Epich Aotearoa - Create a Better Future!

Our guest today is a Military Veteran - former Police Officer and former Private Security Team Leader having worked in some of the most volatile - uncertain - complex and ambiguous environments around the globe.

He served as the Asia Pacific Regional Security Operations Manager tasked with ensuring the safety and protection of senior government officials and VIP's.

He is a clinically endorsed author on mental health and number one trending author on Crisis Leadership and Management.

Our guest today has featured alongside people such as the Amazing Oprah Winfrey, The Intelligent Simon Sinek, The Charismatic Denzel Washington and the Creative J.K Rowling to name a few.

He has trained and continues to train thousands of people across multiple industries in order to help them achieve the results they desire whether that's in business, financial literacy, personal development or relationships.

He is an inspirational speaker and human strategist dealing with the human element in organisations to increase and improve engagement, productivity and revenue.

He is an Influencer and the Founder of The Lion Academy whose mission is to Empower and Serve People.....And

He is a fiercely loyal and devoted Husband, Father, Leader and Friend to those who know him best....

Ladies and Gentlemen - Aotearoa New Zealand the one and only Mr Dion Jensen....

During this episode Dion talks about "Coming out the other side of Military Life"  Trauma - Transition and Evolution. But, don't be fooled into thinking this only applies to ex military personnel. Because it doesn't. There are so many positive take-aways from this episode regardless of your circumstances or position.

This episode can also be enlightening for spouses who perhaps have seen their significant others struggle with trauma, transition and/or trying to evolve.

Dion provides insights, solutions, resources and advice to help us recognise, acknowledge and overcome Trauma and PTSD. He speaks about our subconscious body-guards and explains the positive roles they play in keeping us and at times others safe.

He talks us through the transition processes and what that involves/looks like.

He describes what it means to evolve and the positivity that can create for not only ourselves but for others.

Dion also quizzes Joe with some questions to get his thoughts on a couple of scenarios (Which is quite funny to hear Joe default to treating a basic warning order he received from Dion on the fly, as though the hikers were somehow threats 😂).

Dion gives some real talk (Apologies and warning - there is some profanity involved as Dion addresses a number of important issues). He speaks about his love for his brothers and names a large number of them. A number of whom have gone on to serve within the special forces.

He acknowledges his parents and speaks about his upbringing, his own weaknesses and how he strived to turn those into strengths - plus so much more.

Ladies and Gentlemen - we invite you to take some time and have a listen to this incredible Man - and if you would like to learn and know more - please reach out to him through the links below.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdionjensen

Website: https://www.thelionacademy.co.nz/

LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/mrdionjensen

Finally: We sincerely apologise for some of the audio quality in this episode. We're still learning the ropes in this space. Some small improvements are happening - but we realise we need to do better. We thank you in advance for sticking with us.

In this session Co-Founders Joe Hotai and Brian Osman discuss a number of interesting points in relation to the new series In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins.

They also talk about the new upcoming series around Leadership and Team Building. Along the way they have their usual laughs and give their views and perspectives about how things are tracking so far in relation to the podcast journey.

Joe & Brian talk about and name some of the upcoming and potential guests for the Who Dares Wins series (There are some incredible people), as well as acknowledging the feedback, interest in the experiences shared and some of the barriers for individuals (without naming them).

Both Joe and Brian also briefly touch on a couple of key points from Bill Bestic's interview in relation to trust and one of the unique ways in which this was fostered and developed during Joe's time whilst on cycle and into his operational career.

Near the end Joe also discloses another learning point and acknowledges another mistake he made a number of years ago.

If you get a chance head on over to these links below and check them out - these are a couple of great guys, former members of the Australian SAS. We hope to have these gentleman on the pod in the near future.

Harry Moffit: https://harrymoffitt.com.au/ - Incredible individual and hoping to have him on the pod soon.

Nick Caldwell and TheMill Gym on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themillgym/... Equally amazing and excited to have him on the pod in the near future also.

Thanks so much for your continued support - we truly appreciate it!

WDW!

