Easy Crypto co-founder Janine Grainge started the fintech company in late 2017. Within four years, she’d scaled it to over 250k users and more than NZD $2 billion in trades, smashing big goals in record time.Janine talks about how to start a business with no money, how an entrepreneur mindset work, and how her fintech story shaped how New Zealand do cypto. This fintech startup story started as a business with no money and they have no ideas.She is recognised globally as the crypto expert, a Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual 2023, a Women in Web3 Changemaker, and a UoA 40 Under 40 Innovator.Episode Sponsorwww.podcastguest.co.nzWe cover:- Saying no to “no”.- When a bank wouldn’t open an account.- When her platform gets banned from advertising.- and when a CEO who won’t “shill” in Facebook groups… becomes the companys Australian country manager out of a ban.Timestamp00:00 – Intro02:52 – Janine Grainger childhood lessons on money and resilience04:40 – Should you drop out of high school to become an entrepreneur?07:09 – How to deal with imposter syndrome as a startup founder09:02 – Why Janine believed in Bitcoin before it was mainstream10:36 – The future of digital money and financial systems going digital12:12 – What disruption in crypto really means for New Zealand startups13:28 – How Easy Crypto grew fast with automation and lean operations14:22 – The crazy story of how Janine’s brother built Easy Crypto in 5 days16:31 – Co-founder dynamics: Building a business with your sibling17:32 – How startup co-founders grow together: equity splits, roles & relationship changes21:10 – The power of dreaming big in business (BHAG explained)23:29 – Where young entrepreneurs in New Zealand can find free startup support25:08 – How to validate your business idea and get product-market fit29:10 – How Easy Crypto got customers without paid ads or Google marketing30:45 – How Easy Crypto grew through Facebook groups without shilling (banned story that led to Australia expansion)32:39 – Customer growth journey: From 10M in 18 months to 10M daily turnover34:39 – How Easy Crypto survived competitors copying their code (startup moat story)36:27 – How Easy Crypto convinced KiwiBank after every NZ bank said no (startup banking struggle)40:58 – Easy Crypto expansion into South Africa and the Global South43:37 – Why is cryptocurrency so volatile? Truth about Bitcoin spikes44:47 – The “Wild West” days of crypto and how regulation changed everything47:51 – Why Easy Crypto sold to Swyftx: regulation, costs & consolidation50:56 – Janine’s best business decision vs biggest mistake as a founder53:49 – Finding your WHY as an entrepreneur when the industry changes56:13 – How to connect with Janine Grainger on LinkedInFollow Janine:www.easycrypto.comFollow me: linkin.bio/minaamsoListen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bXEpisode Sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz
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How ChatGPT & AI Is Changing Shopping Forever!
Richard Conway is the founder of Pure SEO, one of New Zealand’s top digital agencies. From $200 and a dream, he built a multimillion-dollar business and is now leading his company into an era of AI-driven search and zero-click marketing.In this episode, Richard reveals how Shopify’s ChatGPT integration lets people shop directly with AI potentially making traditional websites not needed. He shares how clients have found him through ChatGPT, and what that means for the future of e-commerce.you’ll learn:adapt or die: the only AI strategy that works for 2025personal branding: the secret growth weapon for entrepreneurshow to get noticed in a zero-click world (without paying for ads)the #1 ai mistake every business makes (and the simple fix you need)timestamps:00:00 – intro01:06 – welcome back richard conway: founder of pure seo new zealand01:54 – how pure seo started with $200 and a bottle of vodka02:36 – is seo dead in the era of ai search?04:29 – seo vs geo vs aeo: what’s the difference?05:10 – the rise of zero-click searches on google07:26 – how to optimise for ai-generated summaries08:44 – leveraging sources and citations for ai search rankings10:00 – avoiding spammy seo tactics in the ai era11:30 – why reddit and quora influence ai search results14:34 – simple