My Business Stars

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Selwyn Cook, disability employment champion and co founder of the Disability Business Network, about his journey from service station owner to national advocate for inclusive employment. Selwyn shares how one jobseeker changed his entire approach to hiring, leading him to employ more than 80 disabled staff and reduce turnover across his business. He reflects on the business case for disability inclusion, the importance of leadership driven change, and the strengths disabled people bring to both employment and self employment. Selwyn also discusses his work with Workbridge, the My Business Starter programme and the wider disability community in Aotearoa.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Joanne Wooding, founder of K9 Kookies, about her journey into business after vision loss caused by intraocular lymphoma. Joanne shares how she adapted her baking skills to create natural dog treats using simple, healthy ingredients, and how her dogs help her test every new flavour. She discusses resilience, adaptive techniques, and the role of assistive technology in running her business, as well as the support she’s received from the Disability Business Network. Joanne also reflects on her dream of offering healthy alternatives to supermarket dog treats and encouraging other disabled entrepreneurs to “grab life by the horns.”

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Frances Duncan about her work with neurodiverse entrepreneurs and creative clients. Frances discusses how ADHD and autism shape her coaching style, creativity and approach to business, and how her involvement with the Jane Austen Society of New Zealand and the Amateur Austenite podcast connects to her wider mission of supporting disabled business owners. She reflects on identity, strengths and the realities of navigating self employment as a neurodiverse entrepreneur.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Marie Michie, founder of Marie’s Crochet, and Nadine Goodall, creator of Spectrum Bridge, about their experiences as disabled entrepreneurs in New Zealand. Marie shares how she built her crochet business crafting bespoke handmade items (from toys and bags to baby clothing, accessories and crochet jewellery) while Nadine explains how her lived experience led her to design sensory resources for autistic students, teachers and families. Together, they discuss confidence, community, neurodiversity, and the realities of running a small business in Dunedin as part of the Disability Business Network.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz

In this episode, host Julie Woods talks with Mark Inglis about his experiences as a disability entrepreneur in New Zealand. Mark reflects on his journey from losing both legs to frostbite to becoming an Everest summiteer, Paralympic medallist and global disability advocate. He also discusses the mission of Limbs4All, supporting disabled communities in Nepal and Cambodia, and shares insights into resilience, adaptive leadership and the mindset that has shaped his life and work.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin - http://oar.org.nz