Baskets Of Knowledge

• From Struggles to Strength: The Journey of Chandni Sahrawat

  What does it take to go from standing outside the principal’s office for failing school exams… to becoming the founding director of two of New Zealand’s most innovative restaurants… and now, a transformative coach reshaping lives?In this deeply moving and powerful episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Chandni Sahrawat , entrepreneur, advocate, and coach  to unpack a life story that will stay with you.-  From surviving societal pressure and a cry for help in her teenage years…- To arriving alone in New Zealand with no accommodation, no support, and no plan B…- To reshaping how Aotearoa views Indian food, migrant rights, and female entrepreneurship…Chand’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and radical authenticity.Whether you know her through her leadership at Cassia, Sidart, or her new chapter in transformational coaching, this episode will make you rethink what success really looks like and why work-life balance is a myth.Key Learnings:✅ Your past doesn’t define your future  even if you’ve hit rock bottom✅ There’s power in starting from the bottom (yes, she started as a hostess in her own restaurant)✅ True leadership means being in the trenches with your team✅ Burnout is real  and recognising it early is a superpower✅ You don’t need to “have it all figured out” to take the next stepBut perhaps the most important takeaway?You don’t have to wait for a crisis to do something meaningful.Chand reminds us that we all have potential  even if we can’t see it yet. And that the right mentor, the right moment, or the right mindset shift can change your life.#BasketsOfKnowledge #ChandniSahrawat #PodcastNZ #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #MigrantVoices 

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• How Aditi Gorasia Is Ending Period Poverty with Ads on Pads

  What if period equity wasn’t just a cause but a business model?What if advertising could fund free period products without putting the burden back on women?That’s exactly what Aditi Gorasia is doing with Ads on Pads, a social enterprise changing the game. In this episode, Aditi shares the deeply personal story behind her mission to eliminate period poverty in Aotearoa and beyond.From handing out free pads as a Women’s Welfare Officer at the University of Auckland…To launching a startup where brands advertise on period product packaging to fund access for those who need it most…To pitching to global brands, standing firm on values, and saying no to ads that don’t empower…She’s building a business that’s commercially smart, values-led, and impact-first. We cover:Why profit and purpose must co-existThe challenges of being a young, Indian woman founder in a male-dominated startup spaceThe power of lived experience in shaping ethical entrepreneurshipAnd why sometimes not putting pads in the bathroom turned out to be the greatest gift of all, the chance to hear real storiesAditi doesn’t just talk equity. She lives it. Whether it’s saying no to alcohol and diet pill sponsors, or choosing people over profit in her earliest deals, her leadership is bold and brave.Some key learnings include "Only money can do money’s job." Social impact needs sustainable funding and that’s not a dirty thing.Don’t wait for permission. If no one else is solving it, maybe it’s your job.The best data is often in the stories people are too scared to tell, unless you create a safe space for them to share.Your values aren’t marketing. They’re your compass. Use them. Changing the world doesn’t start with shouting. It starts with listening.Tune in to the full episode now on Spotify & YouTubeKnow someone who needs to hear this? Share it.EnjoyPrajesh and Tane

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• The self-discovery of doing hard things

  "If you can, you will." The mindset behind doing the impossible.On the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sat down with someone who doesn’t just talk about growth—he lives it.Meet Scott Casey-Woolridge: recent university graduate, CrossFit coach, and the man behind a physical and mental challenge that will stretch what you believe is possible.Last year, Scott rowed over 465km across 30 days. This year? He’s taking on four back-to-back marathons in a single day, ski, row, bike, and run, all while fundraising for I AM HOPE, a youth mental health charity in Aotearoa.But this conversation goes deeper than distance.We spoke about:How physical endurance events like Misogi (Japanese-rooted concept: “do one thing a year so hard it shapes the rest of your year”) helped Scott reframe his life.The brutal honesty of his mental health journey, including navigating generational trauma and anxiety.Why self-talk is the real battle, and how his dad’s words — “You’ve always got 20% more in the tank”, became his internal compass.The power of shifting from arrogance to humility, from expectation to action.Scott’s story is about choosing your hard, on purpose. It's about how showing up for one painful kilometre teaches you to show up for yourself in the messy, mundane moments of life.This episode isn’t just inspiration, it’s activation.Whether you're someone who’s already pushing the edge or someone trying to find your footing, Scott’s story will meet you where you are.Learn more about Scott’s mission and support his fundraiser through the link in the comments or here https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/scoots-2025-misogiConnect with Scott here:Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠Insta - @scott.cwCell - 027 559 1570 Let’s keep normalising conversations about mental health, building resilience, and doing things that scare us, because that’s where growth begins.Enjoy Prajesh and Tane