Born and raised in Porirua, Wellington

This gentlemen has worked in various locations around the world from the middle-east - to China - to the Phillipines - Cook Islands and more

He's been employed in a variety of roles including but not limited to: 

- Business strategist

- Commercial & tech lead 

- Lead project manager for the League of Islamic peoples & societies trust Halal contract 

- Sales Development Area Manager for HB Fuller NZ Limited 

- Senior Account Manager for Wilsons Chemical Limited 

- International Economic Development Specialist 

Not to mention the numerous volunteer work he has done and continues to do today.

Our guest has not only helped to Establish a de-centralized system for asset protection as an alternative revenue stream for government, he has served as the lead project manager on numerous specialist assignments worth millions of dollars, and has a proven track record for helping multiple companies achieve scale.

Ladies and Gentlemen - Aotearoa New Zealand - the one and only - Richard Taurima.

As promised, part of the new series "In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins" seeks to share the lived experiences from multiple perspectives.

Coming up this week, we have the opportunity to hear from one of these brave and courageous woman who have had to carry the weight and burden of maintaining the home, raising the children, feeling isolated and alone - plus so much more.

As the pattern has been so far - in order to try and help others, the founders of Epich Aotearoa understand the need to strive to lead by example. We can't expect others to allow themselves to be vulnerable and open to judgement and/or criticism if we're not prepared to go first.

It's not acceptable to us, to ask someone else to do something we're not prepared to do. So, Joe (Co-Founder) asked his wife Helen, if she would go first and share her unfiltered insights, perspectives, challenges and more from her side. She humbly agreed.

Helen brings an interesting view point in many respects as she met her husband before he went through the NZ selection & cycle - saw the disappointment when he didn't get badged in the NZ unit - Left her family behind and moved to Australia - Dealt with extended periods of time apart from her husband (isolated and without family or friends) - Faced the uncertainty of "will my husband come home" and "will he be different if he does" - The challenges for her and their children, post life in the SAS, plus so much more.

This conversation is raw, deeply personal and at times painful. But the intent and purpose behind it is to serve others and help them know that they're not alone and that there is life and light at the end of the tunnel - even when things appear to be at there darkest.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Aotearoa New Zealand - Introducing: Wife - Mother - Teacher - Protector - Law Graduate and Former Soldier in the NZDF. The one and only Helen Epirosa Tuiali'i Hotai.

See www.epichpodcast.co.nz and YouTube for this interview (Epich Aotearoa - Channel) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_98ov-SlYGM&list=PLMCUCuUG6LYTFIXTrTW3T04lDIE20O3n_&index=3&t=475s

Former NZSAS Troop Commander - Turned Doctor & Part-time Helicopter Charter Pilot. 

Introducing the first "official guest" of the new series: In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins! We have the privilege of hearing from a man who embodies and exemplifies the Who Dares Wins mindset, as well as continuing to Serve Others. His name is Bill Bestic - A former NZSAS Operator, Team Commander and Troop Commander. Post his time serving in the SAS Bill embarked on a journey, and study to become a Doctor (specialising as an anaesthetist). On top of that, he further went on to gain his Chartered Helicopter Pilot Licence whereby, he fly's tourist's around in Sydney Australia in his spare time. In this conversation Bill is raw and unfiltered about his time in the unit and post his service. He opens up about so much including: - 

We invite you to like - comment - share and subscribe. You can also tune in to this podcast when it drops Monday 11th October at 1900hrs via our website: www.epichpodcast.co.nz #nzsas #sas #weshallgoalwaysalittlefurther #leshgo #whodareswins #wdw #army #nzarmy #nzdefenceforce #specialforces #sasr #deltaforce #australia #newzealand #usa #australianarmy #australiandefenceforce 

Youtube: https://lnkd.in/gqSrk3qA

*Part 2*

Kia Ora Everybody - With the announcement of the new series "In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins" as part of the Epich Aotearoa - Create a Better Future Podcast, being communicated Friday 01st October 2021.