steps for businesses to improve ai search presence16:39 – the unique edge humans have over ai20:00 – identifying where your customers are and showing up there21:42 – building brand mentions through community engagement22:32 – the power of first-party data in a cookieless future23:36 – why personal branding is crucial in the ai era24:25 – richard’s personal branding strategy and pillars26:24 – starting a personal brand from scratch28:45 – business brand vs personal brand in 202530:00 – standing out by doing things differently31:35 – networking through cold approaches32:41 – how ai tools like chatgpt choose the “best companies”35:00 – the paid listings problem in ai recommendations36:31 – overlap between optimising for google ai and openai37:10 – following seo thought leaders for ai search insights38:20 – why enduring marketing principles still matter in ai search39:05 – the evolution of search since 200940:22 – understanding large language model source selection41:56 – combining pr, seo, and ai strategy for long-term wins43:30 – how to adapt quickly to ai-driven search changes44:55 – building authority through consistent brand mentions46:40 – leveraging ai search insights for competitive advantage48:05 – why google’s ai search is still the wild west49:22 – long-term vs short-term ai search strategies50:50 – the importance of transparency in ai search marketing52:15 – how to make your brand appealing to ai search engines53:30 – measuring success in the ai search era54:48 – overcoming misinformation in ai search results56:05 – how ai is reshaping the digital marketing landscape57:26 – preparing your business for the next ai search shift58:42 – final advice for businesses on ai and seo01:00:15 – why now is the time to embrace ai in marketingfollow richard:linkedin: linkedin.com/in/pureseowatch on youtube:https://youtu.be/7-7qiWeSBJopodcast sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz#richardconway #richardconwayseo #richardconwayauthor #richardconwayentrepreneur #pureseofounder #pureseo #seoentrepreneurnz #digitalmarketingnz #howtogettothetopofgoogle #seoexpert #searchengineoptimisation #searchmarketing
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"How I Change 95 Percent of My DNA With THIS" (To Get Glowing Skin)
Dr. Gail Pearson is an nationally respected anesthetist-turned-nutrigenomics advocate with over 30 years of experience in traditional medicine.She served as a specialist anesthesiologist in Auckland, New Zealand, where she gained a reputation for clinical excellence and leadership. Dr. Pearson held senior roles such as serving on the board of one of Auckland’s largest private hospitals and chaired one of the city’s largest groups of anesthetists. Dr. Gail Pearson shares:◽️How Nutrigenomics Helps Entrepreneurs & Busy Professionals◽️The science behind activating your genes for better health (versus supplements)◽️Collagen Activation: How To Make It, Not Take It◽️The anti-aging secrets she uses to stay sharp and energized at 66◽️Why Everyone Should Be on an NRF2 Activator (Backed by Science)Episode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutFTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro01:10 - Meet the Rebel Doctor: Why Dr. Pearson Left Traditional Medicine03:50 - Rebel Doctor: Why I Left Medicine & Reversed Aging05:55 - 30 Years in Anesthesia: Dr. Pearson’s Medical Background Explained07:25 - How COVID Took the Human Touch Out of Medicine10:17 - Why Everyone Should Be on an NRF2 Activator (Backed by Science)11:34 - How Nutrigenomics Improves Sleep, Energy & Brain Fog15:38 - Gene Activation vs Supplements: What’s the Real Difference?16:05 - How Nutrition Can Change Your DNA Expression18:52 - Gene Activation vs Supplements: What’s the Real Difference?22:30 - Collagen Activation: Make It, Don’t Take It23:57 - Turmeric, Ashwagandha & NRF2: Potent Natural Combinations26:21 - The NRF2 Pathway: How to Activate Antioxidants in Every Cell Naturally29:40 - Are You Missing the Cellular Support Layer?32:32 - Why I Left Traditional Medicine to Champion Natural Healing34:11 - What Is Oxidative Stress and Why It Accelerates Aging36:37 - AD38:24 - Real Benefits: Hair Growth, Clear Skin, and Energy Boosts39:18 - How Nutrigenomics Helps Entrepreneurs & Busy Professionals42:37 - NRF2 + Activated Collagen: Game-Changer for Women Over 4044:24 - Collagen Beyond Skin: Joints, Gut & Heart Health Benefits45:50 - Regulations & Ethics Around Nutrigenomics Products47:43 - Where to Find Dr. Gail Pearson and Start Your Health JourneyFollow Gail:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-gail-pearson-87901320Website: NewLight.earthFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/minaamso/Listen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bXEpisode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutFAfter decades in conventional medicine, Dr. Pearson became increasingly concerned by the chronic conditions she saw in patients, ailments that modern medicine was only managing with pharmaceuticals rather than curing. She observed first-hand the limitations and side effects of pharmaceutical treatments, which opened her mind to alternative approaches. Around 2019, Dr. Pearson discovered the emerging science of nutrigenomics – the study of how nutrition and natural compounds affect gene expression. Impressed by the robust scientific research behind it, she recognized nutrigenomics as a “future of medicine” that could address root causes of illness by supporting the body’s own healing processes.#Nutrigenomics #NRF2Activation #EntrepreneurHealth #BusinessWellness #CEOWellness #CellularHealth #BiohackYourLife #NaturalPerformance #GeneActivation #StressFreeSuccess #BrainFogFix #BurnoutRecovery #HealthOptimization #FunctionalWellness #ExecutiveHealth
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"How I Built A Company Worth Millions Without College!" w/Marisa Fong
Marisa Fong is a pioneering entrepreneur who transformed the recruitment industry in New Zealand. She co-founded Madison Recruitment and scaled it from a two-person startup into a 100-strong enterprise, all without a college degree. In this episode, she explains:◽️How being underestimated became her biggest edge◽️Sales-first strategies that built a national business◽️Why recurring revenue is non-negotiable◽️What psychological safety really looks like at work◽️The mindset shift every first-time founder needsEpisode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutF Timestamp00:00 – Intro02:39 – How Marisa Fong’s Mother Shaped Her Work Ethic and Leadership04:21 – Why Marisa Fong Chose Entrepreneurship Over University08:28 – How Marisa Fong’s Husband Became a Stay-at-Home Dad and Broke Stereotypes09:44 – Starting a Business With the Right Partner: Tips for Founders14:32 – Why Purpose and Values Matter in Long-Term Business Growth17:42 – How Marisa Fong Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Aotearoa19:22 – Why Specialization Beats One-Stop Shops in Modern Recruitment24:45 – How to Pitch Your Startup to Investors in a Competitive Market25:58 – AD28:07 – Mentorship vs Coaching: What Early-Stage Founders Really Need31:06 – Marketing to Female Founders: Solving Overwhelm with Done-For-You Solutions32:53 – Timeless Marketing Principles: How to Look Big and Build Trust34:35 – Investing in Brand and Perception: Why Professionalism Matters36:46 – Physical Offices vs. Remote Work: What Works for Recruitment Today37:39 – Would You Start a Recruitment Company Again? Adapting to AI and Tech39:47 – End-to-End AI Recruitment: The Future of Hiring and Workflow Automation42:36 – Common Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Should Avoid in NZ45:15 – How to Stay Resilient Through Business Highs and Lows48:00 – The Power of Listening and Leading With Empathy50:26 – Marisa’s Personal Growth Journey as a Business Leader53:14 – Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Founders in NZ56:02 – Business Beyond Profit: Giving Back and Creating Impact59:11 – How Founders Can Align Vision With Daily Execution1:01:04 – Business Basics: How to Understand Your Costs, Profit, and Cash Flow1:04:47 – Why Marisa Fong Chose to Exit a Thriving Business1:07:22 – Final Advice From Marisa Fong to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs1:10:03 – Where to Follow Marisa Fong and Learn More About Her WorkFollow Marisa:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marisafong Follow Me https://www.instagram.com/notesfromtheexecutivepodcast/Listen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX Episode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutF#femaleentrepreneur #scaleyourbusiness #salesmindset #nzculture #founderstory #noclientsproblem #psychologicalsafety #cashflowtips #recurringrevenuebusiness #buildwithoutinvestors #nichemarketingstrategies #cofounderadvice #aiinrecruitment #newzealandentrepreneurs #marisafong #businesswithoutadegree #kiwis #businessleadership #businessowner #businesstips
