Most leaders have good values. But values alone won't make you a great leader. In this episode, I sit down with Simon Whyte, Founder of Weave Leadership, to unpack the one thing most leaders are missing — and it's not character.

Simon has led across commercial and purpose-driven organisations here in New Zealand and internationally. He brings a rare perspective on what separates leaders who hold it together from those who struggle when the pressure hits.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why values help you make decisions but skills help you execute results
• What situational leadership actually looks like in practice
• How to lead different people differently without losing yourself
• The leadership skills you need to build right now for a volatile world
• Why experience across different sectors makes you a stronger leader

Growing up in South Auckland, Vi Hausia noticed something. Other communities had better playgrounds. Better facilities. Better everything. So he asked the question that changes everything: how did they get that?

Most people stop at frustration. Vi got curious. And that one shift took him from a kid wondering why his side of town had less, to one of the youngest elected members in Auckland, sitting at the table where those decisions actually get made.

In this episode, Vi Hausia, civil engineer and Deputy Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe Local Board, sits down with Pasi to talk about what it really takes to close the gap in your community. Not by complaining about it from the outside, but by getting into the room and learning how the system works.

This one is for every leader who has ever looked at what someone else has and asked, how come not us?

Here is what we get into:

• Why curiosity beats frustration every time
• How resources really get shared, and why some communities miss out
• What it takes to get a seat at the table when nobody hands you one
• Leading the people who watched you grow up
• Bringing your whole self into rooms that expect a different version of you

If you have ever noticed the gap and wondered what to actually do about it, this conversation is your starting point.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and serving your community.

When leaders level up, everybody wins.

#Leadership #CommunityLeadership #ZeducationPodcast #SouthAuckland #PacificLeadership #Governance

In this episode, we sit down with Lesieli Oliver, founder of Lalanga and the first ever Pacific member of the Franklin board, to talk about what real visionary leadership looks like.

Lesieli shares her journey from burnout and readiness to quit in 2024 to discovering her calling as a leader. She opens up about the walk that changed everything: the moment she spoke with God and received clarity on her vision.

We explore how visionary leadership is rooted in three things: your cultural values, your spiritual faith, and the courage we inherit from our ancestors who voyaged across the Moana with a vision for a better future.

If you're leading in any capacity, at work, at home, in your community, this conversation will challenge how you think about vision and calling.

#zeducation #leadership #lead #faith #pacific

When your personal world is on fire, you still have to lead. Your team, your kids, your community. They're all watching how you carry it.

In this episode, we sit down with the National Service Delivery Manager at Kidz Need Dadz, who calls himself the Jane Goodall of the family court. He's spent years walking alongside fathers in crisis and studying why smart, capable people flip to "monkey mode" under pressure.

We talk about Stoicism as a daily practice, the one move that stops you making it worse, and what your kids are really learning from you in your hardest chapter.

If you lead anything, a team, a family, yourself, this one is for you.

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership that actually holds up when life gets hard.

visit www.zeducation.co.nz

Most companies look great on the outside — but inside, people are burned out and disconnected. That's not a people problem. It's a system problem.

In this episode, Pasitaua Haufano sits down with Nicholas Thomson, founder of Iceberg, to unpack what self-management actually looks like in practice — and how leaders can build teams where people have real ownership, real responsibility, and real say.

What we cover:

• Why high-performing companies still leave people feeling empty
• How decisions, information, and power need to shift
• Practical steps you can take right now

🔔 Subscribe for more leadership conversations that matter. 🌐 Learn more about Nicholas and Iceberg: https://itsiceberg.com/

In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Darius Wright, a licensed psychologist and private practice owner based in Hawai'i.

We explore mental strength for high performers — diving into identity, trauma, leadership pressure, and how leaders can build resilient teams without burning people out. Dr. Wright also shares insights on reducing mental health stigma, navigating misinformation, and understanding how culture shapes the way people experience and talk about mental wellbeing.

If you're a leader, professional, or someone interested in performance, wellbeing, and personal growth — this conversation is for you.

If you or someone you know is looking for professional support, you can learn more or reach out to Dr. Wright here: Mental Strength for High Performers: Lessons from a Clinical Psychologist - w/ Dr Darius Wrighthttps://www.drdariuswright.com/

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In this episode of the Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with leadership coach and CEO of The Bridge, Kenny Bhosale, to unpack 5 habits that protect leadership energy.

If you want to lead at a high level without sacrificing your health, this conversation is for you. We explore practical routines, mindset shifts, and daily behaviours that help leaders stay calm, clear, and consistent under pressure, whether at work and at home.

Subscribe for more leadership conversations that help you win in your career and life.

In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we are joined by Neil Gaught FRSA — founder and CEO of Neil Gaught & Associates, an award-winning author, and the creator of the Single Organising Idea approach.

We unpack what it really takes to build a purpose-driven organisation where purpose isn't just a slogan on the wall, but a leadership system that shapes decisions, culture, and results—especially when pressure is high.

If you're a CEO, manager, or leader responsible for building culture and trust, this conversation will give you practical frameworks you can apply straight away.

Subscribe for more leadership conversations that help you level up in your career and life.

Feel free to reach out Neil Gaught for more information about him and his services.

Neil's website: https://neilgaught.com/ Neil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-gaught-frsa-5583a4a/

Don't Leave Your Culture at the Door: Indigenous Leadership with Michael Moka

In this episode, Michael Moka – founder of Indigenous Growth – shares how he went from a "Once Were Warriors"-type upbringing to Head Boy at Kelston Boys', uni graduate, corporate professional, and now business owner helping organisations honour culture through leadership.

We talk about:

• How his story shaped the way he leads and serves

• 3 practical tips to fast-track your growth from manager to senior leadership

• What makes Indigenous Growth different from typical leadership programmes

If you're a leader (or future leader) who wants to move up without leaving your culture at the door, this kōrero is for you.

In this episode of the Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with two powerhouse leaders working on the frontline of mental health and addictions for our people.

🎙 Dr Alexander Stevens II – senior Māori academic and kaupapa Māori researcher at AUT, and mental health, addictions & trauma clinician with StandingTallNZ.org

🎙 Pulotu Master Bruce Levi – Service Manager, Pacific Mental Health & Addictions, Integrated Care North, Health New Zealand | Counties Manukau. Together we talanoa about:

• What leadership really looks like inside a pressured health system

• The realities Māori and Pasifika whānau/aiga face in mental health and addictions

• How kaupapa Māori and Pacific frameworks shape the way they lead and serve

• The personal toll of this mahi – and how they protect their own wellbeing

• Honest career advice for Māori and Pasifika wanting to work in health

If you care about leadership, equity, and the future of Māori & Pasifika wellbeing, this kōrero is for you. 👇🏽 Next steps If you found this valuable, please like, comment, and subscribe. Share this episode with someone working in health, education, or community leadership.