We thought it timely to air the first episode this coming Monday 04th October. You're invited to tune in, as Brian Osman (Co-Founding partner) of Epich delves deep into a conversation with Joe Hotai - about his time completing the NZ SAS Selection and Cycle of training, prior to moving to Australia and completing their selection and cycle, before being assigned to an operational squadron.

In this conversation Brian provides an opportunity for Joe to speak about topics that have otherwise been kept relatively private. The intent of this particular series and the aspirational outcomes, centre around striving to assist and support the individual who is willing to share "their" experiences in relation to their time in the special forces.

Extending beyond the aspirations of trying to help the individual, includes the additional hopes of reaching and potentially helping others. Whether they have served in similar units, or the defence force in general, or not at all. We feel that through their stories and lived experiences, there are valuable learnings available to help and support the broader community as a whole - thus providing another potential mechanism, in the pursuit of helping people, to Create a Better Future.

We felt it wouldn't be right if the Co-Founding partner Joe Hotai wasn't prepared to go first and allow himself to be vulnerable to judgement and/or criticism. It was therefore necessary that Joe be the first one interviewed. Nothing was out of bounds with Joe and he willingly opened up on a number of raw, sometimes painful and deeply impactful lessons.

During this warts and all conversation we find out and hear from Joe's perspective about:

- What drove him to want to join the SAS

- What challenges were involved in getting there and staying there

- Why he wasn't able to participate in the NZ Badging ceremony with his peers

- The move to Australia and going through everything again to join the Australian SAS

- The poor decisions Joe made based on his frame of mind at the time and his own ego and pride

- The value of his relationship and love for his wife and family

- The importance of a sense of humour

**There is a part around mid-way through of the conversation, where joe is by himself and speaking about Brian's interview etiquette - Crack up**

- The transition from special forces to civilian life and trying to fill that void

- The difficulties in letting go and moving forward

- The realisation of the effective transferable skills attained

- Plus so much more....

During the planning process for this series, we discovered our desire and "need" to hear the stories of the spouses/partners who are deeply tied and connected to these life events - in order to gain their insights and to hear, see and feel of their "equally" important experiences in the hope of helping others. Stay tuned for these stories from the amazing 'significant others.'

To those looking for help, guidance etc - we invite you to tune in - there just might be something here for you or for someone you know. Spread the word, if you think it will be of service and benefit for others and feel free to support us on the journey.

Finally - To those former or current serving members of the special forces (including your significant others) we invite you to come on our podcast, step into a non-judgemental environment, while feeling supported, respected, enabled and empowered to share your valuable lived experiences, in the hope of helping others and Creating a Better Future! Be bold, be brave Contact us - We will reply....Thank you for your service - Listen out....

Who Dares Wins (WDW)

Kia Ora Everybody - With the announcement of the new series "In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins" as part of the Epich Aotearoa - Create a Better Future Podcast, being communicated Friday 01st October 2021.

We thought it timely to air the first episode this coming Monday 04th October. You're invited to tune in, as Brian Osman (Co-Founding partner) of Epich delves deep into a conversation with Joe Hotai - about his time completing the NZ SAS Selection and Cycle of training, prior to moving to Australia and completing their selection and cycle, before being assigned to an operational squadron.

In this conversation Brian provides an opportunity for Joe to speak about topics that have otherwise been kept relatively private. The intent of this particular series and the aspirational outcomes, centre around striving to assist and support the individual who is willing to share "their" experiences in relation to their time in the special forces.

Extending beyond the aspirations of trying to help the individual, includes the additional hopes of reaching and potentially helping others. Whether they have served in similar units, or the defence force in general, or not at all. We feel that through their stories and lived experiences, there are valuable learnings available to help and support the broader community as a whole - thus providing another potential mechanism, in the pursuit of helping people, to Create a Better Future.

We felt it wouldn't be right if the Co-Founding partner Joe Hotai wasn't prepared to go first and allow himself to be vulnerable to judgement and/or criticism. It was therefore necessary that Joe be the first one interviewed. Nothing was out of bounds with Joe and he willingly opened up on a number of raw, sometimes painful and deeply impactful lessons.

