Building Cents for Life

In this episode, I sit down with Simon Fawkes, an expert in AI transformation, education, and strategy, to explore how businesses can harness the power of AI to stay competitive and innovative.
Simon has over 20 years of business coaching experience, specialising in strategy and marketing for high-tech exporters. He is a fractional executive with the Simple Academy, delivering AI black belt training globally, and has been instrumental in helping organisations identify the opportunities and risks of AI implementation.

In this episode, we explore:
✅ How AI is reshaping industries and eliminating outdated processes
✅ The biggest misconceptions about AI and why it’s more than just automation
✅ Practical AI tools that businesses can adopt today to save time and increase efficiency
✅ How AI can amplify productivity by reducing mundane tasks and refocusing employees on high-value work
✅ Why AI adoption isn’t optional and how businesses that resist will struggle to compete

Simon also demonstrates live AI workflows, showcasing how businesses can use custom GPTs, AI-powered planning tools, and workflow automation to drive efficiency.
This episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners, leaders, and professionals who want to leverage AI to streamline operations and scale smarter.

About Our Guest
Simon Fawkes- AI Transformation at The Explosive Growth Academy
Simon helps organisations unlock AI’s potential to enhance innovation, productivity, and strategy. With a background in engineering, linguistics, and business coaching, he brings a structured yet creative approach to AI adoption.

How to Connect with Simon
🔗LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonfawkes/
🔗 Instagram:https://instagram.com/b2mglobal
📞Phone: 021 329537 (021 FAWKES)

About Your Host
Jacques van Heerden -Financial Adviser and Host ofBuilding Cents for Life
As a financial adviser, I specialize in simplifying complex financial topics like KiwiSaver, insurance, and investments for New Zealanders. Through this podcast, I aim to empower listeners with practical advice and insights from industry experts.
🔗Website: www.newma.co.nz
🔗LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/jacquesvanheerden
📧Email: [email protected]

Links and Resources Mentioned
📌 AI tools discussed:Notebook LM, ChatGPT, Napkin AI, Custom GPTs
📌 Simon’s article onDeepSeek and AI privacy concerns
📌 More onAI black belt training and business transformation

Enjoying the Podcast?
If you’re lovingBuilding Cents for Life, please consider:
⭐Leaving a review on Apple or Spotify
💬Submitting a question in the Q&A section on Spotify
📢Sharing this episode with someone who would benefit from it!

🎵Music by Oshan Jayakody from Pixabay

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI Transformation and Its Importance
02:45 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Work Efficiency
04:53 AI as a Tool for Enhanced Productivity
07:13 The Evolution of AI Interaction and User Experience
09:21 The Journey into AI Transformation11:44The Current State of AI Adoption in Business
14:03 Comparing AI Adoption to Historical Technology Trends
16:31 The Necessity of an AI Policy in Organizations
18:38 Demonstrating AI Capabilities and Applications
21:04 Creating Custom AI Solutions for Business Needs
32:53 Introduction to Insurance and AI Integration
33:36 Creating an 8x8 Matrix for Insurance Deliverables
34:48 Utilizing AI for Customer Testimonial Collection
35:51 Developing a Customer Testimonial Collection Plan
36:12 Time Savings and AI Efficiency
36:55 Strategic Optimization with AI
38:39 Demonstrating AI Tools for Financial Advisors
40:52 Exploring Notebook LM for Data Analysis
42:17 Deep Dive into DeepSeek and Security Concerns
52:06 Learning and Knowledge Acquisition through AI
54:09 Practical Steps for Business Owners to Embrace AI
57:05 Future of AI in Business and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, I sit down with Chané Vieira to discuss the power of business coaching and how it can profoundly change both your professional and personal life. Chané is the Owner and Business Coach at ChangeState, where she specializes in guiding business owners toward greater profitability, better time management, and more meaningful work-life balance. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, she brings valuable insights and proven strategies that help entrepreneurs overcome common pitfalls, scale effectively, and reclaim their freedom.In this episode, we explore:

The importance of accountability and why having a coach can shift a business from stagnation to growth

Practical ways to transition from working in the business to working on the business

Overcoming fears, mindset blocks, and burnout to achieve sustainable success

How a structured yet flexible approach helps you adapt to challenges and build long-term resilience

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you understand the transformative impact of business coaching.I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you considered working with a coach to meet your business or financial goals? Connect with me on LinkedIn or via email and let me know.

About Our Guest

Chané Vieira

Owner and Business Coach at ChangeState

Chané has been involved in the business coaching industry for a decade, working with both startups and established companies. She specializes in helping owners in trade-based businesses reduce burnout, streamline operations, and improve financial stability. Her supportive yet results-driven approach focuses on personalized strategies that align with each client’s unique goals.

