The TradeMe Origin Story: How Rowan Simpson Turned a $10k Investment into a $750 Million Exit
In this episode, we sit down with one of New Zealand’s most quietly influential tech investors and founders: Rowan Simpson.As employee #3 at TradeMe and an early investor in Xero, Rowan helped build two of NZ’s biggest startup success stories. But his story goes far deeper than money. He shares how he went from near-bankruptcy to the $750M TradeMe exit, his role in backing Kiwi founders, his philosophies on parenting, time, failure, AI—and why ‘business is like a rollercoaster’ metaphor is bullshit.🧠 Topics include:– The TradeMe origin story (and the nightmare before the sale)– Why “fail fast” is bad advice– Lessons from Xero, Vend, and a year of world travel– How to pitch to investors (and how not to)– Saying no, picking your 3 things, and building a life of purpose– Sport, family, AI, and the future of New Zealand tech📍 Watch, listen, and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:44:25
1 Year of Business Coaching: What We’ve Learned!
In this special Accidental Business Owners episode, we mark our first year of going full-time on Between Two Beers - and one year if working with Di. We tackle:- The frenetic pace of building your own business (📅 slave to Google Calendar)- Why everything takes longer than expected—and how to build in buffer- The power of saying “no” to protect your time, energy, and brand- Unlocking growth: the difference between working in your business vs on it- Practical mindset: “Do what’s in front of you”… and outwork your own expectations💡 Featuring a Xero listener question asking, “What’s the one piece of advice you wish you’d had before starting your own business?” Tune in for relatable, real-talk, and actionable takeaways from the past 12 months.This episode was brought to you by Xero. Supercharge your business with the help of Xero accounting software. With more ways to pay, clearer cash flow, and powerful insights all in one place, you can say ‘so long’ to endless admin and hello to business control like never before. Try Xero free for 30 days, terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Robyn Malcolm is a national treasure.From Outrageous Fortune to After the Party, this is Robyn like you’ve never seen her.She talks going sober, acting alongside Antony Starr, solo parenting through stardom, the power of older women on screen, her sons’ hilarious texts, and why she’s not holding back on the current Government. This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:37:33
Ian Foster Divides the Nation! A Special Delivery From Sex.Life & Guest Requests for Rest of 2025
In this episode of Hambassadors we go behind the scenes of our recent podcast with Ian Foster, unpacking the making of the blockbuster interview — what went into it, what surprised us, and why it might be our best work yet.We share a few unseen moments, voice messages from listeners, and wildly mixed YouTube feedback — from teary-eyed praise to brutal radio-sport-style takedowns. There's insight into our into our creative process, from guest prep to managing “fluffy vs gritty” lines of questioning.Plus: Auckland City's 10–0 Club World Cup loss, a chaotic Sex.Life unboxing segment, a 4-year-old’s hilarious voice note, and teasers for upcoming bangers like Robyn Malcolm and a mystery SAS legend.Hambassadors proudly brought to you by Stark. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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34:38
Exclusive: Ian Foster Breaks His Silence on the All Blacks Coaching Fallout
Ian Foster is speaking up.In his first full interview since stepping down as All Blacks head coach, Foster sits down to share the raw, unfiltered story of one of the most dramatic periods in New Zealand rugby history.He opens up about the media pile-on, the near-sacking after the Ireland series, the pressure-cooker Ellis Park test that saved his job, and the growing tension with NZ Rugby as Scott Robertson circled in the wings.Foster also reveals the emotional toll behind the scenes - from the conversation with Dane Coles that reduced him to tears, to the loyalty shown by Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith and other senior All Blacks when everything was falling apart.This is the definitive account of Ian Foster’s All Blacks journey - told his way.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on.Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Good questions. Great guests. Few beers... Steve and Seamus like asking good questions. And they love good answers. After over 20 years of friendship, they bought a microphone and started a podcast, allowing them to sit with, and learn from, the most interesting people they can access.From Kiwi legend Marc Ellis, to media personalities Jeremy Wells and Paddy Gower, Rugby coach extraordinaire Wayne Smith, sexologist Morgan Penn, and Olympian Dame Lisa Carrington... Between Two Beers has produced countless hours of incredible stories, career highs, lows and moments of raw vulnerability. And it’s only the beginning.Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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