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In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Darren Wright!

Darren Wright is a chartered accountant turned entrepreneur who grew up on an orchard and parlayed his farming background into a successful business career. He's currently a managing partner at William Buck, an accounting firm with 100 employees, and serves as a director at an IT company with 40 staff members.

The conversation explores Darren’s journey from corporate accounting to business ownership, highlighting his transition through business coaching where he spent five years advising small business owners. Key themes include the importance of having deep knowledge in your field, ensuring there's market demand for your services, and the critical need for systems and processes.

Darren emphasizes working "on your business, not in your business" and shares lessons learned from his orchard upbringing about hard work and cash flow management. The discussion covers practical advice for entrepreneurs, including the challenges of business partnerships, family dynamics during start-up phases, and wealth-building strategies. He also touches on his investment philosophy, including equity positions in companies like Rocket Lab, and his approach to teaching financial literacy to his four children through everyday conversations rather than formal lessons.

Check out William Buck here: https://www.williambuck.com/nz

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here: https://www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwnership #WealthBuilding

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Richard Ellis!

Richard is a health and wellness professional who transitioned from retail management in the UK to becoming a personal trainer and health coach in New Zealand. He now runs his own gym and specialises in corporate wellness programs that help organisations improve employee health and productivity.

Richard shares his journey inspired by family ties to New Zealand and discusses his evolution from personal training to impacting larger groups through corporate health coaching. The conversation highlights the importance of continuous learning, entrepreneurship challenges, and a systematic approach to family nutrition and wellness.

He emphasises meeting clients where they are, focusing on small “one-percenter” improvements inspired by James Clear’s Atomic Habits. The episode also explores the supplement industry, blood testing for nutritional optimisation, and balancing processed versus whole foods while maintaining practical family meal systems.

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here: www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #Wellness #HealthCoaching #CorporateWellness #Nutrition #AtomicHabits #Entrepreneurship #PersonalTraining #EmployeeHealth

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Tim Thomas!

Tim is the founder of NetPotential and the newly launched GrowthSprut. With over two decades of experience in web development, Tim shares his journey from building custom-coded websites to creating scalable, AI-powered digital marketing systems focused on automation, lead generation, and delivering real results.

Tim discusses how AI is transforming his business model and the wider web and marketing industry. He explains why traditional billable-hour service models are becoming obsolete and how platforms like Go High Level can streamline client acquisition, sales automation, and reporting. They also explore the rising importance of equity ownership, adaptable income streams, and effective human-AI collaboration in today’s economy.

This episode offers practical insights on transitioning legacy businesses, leveraging AI agents, and preparing future generations for a rapidly evolving tech landscape. Tim reflects on fatherhood, resilience, and the critical need to own rather than simply work, providing valuable advice for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Find out more about NetPotential here: www.netpotential.co.nz

Learn about GrowthSprut here: growthspurt.nz

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here: www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalMarketing #Automation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartUps #LeadGeneration #MarketingTechnology #EquityOwnership #HumanAI #FutureOfWork #TechInnovation #SmallBusiness

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Andy Foy!

Andy is the founder of Predictive Performance, a consultancy helping businesses optimise recruitment, team performance, and staff retention using behavioural profiling tools. With over 30 years in HR, Andy discovered the power of tools like the Predictive Index while working in the UK—where he famously reduced vacancies from 350 to zero and turnover from 20% to single digits in just six months.

The conversation dives into the transformative role of behavioural profiling in business: how understanding innate workplace behaviours helps leaders hire the right people, improve team dynamics, and reduce costly attrition. Andy explains the difference between skills (the "briefcase") and behavioural traits—arguing that over half of job success comes down to the latter.

They discuss how to optimise team fit, onboarding, and long-term development using behavioural data. Andy even breaks down Charlie’s own profile live on the show, illustrating how these tools can uncover entrepreneurial patterns, decision-making styles, and communication preferences. The conversation wraps with insights on New Zealand’s ageing workforce and why self-awareness is the foundation for growth—personally and professionally.

