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Discover the extraordinary journey of Mitchell Pham, a revered figure in New Zealand's tech landscape, as he shares his incredible story of resilience, innovation, and community impact. From escaping a struggling economy in Vietnam to becoming a trailblazing co-founder of CodeHQ, Mitchell's narrative is one of triumph over adversity. As a trustee for the Asia New Zealand Foundation and entrepreneur in residence at the University of Auckland Business School, Mitchell offers an unparalleled perspective on bridging the gap between technology and business.

Through the lens of his personal experiences, Mitchell opens up about the challenges he faced as a refugee and the transformative moments that shaped his career. An influential lecturer sparked his passion for technology, leading to a rewarding journey with CodeHQ, where he has been instrumental in accelerating digital development across various industries. His story is not only about professional achievements but also about his mission to connect people, organizations, and ideas, highlighting his unique ability to make a lasting impact.

Mitchell's dedication extends beyond the tech world, as he passionately works to reunite refugee families through the Auckland Refugee Family Trust. His emotional recount of missing his university graduation due to family separation reveals a deep personal motivation that continues to drive his efforts. From being stateless to receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit, Mitchell's journey is a powerful testament to resilience and determination, promising listeners an inspiring and heartfelt exploration of success, community, and the power of human connection.

You can connect with Mitchell on LinkedIn. 

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Andrea Blair (or Andy to her mates), a powerhouse in sustainable development and geothermal energy, joins us for a riveting discussion that promises to leave you inspired and informed. Recognised by Forbes as one of the five female founders championing a sustainable future, Andy's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and relentless drive. From her roots in Taupō in New Zealand to her transformative roles as past president of the International Geothermal Association and a board member of Global Woman, Andy opens up about the experiences and values that have shaped her remarkable career. Andy is now the CoFounder of Upflow.

Journey with us as Andy recounts her path from a curious science enthusiast to a prominent figure in the geothermal industry. Discover how her early career in forestry, followed by a pivot to tourism and a stint as the CEO of a skydiving operation, showcased her ability to thrive in male-dominated sectors. She candidly discusses challenges like imposter syndrome and the grit required to push through, exemplified by her training for the gruelling Coast to Coast race in New Zealand. Andy’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.

We also explore the immense potential of geothermal energy and its ethical appeal. Andy shares her insights on embracing indigenous knowledge, the hurdles of securing investment for climate tech, and the necessity of courageous leadership to promote gender equality and sustainable development. This episode is packed with visionary ideas and personal anecdotes that highlight the interconnectedness of global impact and personal values. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that underscores the importance of authenticity and the moral responsibility to lead by example.

You can connect with Andy on LinkedIn and check out Upflow.

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Hadleigh Ford, founder and CEO of SwipedOn, shares his adventurous transformation from maritime to tech CEO in our latest episode. Discover the captivating journey of how a young New Zealander became one of the youngest harbour pilots and went on to work on some of the most luxurious vessels in the world.

Learn from the real-world challenges and triumphs Hadleigh. Hear about the early days filled with financial missteps and the critical role of customer feedback in pivoting to success. He also delves into the strategic decisions that shaped their growth, including outsourcing development, as well as the pivotal moment of bringing on a co-founder to enhance operational efficiency.

Lastly, Hadleigh opens up about SwipedOn's unexpected acquisition by a UK-listed company. He shares the pros and cons of being part of a public company and offers invaluable advice on perseverance, early customer engagement, and balancing work with personal life.

You can connect with Hadleigh here and go and check out SwipedOn. 

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Join us as we sit down with Connor Archbold, Founder and Co-CEO of Tracksuit.

Connor shares his compelling journey and what lead him and his co-founder Matt Herbert to start Tracksuit.

Through his story you’ll gain insights into the resilience and innovation required to launch and scale a tech venture at speed.

Ever wondered how Tracksuit developed its game-changing SaaS market research model? Connor dives deep into the strategic manoeuvres that turned a white-labeled data visualisation app into a standalone powerhouse. Discover how early commitments from customers validated their vision and propelled their growth. Understand the pivotal role of customer feedback, the balancing act of maintaining other jobs during the early stages, and the critical decisions that led to focusing full-time on Tracksuit.

Culture is the bedrock of any successful startup, and Tracksuit is no exception. We chat about the importance of fostering in-person connections and maintaining high hiring standards as the company scales. From managing the excitement and stress of scaling to balancing startup demands with family life, Connor shares invaluable advice on staying focused, avoiding burnout, and making values-based decisions.

Tune in for rich entrepreneurial wisdom, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies for growing and managing a thriving tech venture.

You can connect with Connor via LinkedIn and check out Tracksuit.

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Curious about how a serendipitous encounter at a wedding can shape your career trajectory? Meet Laurissa Hollis, the new VP of Sales at Blackpearl Group, who journeyed from the US to New Zealand, embracing opportunities from Warner Music to groundbreaking roles in SaaS.

Laurissa's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the right support system. She shares her experiences and insights into the dynamic, innovative environment at Blackpearl, a company known for its early public listing. We also uncover her profound belief in balancing truth, forgiveness, and love as key principles in both leadership and personal growth.

Explore how Laurissa aligns her passion for coaching with her leadership style, fostering a culture that blends family-like support with high-performance sports team dynamics. Learn why clear reporting and analysis are vital in sales, and how nurturing personal development goes beyond just hitting numbers. Laurissa opens up about the struggles of maintaining discipline and the importance of a resilient mindset, driven by her personal faith. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand how to cultivate a winning mentality and thrive in both professional and personal realms.

