For Episode 216, we sat down with Ellie Compton, a successful artist who merged her architectural background with her creative passion to build a highly structured, profitable enterprise.
Ellie's professional journey demonstrates the power of converting a side project into a full-time career through calculated strategy and business acumen. In this episode, we talk about the development of her unique architectural, medieval, and steampunk-inspired line illustrations and the strategic financial metrics that allowed her to transition away from a traditional career.
We conduct a deep dive into her business ecosystem—from leveraging premium-priced commissions and commercial murals to launching a popular mentorship program for other artists. We discuss the critical role of presentation and high-quality packaging in elevating brand value, the strategic approach to cultivating long-term client relationships, and the necessary financial and marketing discipline required to thrive as an artist in the modern market.
Check out her art at: https://www.elliecompton.com/
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:
https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/
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Across The Table With David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct. Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:
https://www.distinctagency.co.nz
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1:04:31
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EP215: Building a Brand the Kiwi Way (Lead Head)
For episode 215 we sat down with Troy and Nic from Lead Head.
What started as a few mates with an idea has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable lifestyle brands, built on creativity, community and a good dose of chaos.
In this episode we talk about the story behind LeadHead’s rise — from custom golf hats to international orders — and how a casual podcast appearance turned into a full business partnership.
We also dive into their approach to building culture through authenticity, how they’ve stayed true to their roots as the brand grows, and why every decision, no matter how big, still comes down to a game of paper, scissors, rock.
Check out Lead Head:
https://leadhead.nz/
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:
https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/
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Across The Table With David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct.
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:
https://www.distinctagency.co.nz
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EP 214: Building Resilience and Meaning Beyond the Uniform (Daniel Lastovicka)
For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka.
From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete, Daniel’s story is one of purpose, discipline, and pushing beyond limits.
In this episode we talk about the creation of Project Beyond the Ranges — Daniel’s self-made Movember challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo, a mountain run over the Two Thumb Range, and a 200km ride back to Christchurch — and the deeper mission behind it: raising awareness and action for men’s mental health.
We also dive into the lessons the military teaches about leadership and resilience, the connection between hardship and growth, and how showing up for yourself and others can change lives.
Check out Daniel:
https://www.instagram.com/dan_lasto/
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Rosefern Homes. Check them out here:
https://www.rosefernhomes.co.nz/
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Across The Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct.
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:
https://www.distinctagency.co.nz
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1:16:30
EP213: Built from the Roof Up (Mike Keast)
For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast.
From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and backing yourself through the ups and downs of business.
In this episode we talk about staying focused when things get tough, what it really means to lead by example, and how mindset and momentum can carry you through any season. We also dive into lessons from David Goggins, the role of AI and technology in the trades, and how doing the hard things day after day shapes both the person and the business.
Check out MK Roofing:
https://mkroofing.co.nz/
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Stoke Homes. Check them out here:
https://www.stokehomes.co.nz/
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Across The Table With David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct.
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:
https://www.distinctagency.co.nz
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EP212: From One Bar to Eight: The Hospitality Hustle (Nick Inkster)
For episode 212, we sat down with Nick Inkster.
From mopping floors at 4am to running one of Christchurch’s most iconic hospitality groups, Nick’s story is one of grit, growth, and doing what it takes to make it happen.
In this episode we talk about building OGB in memory of his dad, the lessons learned from expanding to eight venues, what it’s really like managing 140 staff, and how Christchurch’s next few years might just be its golden era. Plus a few laughs about pub life, loyal locals, and the wild ride of turning one bar into a hospitality group that helped shape a city.
Check out BUSINESS:
https://www.inkstercompany.co.nz/
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We’d like to thank our sponsor for this episode, Gerrards. Check Gerrards out here:
https://gerrards.co.nz/
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Across The Table with David Melse has taken a dramatic increase in production value thanks to the team at Distinct.
Looking for content partners to take your brand to the next level? Get in touch with them here:
https://www.distinctagency.co.nz
New Zealand