Find out more about ‘Predictive Performance’ here:

www.predictiveperformance.co.nz

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here:

www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #AndyFoy #PredictivePerformance #BehaviouralProfiling #RecruitmentStrategy #TeamDynamics #HRTech #WorkplaceOptimisation #HiringRight #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfAwareness #Start-Ups #TalentRetention #NZBusiness #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Robbie Paul!

Robbie is the CEO of Icehouse Ventures, a leading New Zealand venture capital firm that has invested over $530 million into more than 350 early-stage companies. Originally from North Carolina, Robbie moved to New Zealand in 2008 and began his journey in VC by working for free—proving his value and building a career from the ground up over 17 years.

The conversation explores Robbie’s experience navigating and shaping the local investment landscape, including the role KiwiSaver played in shifting attitudes away from property-only investing following New Zealand’s 1987 stock market crash. He shares lessons on how founders should approach fundraising, why it’s vital to find aligned investors rather than trying to persuade sceptics, and how Icehouse Ventures builds long-term wealth through reinvestment and equity.

Key topics include the evolution of New Zealand’s start-up ecosystem, the recycling of talent from successful ventures into new companies, and the long-game mindset required to succeed in VC. Robbie reflects on standout portfolio companies like Halter, Serato, Crimson, and Letterbox, and explains the importance of portfolio diversification and patience when backing innovation.

Find out more about ‘Icehouse Ventures’ here:

www.icehouseventures.co.nz

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here:

www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #RobbiePaul #VentureCapital #IcehouseVentures #Start-Ups #NewZealandBusiness #KiwiSaver #FounderAdvice #LongTermWealth #InvestingWisely #EarlyStage #EquityInvestment #CrimsonEducation #Serato #Halter

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Mike Burke!

Mike is the founder of Point16, a growth consultancy that has evolved into a multi-faceted investment and advisory firm. What began as a solo consultancy now spans business strategy, private equity through the Sustainable Lifestyle Fund, and early-stage venture capital via the New Zealand Fintech Fund in partnership with Icehouse Ventures.

Mike shares his unconventional journey—from taking a gap year at 18 and stumbling into mentorship, to developing his skills in sales and leadership at Lion Nathan, and eventually founding Point16. He reflects on the "growth cliffs" many businesses face in their early years, and how sustainable growth requires clear focus, conviction, and the ability to say no.

This episode covers key themes including strategic decision-making, the balance between resilience and adaptability, and the importance of having mentors, coaches, and a broader purpose beyond financial returns. Mike also shares personal reflections from life on his horse farm in Muriwai, and how work-life integration supports long-term wellbeing.

A grounded and inspiring conversation for founders, investors, and anyone seeking to grow a business that aligns with their values.

Find out more about ‘Point16’ here:

www.point16.co.nz

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here:

www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #MikeBurke #Point16 #BusinessGrowth #PrivateEquity #Start-Ups #Fintech #WorkLifeBalance #Leadership #SustainableBusiness #NewZealandBusiness #FounderJourney #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Marcos Azaro!Marcos is an SEO expert and digital strategist originally from Argentina, now based in New Zealand, who helps businesses climb Google rankings through thoughtful, trust-focused SEO. With a background in web development and an early fascination with Google’s algorithms, Marcos has built a successful SEO consulting business while raising a young family and embracing entrepreneurship.This episode explores Marcos’s journey from full-time work into self-employment, and the mindset it took to balance family life, business growth, and personal development. He shares how consistency, mental toughness, and humility—honed through both business and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—have shaped his long-term success.Key themes include the evolving world of SEO in the age of AI, how to build long-term organic visibility without triggering penalties, and why trust-building (via backlinks and authority) still reigns supreme. Marcos also offers his perspective on systemising a service business, creating intergenerational wealth, and the future of a decentralised, freelance-first workforce.A must-listen for business owners, marketers, and anyone interested in mastering digital visibility with integrity.Connect with Marcos Azaro:www.linkedin.com/in/marcosazaroWatch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here:www.eccuity.com/podcasts#WaysToWealth #Start-Ups #SEO #DigitalStrategy #AIInMarketing #FreelancerEconomy #MarcosAzaro #GoogleRankings #LongGameMindset #BrazilianJiuJitsu #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Richard Cross!