You can connect with Laurissa here and also check out Blackpearl.

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Cecilia a multi exit StartUp entrepreneur with successes like Au Pair link and My Food Bag.

My Food Bag was probably where Cecelia became a household name. The business was sold to private equity before ultimately being publicly listed in an IPO.

Her and husband James have since launched Tend Health.

Founded with the purpose of helping New Zealander's be the healthiest people in the world - Tend helps customers live healthier lives by providing smart, integrated healthcare products and services designed for them. Tend is a full service primary healthcare provider, offering GP services online and in-clinic.

Health Care is a super tough industry. Cecilia talks openly about the challenges of building and scaling a health care business and how this has now become her life's passion as she seeks to tackle the endemic challenges faced by national health systems.

You can connect with Cecelia here or check out Tend Health or My Food Bag.

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Ever wondered how to transition from a corporate career to thriving as a serial entrepreneur? Kat Webber, the founder of LiveRem and ResolvePay, joins us to share her journey of resilience, creativity, and relentless pursuit of her entrepreneurial dreams. From her early ventures in dog walking and a spray tanning business, to launching an innovative Christmas tree enterprise in university, Kat's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and a strong support system. Discover how she turned her corporate experience into a stepping stone for bootstrapping successful SaaS businesses.

Curious about the nuts and bolts of building a bootstrapped SaaS business from the ground up? Kat reveals her strategies for understanding customer needs, balancing multiple priorities, and maintaining flexibility without external capital. She provides candid insights into the trials and triumphs of managing three businesses, raising young children, and even building a house amid financial constraints. We'll also explore the valuable lessons she's learned about progressive hiring practices, addressing unconscious bias, and the Know Your Gap initiative focused on gender pay gaps and representation.

Kat’s deep connection to her Irish heritage and her journey from city life to a peaceful coastal existence add another layer to her inspiring story. We discuss the importance of community and how remote work and a supportive tech community have enriched her life. Kat’s experiences underline the significance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, choosing the right business partners, and fostering a balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship. Whether you're navigating the startup world or balancing personal and professional responsibilities, Kat’s story offers practical tips and inspiration for achieving success under demanding circumstances.

Connect with Kate personally or via ResolvePay or LiveRem

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When Michael Wood, the entrepreneurial force behind Translucent and ReceiptBank (Dext), sits down to chat, you're guaranteed a treasure trove of insights that go beyond the usual startup success story.

As we navigate Michael's voyage from the uncharted waters of early B2B SaaS business terrain to the heights of a multi-hundred million dollar sale, his candour is as refreshing as it is enlightening.

His reflections on the motivations fuelling his drive shed light on the personal challenges that often accompany the entrepreneurial journey. Michael's backstory, influenced by his mother's conservative take on job security, makes his leap into entrepreneurship all the more compelling.

But this conversation isn't confined to past victories; Michael leads us through the emotional labyrinth of founding a company, from the adrenaline rush of overcoming the brink of bankruptcy to the nuanced struggle of expanding across international borders.

The story of ReceiptBank's metamorphosis from a postal-based service to a digital lifesaver for accountants is a masterclass in adaptation and innovation. And with Translucent's inception sparked by the need for seamless multi-entity management, Michael proves that the entrepreneurial itch doesn't simply fade with success—it evolves.

Away from spreadsheets and investor meetings, Michaels shares how he recharges with adventures that rival his business conquests. From sailing the Atlantic to cycling the rugged terrains from Melbourne to Sydney, his pursuits speak to the resilience and relentless spirit that define a true founder.

You can connect with Michael here and be sure to check out both ReceiptBank and Translucent.

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Meet Julia Jones (known to many as "JJ") who joins us to share her knowledge and gritty insights within the Kiwi business and economic circles.

Through her transformative journey from the West Coast to the heights of influence, JJ exemplifies the grit and grace we all could learn from.

In this episode we're not afraid to tackle the tough issues head-on, from the risks lurking within the housing market to the seismic shifts in ideology. We weigh in on the implications of rising interest rates and JJ and I peel back the curtain on the economic conditions being experienced in New Zealand and beyond.

It's an episode that promises not just to inform but to equip listeners with a broader understanding of how to weather the economic storms ahead.

This dialogue isn't about numbers and charts; it's about the very fabric of our society and the political pulse that keeps it alive. We navigate the slightly testy waters of New Zealand's political landscape and the desire for leadership that’s decisive, yet open to healthy debate.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt nod to the power of meaningful conversation and debate and the impact it has on our communities.

Tune in for an episode that's rich with stories all shared over a virtual cup of coffee with two individuals passionate about New Zealand's future.

You can connect with JJ here. 

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Have you ever wondered how a love for puppet shows and theatre could evolve into pioneering innovation for Kiwis in Virtual and Augmented Reality.

As this podcast goes to air the team at Beyond are readying to release their game Runaways for the new Apple Vision Pro.

Join us as Jessica Manins, co-CEO and co-founder of Beyond, takes us through her story from childhood passions to leading innovation in virtual worlds.

In the last couple of years Beyond have created stand out successes like Combonauts and Fluf World alongside the Futureverse team.

Venturing into the startup world can feel labyrinthine, yet, Jess and her cofounder chartered the world of imaginary digital worlds and in this episode she shares the peaks and valleys of their journey, from hustling like a pro to shaking off the inevitable imposter syndrome and building their dreams into reality.

You can connect with Jess here and check out the amazing work from Beyond.