"I have a voice and it can be loud, so for me I have this responsibility to use that voice for to pave the way for other people" - Rebecca Thorn, General Manager at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya.

Rebecca, a hospitality industry expert & general manager at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, joins us on Tall Poppy Talk to share her journey from New Zealand to Fiji to Australia and now Japan, discussing the cultural nuances of hospitality, her leadership style, and the importance of creating unique guest experiences that reflect local culture.

She emphasizes the significance of teamwork, diversity, and the emotional connections formed through hospitality. Emphasizing the importance of empowerment, mentorship, and diversity - Rebecca discusses the challenges of building a hotel from scratch, navigating tall poppy syndrome, and the significance of supporting others in their careers.

Lots of really cool industry insights & inspiring moments, a big thank you to Rebecca!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#hospitality #tokyo #shibuya #general #manager #industry #expert #hotel #newzealand #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #fyp

"And for whatever reason, it just mesmerized me. It's sort of that moment I became a person, I became conscious" - Jake Thistle, Musician & Singer-Songwriter.

During this kōrero, Jake shares his journey as a singer-songwriter, discussing the early influences that shaped his love for music, his experiences in songwriting, and the importance of learning from others in the industry.

We explore the themes of pursuing dreams and navigating the challenges of imposter syndrome. Jake reflects on the power of lyrics, the significance of collaboration, and the art of interpretation in music, all while maintaining a genuine passion for his craft.

We discuss the impact of age and experience on artistic growth, the balance of identity as a musician and student, and the lasting influence of Tom Petty on Jake's musical journey. His dialogue emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and critiques, and the dynamic nature of personal and artistic development.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#music #musician #singer #songwriter #singersongwriter #tompetty #jersey #artist #newyork #nyc #newzealand #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #fyp #storytelling #storyteller #broadcasting #america

"Sports lends itself to chaos" - Tanner Smith, Emmy-Award winning Producer & Director.

On this special episode of Tall Poppy Talk, we have Tanner Smith who is the Director of Video & Photography at the New York Road Runners (think NYC Marathon!!).

He shares his journey in sports media, discussing his experiences with various organizations, including the New York City Football Club, & what he has learned about the importance of building trust.

Our kōrero delves into the art of storytelling, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the dynamics of high-performance teams in sports.

Tanner reflects on his career, the importance of trust within teams, and the emotional impact of events with the wonderful people who participate in them.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#producer #director #film #video #videography #videographer #photo #photographer #newyork #nyrr #nyc #marathon #newzealand #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #fyp #storytelling #storyteller #broadcasting #emmy #emmyaward

"Everybody has their own version of success and wouldn't it be cooler if we were just telling those stories, rather than holding it up against some arbitrary marker" - Alice Soper, Advocate, Sports Writer & Community Commentator.

Alice is always, always going to light a fire within me everytime we speak. This episode is no different, and it is a gift to share it with you today!!

During our kōrero, we start with discussing Alice's journey in advocating for women's sports, reflecting on her personal growth as a freelancer and the intersection of politics and sports. My favourite parts are when we dive into the complexities of storytelling and the innovations needed in sports broadcasting to enhance viewer engagement, increase media representation, and the role of social media in activism and shaping narratives.

My write-up of this episode truly cannot do it justice, just tune in and let me (or Alice) know your thoughts on our many, many topics!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#sports #woman #womensport #womenzsport #advocacy #freelancer #rugby #sport #newzealand #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #fyp #athlete #athletes #storytelling #storyteller #broadcasting #representation #activism #narratives #gender #equality

"And what we need to do is to remember that our brain is trying to keep us safe" - Dr. Tara Quinn, Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist.

In this kōrero, Dr. Tara Quinn, a seasoned counseling psychologist, shares her journey into the field of psychology, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and the need for public awareness regarding mental health services.

We discuss her recent book (Mental Health Micro Gains) which advocates for small, manageable changes to improve mental health, drawing parallels with the concept of marginal gains in sports.

We delve into the significance of being present and acknowledging complex emotions like guilt and anxiety, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and curiosity in mental health practices. & also explore the importance of self-compassion, the brain's protective mechanisms, and the need to address misconceptions in mental health.

There is great value in leaning into both positive and negative experiences, fostering a compassionate mindset (with ourselves too!!), and recognizing the evolving nature of personal values and beliefs.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#psychology #psychologist #mentalhealth #microgains #counseling #counselling #marginal #gains #newzealand #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #author

"Having those people around you who are supporting you, encouraging you, & getting just as excited as you are" - Devon Eastwood, founder and creative director of Silver Linings Collective.

