where she saw firsthand the importance of community and compassion. At just five years old, she began advocating for others, and that passion has only grown over the years. From standing up for student accessibility to tackling major environmental challenges, Tara has dedicated her life to making a difference.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
Advocacy Starts Early: Tara’s first steps into activism involved raising awareness for Ronald McDonald House. Today, she’s a champion for students with disabilities, pushing for real change in education systems.

Action in the Face of Adversity: When she was 19, Tara was pivotal during a Westport flood crisis, leading waste management efforts that cleared 1,000+ tons of debris in six days. Her leadership earned respect, regardless of age.