In this episode, Nell brings back Ruby to reflect on the year that has been. Nell and Ruby discuss what is has been like for Ruby watching her mum start a business, if her ideas about career have changed, and what is important to her about work. 

At the end, Ruby asks Nell what her wish would be for the future of work. So listen in to find out!!

A message from Nell:
"Thank you so much to all the CheerPod listeners. I hope you have taken something away from these many conversations with brilliant leaders. I am so grateful for all the people who have become a part of the Cheerleader community through CheerPod. Our next step, to focus on our new Cheerleader platform. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

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In this episode, Nell is joined by Xaviere Murray-Puhara, a fresh and dynamic leader in the tech industry,  the CEO and Co-Founder of kahu.code, and Co-Founder of Tech Taniwha.  Kahu.code is merging advanced technology with the richness of te ao Māori and indigenous cultures, creating an innovative approach to AI that honors community and tradition. With leadership experience in Product Management and Agile Coaching at organizations like OneNZ, UNICEF Aotearoa New Zealand, and Genesis Energy, Xaviere has been driving innovation practices across industries.

In addition to her leadership at kahu.code, Xaviere co-founded Tech Taniwha, a community that empowers Māori technologists through collaboration, storytelling, and community-building. She balanced this work with her studies in Te Reo Māori at Te Wananga Takiura O Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori O Aotearoa. With a Bachelor of Business from AUT and a passion for integrating cultural values with technological advancements, Xaviere is deeply committed to shaping the future of tech through a uniquely indigenous lens.

In this episode Nell and Xaviere talk about the power of community and its place in the future of work.

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In this episode Nell is joined by Maddy King, Founder of LaunchBot, a startup based in NZ that helps ethical businesses, climate organisations and community initiatives grow sustainably, so they can do more good in the world.

Maddy King is an impact-oriented technologist with a background in marketing and full stack development. She is interested in using tech to build a better world, which for her means demolishing the digital divide, getting tech skills to underestimated people, radical climate action, giving teenagers hope, queer liberation, supporting women and queer folks in business, active allyship for Māori tino rangatiratanga, and accessible, enabled and nonbinary futures. 

She has a Masters degree in destabilising dominant power structures, and founded her first business when she was 23. She worked remotely for several years, and has lived briefly in Colombia, the Himalayas, the Argentine desert, north Vietnam and the Sahara. She was nearly shipwrecked in the Adriatic and once climbed the tallest mountain in North Africa solo. Since then she has worked as an XR lecturer and represented New Zealand internationally in emerging tech.

Maddy and Nell connected through the Startmate community and Nell was very excited to get stuck into a conversation about the realities of trying to make a difference. 

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In this episode Nell is joined by the wonderful Cheryl Tansey, Co-Founder of Agile Wellbeing. 

Cheryl started her professional career in communications and broadcasting but later moved into digital project management before specialising in agile ways of working in the mid-2010s. 

Cheryl has grown her expertise while travelling the globe. Her life has taken her to many different places, from Wellington to London, Canada, and Singapore, and she has taken up coaching work in each of these. 

Alongside her credentials as a qualified coach, Cheryl holds a qualification in Adult Learning from the University of Victoria. 

But aside from her accolades and impressive experience, Cheryl cares deeply about people and creating sustainable ways of working. She does this through integrating agile, workflow by design, human-centred practice, and community scaling. 

Nell saw Cheryl speak at DisruptHR in March, where she performed an incredible rap! Nell was so impressed that she approached her to ask her to come on CheerPod. 

In this episode we discuss personal agility!

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In this episode Nell is joined by Tom de Groen, Expert Customer Experience Designer. Tom was trained as an Industrial Designer at Massy University and holds a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Design. His career has taken him on a journey of creative design roles in studios, startups, and banking. Tom is a passionate problem solver, keen to dig down in to the guts of an problem to fully understand the needs of the human at the centre of the problem. 

With 20 years of design experience, Tom has seen the highlights and the pitfalls of the design process, including the barriers and challenges faced by designers when trying to create exceptional experiences and products. He is all to familiar with the mindsets and attitudes that underpin successful design processes. 

In this episode we focus in on the question, what does human-centred design really mean?

