Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of gang culture, incarceration, and strong language. Listener discretion is advised

From the shadows of the gang life to the light of servant leadership.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Eugene Ryder - a man whose life has been defined by radical transformation. Eugene takes us on a journey through his past in the "darkness space" of gang culture and prison, to his current mission of service and cultural reclamation.

True leadership, as Eugene explains, isn't about standing at the front or being the loudest person in the room; it’s about the quiet, unseen mahi - the "peeling of the spuds"—that prepares others to shine. We explore themes of Māori intelligence, the power of the pen over the gun, and why the next generation (our mokopuna) might actually be our greatest teachers.

Key Moments in this Episode:

• The Pivot: How Eugene changed lanes from a life of violence to a life of purpose.
• Leading from the Kitchen: Why true impact often happens behind the scenes.
• Māori Intelligence (MI): Reimagining leadership through a cultural lens.
• The Legacy of Service: Why the greatest leaders are those who make others louder.

Quotes

• "True leadership is about making others louder."
• "The power of the pen is far greater than the power of the gun."
• "Leadership isn't always at the front; sometimes it’s in peeling the spuds."

How do we lead when the world tells us to be loud, but our ancestors taught us the power of service? In this episode, Erena Kara takes us on a journey through her whakapapa - from the wisdom of her 113-year-old grandmother to the responsibilities of being a kaitiaki of the whenua. We explore the concept of 'servant leadership,' the importance of unlearning colonial constructs, and the rising energy of a new generation of Māori leaders who are ready to row their own waka. Join us for a conversation about remembering who we are.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The profound influence of grandmothers and the values of humility and service.
• Defining leadership not as power, but as responsibility to our people (whakapapa).
• The 'quiet leaders'—the weavers and carvers working in the background.
• Unpicking the layers of colonisation to find our true Māori identity.
• The intersection of tradition and innovation: How we harness technology like AI without losing our essence.

The first episode in this mini-series features Tā Mark Solomon reflecting on his extensive leadership journey as former chairman of Ngāi Tahu. He shares powerful insights into Māori leadership, grounded in values of service, integrity, and connection.

Tā Mark speaks to the essence of servant leadership — that rangatira serve their people, rather than rule over them — highlighting the importance of respect, honesty, and clear, humble communication. Through real examples he demonstrates how prioritising iwi relationships over profit leads to enduring outcomes.

This episode also explores the realities of leadership, including the constant demands of a 24/7 role over 22 years, and the strength of Māori cultural practices in business and global engagement.  

From the growth of Ngāi Tahu’s registered members to the revival of hapū and the influential role of kuia and wāhine in leadership, this kōrero captures a powerful legacy of transformation, vision, and service.