NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Host Paul Spain is in Cromwell with Mike Casey, the entrepreneurial force behind Electric Cherries, co-founder of Fishburners and GradConnection and CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa.
Mike shares his journey from a tech startup founder in Wellington and Sydney to pioneering sustainable, fully electric farming in Central Otago. Mike shares insights on business challenges, the real story behind his successful exit, practical tips for entrepreneurs, and a passionate case for electrification and climate-friendly business in Aotearoa.
Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology

Tony Falkenstein shares valuable lessons learned from building the Just Water brand, moving the Just Life Group from the NZX to the Unlisted Securities Exchange (USX). He also unpacks his passion for fostering entrepreneurship in schools, the impact of business education, and the driving factors behind successful startups.
We hear Tony’s approach to building strong company culture, embracing technology and AI, and supporting the next generation of Kiwi innovators. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world insights from a true leader in New Zealand business.
Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology

Jamie Beaton shares how Crimson has expanded over the past five years entering new markets internationally, including a highly successful return to India and a major leap forward in the United States. Along the way, Jamie shares what it’s really like building global teams, navigating acquisitions, learning from top-tier mentors like Julian Robertson and Sir John Key, and why a thirst for learning and relentless adaptation is at the heart of Crimson’s journey. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to build a unicorn in the education space, you won’t want to miss this insightful and inspiring episode.
The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

Paul Spain is joined by Phil Thomson, Co-founder and CEO of Auror, to explore his journey from a career in law to building one of New Zealand’s standout global tech success stories.
Phil shares the early influences that sparked his entrepreneurial drive, the key decisions that shaped his path, and the realities of scaling a software company from New Zealand into major markets including Australia, US and UK. He offers candid insights into startup culture, global expansion, and the discipline and resilience required to grow a high-impact business.
If you’re interested in ambitious thinking, scaling globally from New Zealand, and the personal journey behind entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Special thanks to our show partners One New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.

Paul Spain sits down with Dawn Engelbrecht, CEO of Kitchen Studio and a trailblazer in both business franchising and governance. Dawn Engelbrecht shares her inspiring journey from a small UK mining town to building an international childcare franchise empire, SKids, and leading business transformations in New Zealand. She opens up about the practical realities of franchising, navigating risk and regulation across countries, the importance of knowing your numbers, and what it takes to help franchisees succeed. Whether you’re interested in business growth, scaling franchises, or effective leadership, Dawn Engelbrecht’s insights on success, setbacks, and learning from experience will leave you inspired and informed.
Special thanks to our show partners One New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.