During this warts and all conversation we find out and hear from Joe's perspective about:

- What drove him to want to join the SAS

- What challenges were involved in getting there and staying there

- Why he wasn't able to participate in the NZ Badging ceremony with his peers

- The move to Australia and going through everything again to join the Australian SAS

- The poor decisions Joe made based on his frame of mind at the time and his own ego and pride

- The value of his relationship and love for his wife and family

- The importance of a sense of humour

**There is a part around mid-way through of the conversation, where joe is by himself and speaking about Brian's interview etiquette - Crack up**

- The transition from special forces to civilian life and trying to fill that void

- The difficulties in letting go and moving forward

- The realisation of the effective transferable skills attained

- Plus so much more....

During the planning process for this series, we discovered our desire and "need" to hear the stories of the spouses/partners who are deeply tied and connected to these life events - in order to gain their insights and to hear, see and feel of their "equally" important experiences in the hope of helping others. Stay tuned for these stories from the amazing 'significant others.'

To those looking for help, guidance etc - we invite you to tune in - there just might be something here for you or for someone you know. Spread the word, if you think it will be of service and benefit for others and feel free to support us on the journey.

Finally - To those former or current serving members of the special forces (including your significant others) we invite you to come on our podcast, step into a non-judgemental environment, while feeling supported, respected, enabled and empowered to share your valuable lived experiences, in the hope of helping others and Creating a Better Future! Be bold, be brave Contact us - We will reply....Thank you for your service - Listen out....

Who Dares Wins (WDW)

In less than 2 weeks, we'll be launching a new series as part of the Epich Aotearoa podcast - called "In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins".

In this series we'll take a deep dive into the mindset, attitude and approach of former members of the Special Air Service otherwise simply referred to as the (SAS). Seeking to understand and learn from this particular group of peoples experiences leading up to, during and post life in the special forces.

During these raw and unfiltered conversations we'll cover a lot of ground, and with a thoughtful and respectful approach look to discuss topics such as:

- What drove or inspired these people to join such a unit

- Was it everything they thought it would be

- What are the greatest lessons, life in the special forces has taught these individuals

- How have they applied those lessons in their everyday life

- What were the most difficult aspects of the job

- How do they deal with pressure and/or expectation

- How was the transition from the Special Forces, into civilian life

- The effects a career in the special forces can have on relationships....Plus so much more

What could we learn through connecting to these experiences - how could we apply some of the lessons learned to our own lives and/or situations - what could we achieve if we were able to adopt certain attributes and/or attitudes to situations - What have these individuals learned from people who haven't served in the special forces...

We acknowledge that it's not a common practice for individuals who have served in these environments to speak about their time in these units for various reasons - but we hope that as this group of people hear and feel of the conversations and connect to the messages being shared - we trust that more will be willing to engage with us, for the purposes of continuing to serve others and assisting with the overarching vision and purpose to "Create a Better Future".

If you would like to get involved by putting forward some questions that you'd like to have answered, we invite you to send through your questions to: [email protected]

Please include - Your first name and where you're from. And with your questions, we ask that you please be mindful and respectful with them.

We thank you all for your support and feedback - we'll continue to show up each day and each week, as we strive to share and facilitate content worthy of your time and attention. We hope you're safe wherever you are - we hope you're happy - we hope that whatever challenges you may be going through that you realise "The obstacle in front of you, is never as great as the power behind you"

Stay tuned Aotearoa, Kia Kaha, Be Strong - "In the Service of Others - Who Dares Wins" is coming soon.....LeshGo!

We had the privilege of having a conversation with the one and only

Rangi-Haira Jaxon Greening – AKA Jaxon – AKA GYSTFORKICKZ CEO – AKA Shoe Colour-inner.

Have a listen to this humble man, and when you get a chance head on over to his IG channel.

Be sure to like, follow and subscribe to him on his other social media platforms.

While you’re at it please share his work with as many people as you can – it is truly incredible.

In this conversation Jaxon talks about

Coming to you this Friday 24th September – The one and only Mr Jaxon Greening (World Famous Shoe Colour-inner)

LeshGo!