Richard is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Budgee, a modern financial planning tool built to replace clunky spreadsheets and help businesses model cashflow with operational clarity. His journey began in academia, where he and his peers set out to commercialise their postgraduate research—eventually leading to the creation of ecoPortal, a health and safety platform now used by major enterprises across New Zealand.

Richard shares candid insights from more than a decade in start-ups: bootstrapping for over six years, pivoting based on real customer need, and learning how constraints often spark the most meaningful innovation. He reflects on how skills from academia—curiosity, rigour, problem-solving—translate powerfully into entrepreneurship.

The conversation also explores the launch of Budgee, the future of cashflow forecasting, and how entrepreneurship offers a unique kind of psychological freedom. Richard shares his thoughts on raising resilient children, building businesses that last, and his long-term aspiration to contribute to the space tech sector.

A thoughtful episode for anyone navigating the financial side of business, turning research into reality, or redefining wealth on their own terms.

Find out more about ‘Budgee’ here:

www.budg.ee

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here:

www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #Start-Ups #CashflowPlanning #Entrepreneurship #RichardCross #Budgee #ecoPortal #FinancialModelling #FoundersJourney #BusinessLegacy #Bootstrapping #SpaceTech

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Will Schmidt!

Will is the co-founder and operator of Orchid, a New Zealand-based software development agency focused on bespoke systems for businesses and start-ups. After beginning his career as a freelancer, Will acquired Orchid from its original founders and has grown the team from 2 to over 10 staff.

In this conversation, Will shares his entrepreneurial journey—from bootstrapping, to scaling a client-first software business, to exiting his SaaS product FreightLegend for over $100K. He reflects on the early grind of freelancing, the pivotal decision to acquire rather than build from scratch, and how client quality and word-of-mouth referrals have been his primary growth levers.

Key topics include the impact of AI tools like GitHub Copilot on development workflows, why quality engineering is still essential, and how to raise kids to thrive in a tech-saturated world. Will also unpacks his investment strategy (favouring index funds) and how he balances business growth with family life and long-term wealth planning.

A grounded, practical episode for developers, technical founders, and anyone looking to scale sustainably in the software space.

Find out more about ‘Orchid’ here:

www.orchid.co.nz

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here:

www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #Start-Ups #TechEntrepreneur #SoftwareDevelopment #SaaSExit #AIandDevelopment #IndexInvesting #WealthBuilding #FreelancerToFounder #OrchidTech #Bootstrapping #NZBusiness

In this episode of the Ways to Wealth Podcast, Charlie is joined by Karl Craig-West!

Karl is a freelance digital marketer, business advisor, and lifelong entrepreneur currently living as a digital nomad in Fiji. Originally from the UK, Karl has built and sold multiple businesses across industries—from property maintenance and training companies to a successful marketing agency—before relocating to New Zealand in 2021.

The conversation dives into the mindset shift from employment to entrepreneurship, with Karl explaining why he’s never liked working for someone else. He shares his thoughts on the evolving gig economy, how multiple income streams offer better financial security than traditional jobs, and how AI is reshaping the future of work.

Karl breaks down how freelancers and small business owners can leverage tools like ChatGPT, Zapier, and other automation platforms to streamline operations, boost productivity, and build semi-residual income models—such as YouTube content or online courses. He also shares practical insights from his web design business, including payment plan strategies, risk-reversing offers, and how he achieved a 67% conversion rate by fine-tuning processes.

This is a must-listen for freelancers, side hustlers, and solopreneurs who want to stay ahead of the curve, build financial independence, and make AI work for them—not against them.

Check out Smashing Self-Employment here: www.smashingselfemployment.com

Watch all episodes of the Ways to Wealth Podcast here: www.eccuity.com/podcasts

#WaysToWealth #SelfEmployment #DigitalNomad #AIForFreelancers #BusinessAutomation #Start-Ups #SmashingSelfEmployment #Zapier #SideHustles #IncomeStreams #ChatGPT #EntrepreneurLife #WealthBuilding