How to Connect with Chané

Website: (Check out the ChangeState Business Coaching Facebook page)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 027 541 3708

About Your Host

Jacques van Heerden

Financial Adviser at Newma and Host of Building Cents for Life

As a financial adviser, I specialize in simplifying complex financial topics like KiwiSaver, insurance, and investments for New Zealanders. Through this podcast, I aim to empower listeners with actionable advice and insights from industry experts.

How to Connect with Me

Website: www.newma.co.nz

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacquesvanheerden/

Email: [email protected]

Enjoying the Podcast?If you’re loving Building Cents for Life, please consider leaving a review on Apple or Spotify, submitting a question in the Q&A section on Spotify, or sharing this episode with someone who would benefit from it.

The content in this podcast should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decision.

Music by Oshan Jayakody from Pixabay

In this episode, I sit down with Holly Egerton, founder of Succession, to discuss the vital role estate planning plays in securing your family’s future and avoiding unnecessary complications.Holly has over eight years of experience specialising in estate planning, wills, trusts, and relationship property law. With a background in helping families navigate complex legal situations, Holly brings a practical and empathetic perspective to the table, focusing on proactive planning to avoid disputes and simplify processes for grieving loved ones.In this episode, we explore:

Why wills are essential for every adult, no matter their assets or life stage.

The critical mistakes people make with estate planning and how to avoid them.

How to choose guardians for your children and executors for your estate.

The importance of revisiting your will after life changes like marriage, children, or separation.

Why estate planning is especially important for blended families and immigrant families.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you better understand estate planning and take the first steps towards securing your family's future.I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you considered how a will could simplify things for your loved ones?

About Our Guest

Holly Egerton

Founder of Succession

About: Holly has a wealth of experience in estate planning and family law. She founded Succession to provide clients with a simpler, more accessible way to create wills and enduring powers of attorney, offering clarity and fixed pricing for peace of mind.

How to Connect with Holly:

Website: succession.nz

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/holly-egerton-3a52b0101

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: succession.nz

About Your Host

Jacques van Heerden

Financial Adviser and Host of Building Cents for Life

About Me: As a financial adviser, I specialise in simplifying complex financial topics like KiwiSaver, insurance, and investments for New Zealanders. Through this podcast, I aim to empower listeners with actionable advice and insights from industry experts.

How to Connect with Me:

Website: www.newma.co.nz

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jacquesvanheerden/

Email: [email protected]

Enjoying the Podcast?If you’re loving Building Cents for Life, please consider:

Leaving a review on Apple or Spotify.

Submitting a question in the Q&A section on Spotify.

Sharing this episode with someone who would benefit from it!

Music by Oshan Jayakody from Pixabay.

In this inaugural episode of Building Cents for Life, I sit down with Jose to demystify KiwiSaver and explore how it can be a powerful tool for financial growth.

Jose is a Mortgage and KiwiSaver Adviser with a rich background in personal finance. Having worked with leading organisations such as CANSTAR and various banks, Jose has a deep understanding of financial products and services. He now focuses on helping New Zealanders make informed decisions about their financial futures, with KiwiSaver being one of his core areas of expertise.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why KiwiSaver is a game-changer for first-home buyers and how to use it to achieve your homeownership goals.

The importance of fund choice and how it impacts your long-term returns.

Key strategies for self-employed individuals to make the most of KiwiSaver contributions.

The role of risk profiles in investment decisions and how to align your KiwiSaver fund with your financial goals.

The benefits of starting early and the power of compounding interest to grow your KiwiSaver balance over time.

This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate KiwiSaver’s complexities and make decisions that align with your financial goals.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on KiwiSaver! How are you using it to meet your financial goals? Connect with me on Instagram or LinkedIn and let me know!

About Our Guest

Name: Jose

Role: Mortgage and KiwiSaver Adviser

About: With over a decade of experience in personal finance, Jose has worked across major banks in New Zealand, American Express, and CANSTAR. His passion lies in simplifying financial decisions and helping people understand the versatility of KiwiSaver. He is committed to empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.

How to Connect with Jose:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jkgeorge/

Email: [email protected]

About Your Host

Name: Jacques van Heerden

Role: Financial Adviser and Host of Building Cents for Life

About Me: As a financial adviser, I specialize in simplifying complex financial topics like KiwiSaver, insurance, and investments for New Zealanders. Through this podcast, I aim to empower listeners with actionable advice and insights from industry experts.

How to Connect with Me:

Website: www.newma.co.nz

LinkedIn:.linkedin.com/in/jacquesvanheerden/

Email: [email protected]

Links and Resources Mentioned

CANSTAR – A leading consumer finance research and ratings organization.

Barefoot Investor – The book mentioned as an example of compounding interest strategies.

Nigel Latta’s Money Series – A visual representation of compounding interest.

Enjoying the Podcast?

If you’re loving Building Cents for Life, please consider:

Leaving a review on Apple or Spotify.

Submitting a question in the Q&A section on Spotify.

Sharing this episode with someone who would benefit from it!

Music by Oshan Jayakody from Pixabay