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• The Law and lore of Kartini

  This week on Baskets of Knowledge, we had the privilege of speaking with Kartini Clarke, a law student, neurodiversity advocate, political changemaker, and powerful voice for young people in Aotearoa.Kartini’s story is one of perseverance, identity, and the courage to challenge systems that weren’t built to support everyone.Raised in rural New Zealand, Kartini faced bullying, cultural isolation, and an education system that didn’t recognise or support her neurodivergence. Despite a love for learning, school often became a place of anxiety and misunderstanding. It wasn’t until university that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD, a turning point that gave her the language, tools, and support to thrive.She went from being told she wouldn’t go far, to running for Parliament at 18, working as a union organiser, and leading the Young Neurodiversity Champions, a movement working to make diagnosis and support accessible for all.Kartini now partners with law schools and workplaces to build awareness around neurodiversity, challenging the outdated models that have excluded so many for far too long.Her story is not just inspiring, it’s a wake-up call. For educators, employers, and leaders alike.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the mould, this conversation will resonate.Key learnings from this episode:One teacher can change the course of a student’s life. Positive or negative.Neurodivergence is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, especially in girls and people of colour.Changing your beliefs when new information emerges is not weakness, it’s growth.You do not have to prove your worth to anyone.What works for those at the margins often benefits everyone.Kartini’s voice is one Aotearoa needs right now, clear, courageous, and unafraid to challenge the norm.This is not just another podcast episode. It’s a conversation that will make you rethink how we support each other in schools, workplaces, and society.Share your reflections in the comments, what stood out most from Kartini’s story?EnjoyPrajesh and Tane

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• From Why to Wai with Joe Harawira

  In the latest episode of the Baskets of Knowledge podcast, we sat down with Joe Harawira, the CEO and co-founder of Wai Manuka, a unique beverage brand born in Whakatāne, New Zealand, and deeply rooted in Māori culture. Joe’s journey from the military to high-performance sport, and now to entrepreneurship, is a story of grit, purpose, and innovation.Joe’s path to leadership wasn’t linear. He began his career in the New Zealand Army, where he learned the power of discipline and camaraderie. This military foundation shaped his mindset, teaching him the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of backing your team – lessons he later brought into his roles within the NRL and New Zealand Rugby, where he worked in athlete wellbeing and high-performance environments.Wai Manuka was born from a simple but powerful idea, to create a globally recognised beverage that celebrates New Zealand’s natural bounty and Māori culture. It all started at a New Year’s Eve gathering where Joe, alongside his friends, decided to turn their shared vision into reality. Despite no background in the beverage industry, Joe and his co-founders leaned into their cultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually launching a product that now reaches markets as far as New York and Japan.Joe’s work in high-performance sport, including roles at the NRL and New Zealand Rugby, taught him that true success isn’t just about physical strength but mental resilience and cultural connection. It’s about building strong, unified teams that support each other both on and off the field. Key learnings from Joe:1️⃣ Back yourself fully:  Whether in the military, sport, or business, confidence comes from action and perseverance.2️⃣ Community is everything: Success is amplified when it’s shared. Always honor where you come from.3️⃣ Authenticity is a superpower: Lean into your culture and values. The world respects and recognises genuine brands.4️⃣ Resilience is built over time: Every challenge you face, from imposter syndrome to business hurdles, shapes you into a stronger leader.5️⃣ Legacy over fame: Focus on the long game and the impact you leave behind, not just short-term wins.To get your own taste of Wai Manuka for your next occasion OR even just because you know a good thing when you see one head over to https://waimanuka.co.nz/Listen to the full episode to hear more about Joe’s journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his vision for the future.EnjoyPrajesh and Tane

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