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'This Was Meant To Be A Secret' [Hint: It's Not What You Think] | w/ Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson is a New Zealand-based digital marketing strategist and expert and the founder of Digital Influence, a Christchurch-based marketing agency in New Zealand.Episode Sponsor: @academyex https://shorturl.at/JLutFHe explains:◽️ How sending this item helped grab attention of high-ticket clients every time ◽️ Why most digital agencies are selling you the wrong thing, and how to spot it ◽️ What’s possibly going to be hot in marketing in 2-3 years time◽️ What it takes to build a digital marketing company from scratchTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro00:30 – Why In-Person Marketing Still Works in 2025 01:25 – How to Know If Your Business Idea Will Work 03:34 – How to Find a Gap in the Digital Marketing Industry 06:50 – How Scott Got Clients by Hosting Free Seminars 07:54 – Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Be Perfect Before Starting 09:23 – Best Video Script for Personal Branding and Trust 10:26 – The Simplest Video Script That Works Every Time 12:31 – Why Spending on Ads Early Helps Your Business 13:52 – The Core Formula for Consistent Marketing Results 15:15 – Creating Your Ideal Customer Avatar (Colin & Claire) 17:43 – Turning Customer Pain Points Into Content 20:30 – Don’t Build a Fancy Website First – Do This Instead 21:42 – Shy Entrepreneurs? Join Toastmasters to Build Confidence 24:47 – Teach Only What You’ve Done to Build Authority 27:25 – How Conversations at Events Can Turn Into Clients 28:59 - AD30:09 – Red Flags: How to Spot Bad Clients Early 32:17 – Signs a Client Isn’t Ready or a Good Fit 33:25 – How to Qualify Clients Who Want to Win 35:42 – How to Price a Strategy Session at $499 36:44 – What Happens in a High-Value Strategy Session 41:51 – Genius Direct Mail: Sending Hammers to Get Clients 44:16 – Why the Hammer Campaign Worked So Well 45:21 – Using Reciprocity to Increase Your Marketing ROI 47:39 – Why Face-to-Face Events Will Dominate in 2025 49:19 – Building a Product Ladder: Free to High-Ticket Offers 51:47 – Why the Word ‘Audit’ Doesn’t Work in Sales Offers 53:33 – What’s Inside a 45-Page Marketing Strategy Report 55:57 – Hiring Mistakes: Lessons from My First Employee 58:08 – Biggest Mistakes I Made as a Marketing Founder 1:02:03 – If I Lost Everything, Here’s How I’d Rebuild 1:04:00 – Start With This: Talk to the Market First Follow Scott:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwilson10x/Follow me: linkin.bio/minaamsoListen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bXWatch episodes:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV02UOsnqLn4F2Ekrg_xUFvnl-tStCh14&si=C0j5h87OrmIcStUKEpisode Sponsor: @academyex https://shorturl.at/JLutF#entrepreneurmindset #scaleyourbusiness #marketingstrategy2025#digitalmarketingtips #founderstory #businessgrowthhacks #clientacquisition#startupadvice #highperformancebusiness #growyourbrand #marketingforservicebusiness #marketingfunnel #leadconversiontips #trustedmarketingadvice #buildabusiness #zeroresultsbigmistake #marketingcaseexample #noclientsproblem #digitalmarketingagencylife #salesandmarketingstrategy#valuefirstmarketing
About Notes From The Executive Podcast with Mina Amso
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The Executive tells the incredible stories behind the business success of the movers and shakers of local world - New Zealand. The business thinkers, CEOs, founders, creatives, disruptors and doers who are reshaping industries and rewriting the rules. Unscripted. Unedited.
You will learn the lessons, failures, mindset, philosophies and practical actionable know-how on how they did it to get ahead. So you can think bigger and differently and achieve more success in business and life.
Hosted by Founder & Host Mina Amso.
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