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In this episode, Nell is joined by Christine van Hoffen, People Lead at Tracksuit. Christine joined Tracksuit in July 2022 as the 12th employee, she swiftly transitioned into her current role to support the company's rapid growth. Christine has been instrumental in cultivating a workplace celebrated for its unique and vibrant culture. Tracksuit have also recently won ASX Hi-Tech Emerging Company of the Year at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards.

Passionate about pay transparency and overall workplace transparency, Christine is a dedicated advocate for supporting parents in the workplace. She believes in balancing high performance with high care, creating an environment where employees feel engaged and motivated.

Christine's commitment to shaping a positive and dynamic workplace culture is evident in every aspect of her work. In this episode, we get into the role of Transparency in the future of work.

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In this episode Nell joined by Priya Bhana, People Experience Leader. With 20 years of working in and around Wellington's digital, design and creative industries, in her backpack, Priya is a passionate advocate for crafting engaging and people-first experiences in the workplace. She specialises in nurturing cultures and communities where creative individuals thrive and do their most meaningful work. 

Priya's journey has been a tapestry of diverse experiences, from growing up as the daughter of a dairy owner to mastering the art of engagement as an MC and even claiming the title of Wheel of Fortune Carry-over Champion. Her adventures have taken her from Wellington to Melbourne and back again, shaping her perspective and fuelling her mission to work with good people making moments that matter.

As a guardian of culture, Priya has earned a reputation for creating fiercely loyal teams and proud alumni, infusing workplaces with genuine joy and meaningful connections. Her passion for people and their stories drives her commitment to shaping positive, genuine, and joyful experiences for all who choose to engage with their work.

In this episode, Nell and Priya talk about all things Pri, and some of the innovations she has implemented in her work at PaperKite. 

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Nell is joined by the awesome Callum McKirdy. Callum is a speaker, facilitator, and coach with a vision to create radically authentic workplaces. Callum is a Dyslexic ADHDer, a dynamic duo that probably feeds into his skill in ideating, connecting, creative thinking, and his natural empathy. 

From his early years as the energetic kid on the block, to his adult pursuits as a competitive cyclist, long-distance triathlete, and ultra-marathon runner, Callum's energy for life has always been palpable. 

Callum was diagnosed with ADHD in his early 40s, joining many who don’t get to learn about the workings of their brain until later in life. 

At the heart of Callum's philosophy lies a deep belief in the power of kindness and the inherent value of every individual. He champions the idea that our pasts need not define us, and our futures are ours to shape—a sentiment that resonates with me and my journey deeply. 

This episode is a yarn between two people who connect deeply on seeing the word through similar, but entirely unique lenses. 

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For this episode, Nell is thrilled to be joined by one of the first members of the Cheer Squad, Emily Elliott. 

Emily is a communications leader and strategic advisor, renowned for her ability to apply her expertise across a range of industries. With a rich background spanning journalism, corporate communications management, and change leadership, Emily has earned prestigious accolades for her innovative approach and impactful contributions.

Emily's career journey has been driven by a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. From her roots in community journalism to her impactful roles in public service and aged care, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving the greater good. Over the past five years, Emily has focused her energies on international communications in the realms of development, humanitarian aid, and climate advocacy, aligning with her heartfelt convictions.

Emily and Nell connected through Cheerleader and shared interest in the uniqueness of the millennial experience of work. In this episode, they talk about some of their experiences of being a millennial at work.

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We have a very special offer to share with CheerPod listeners valid until 30 September 2024. If you enter the code 'cheerpod' you will get 50% discount on Gillian's online flexperts course and $10 off a book purchase on her website.

For this episode Nell is joined by the fabulous Gillian Brookes. Gillian is a seasoned expert in the field of flexible working and author of the book Flexperts. 

With over two decades of experience in human resources, organisational development, and workplace strategy, Gillian brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.

For many years, Gillian has been a driving force behind the adoption and implementation of flexible working arrangements in various industries. Her deep understanding of the benefits, challenges, and best practices surrounding flexible work has made her a sought-after advisor for businesses looking to embrace innovative approaches to flexible work.

Gillian is committed to promoting inclusive work practices that accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles. Her consultancy work has empowered countless individuals and teams to embrace flexibility as a strategic advantage, rather than a mere perk.

In this episode, we discuss the future of flexible working.

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