In this wonderful kōrero, Devon shares her inspiring journey to being a successful entrepreneur in the jewelry industry. She discusses the importance of building relationships, her unique perspective as a creative, and the adaptability required in business.

We explore the complexities of balancing work and family life, the impact of tall poppy syndrome, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people, the value of constructive criticism, and the necessity of adapting to market changes. Devon shares her personal journey of transitioning from a corporate job to running her own business, highlighting the struggles and triumphs along the way.

The episode emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and the ongoing journey of personal and professional growth.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#founder #business #jewelry #jewellry #creative #director #motherhood #entrepreneur #newzealand #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #therapeutic

"Don't give up on therapy, the right fit is out there" - Jackie Durnin, Founder of Hinterland Health Retreat & EFT Practitioner.

In this kōrero, Jackie shares her journey from trauma to healing, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional and alternative therapies for mental health. She discusses her new venture, Hinterland Health Retreat, which focuses on holistic healing approaches, including the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).

Jackie highlights the significance of addressing both mind and body in the healing process and encourages listeners to explore various therapeutic options without giving up, even after challenging experiences. We also touch on societal perceptions of mental health and the need for authenticity in therapy.

TW This kōrero does touch upon subjects including trauma, depression, addiction, and sexual assault. Please be mindful of your possible triggers and skip this episode if you need to; also be considerate of others when listening.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#eft #therapy #healing #trauma #motivation #mindful #counsellor #holisitc #australia #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #therapeutic

"You have to push the boundaries of athletic performance and make that really interesting and really awesome. The race needs to be tight, the race needs to be fast. And then also you need someone to root for, you need someone to root against" - Logan Ullrich, Olympic Silver Medalist.

Olympic rower Logan Ullrich shares his journey from a young athlete in Australia and New Zealand to a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of being an international athlete, the unique experience of competing at the Olympics, and the importance of mental focus in high-pressure situations.

Logan also reflects on the concept of Tall Poppy Syndrome in New Zealand, his personal definition of success, and his aspirations to give back to the sport that has given him so much.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#rowing #rower #elite #athlete #motivation #olympic #medalist #paris2024 #UW #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #america

"The biggest thing I've learned and noticed, is that every single person lights up when they talk about their dream. It's like a portal into their soul" - Fraser Grut, the visionary filmmaker + director behind 10,000 Dreams.

10,000 Dreams is a life-long project dedicated to capturing the dreams of individuals from all walks of life. From Terry Crews to Robert Irwin, across the globe and every field there is. Fraser and his wife Jade are truly seeking to help the world dream.

During our kōrero, we dive into cultural differences between New Zealand and America, the challenges of maintaining motivation, and the impact of tall poppy syndrome on personal success.

Fraser reflects on his identity as a dream chaser, the role of faith in his life, and the common themes of happiness and connection that emerge from the dreams he collects.

As he looks ahead to the future, Fraser emphasizes the importance of family and the bittersweet nature of reaching his goal of 10,000 dreams.

This is an epic episode with a true legend, making waves and inspiring generations.

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#motivation #dream #filmmaker #director #dreamer #LA #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #america

101 Episodes of Tall Poppy Talk!!!

Today is a solo episode (my first proper one!!) to reflect & dive into ten of the most impactful 'Lessons from Legends' I've encountered on this epic journey so far.

• Lachie Good: Invest in Yourself.
• Cyril Riley: I was already an Artist.
• Eleisha Foon: Humility is recognizing your Ambitions.
• Tūranga Morgan-Edmonds: If I can Inspire One Person
• Jonah Oliver: Build Capacity.
• Brad Olsen: Give me the Bigger Boots.
• Kim Crossman: Whatever’s meant for me won’t pass me by.
• Dan Williamson: Making your Dream a Reality.
• Grace Prendergast: What else can I be Good at?
• Molly Leishman: Knowing that I Deserve to be in the room.

Thank you to every guest, and each listener, it means the absolute world to have you here. Bring on the next 101!

Please message me any of your favourites episodes or lessons, I would love to hear from you. Reach out via Instagram @tallpoppytalk or email [email protected] Thank YOU!!!!

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts.

#motivation #quotes #wisdom #aotearoa #podcast #mentalperformance #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #quote #america