NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Host Paul Spain sits down with Sam Vye, founder and CEO of Syos Aerospace - a New Zealand and United Kingdom business that has moved with remarkable speed pioneering world-class autonomous uncrewed vehicles, ranging from helicopters to advanced maritime and land platforms, serving both civil and defence sectors around the globe. Sam Vye’s journey is packed with adventure, resilience, and remarkable lessons in leadership. Discover how his early passion for problem-solving led him through geophysics, exploration roles across continents, and eventually into the world of drone and unmanned vehicle technology. Hear insider stories about a last-minute Arctic rowing expedition, building drones for the Galápagos and unexpected contract wins. Get ready for insights on adaptability, leadership, fostering fast paced innovation and building a business on the global stage.
The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.
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Lachlan Murray, Founder and CEO of Robomate shares his journey building Robomate from a small robotics idea into a nationwide home‑automation leader. Lachlan founded Robomate in 2018 and bootstrapped the company through early setbacks, refining the model through relentless problem‑solving and customer focus. His determination helped Robomate become one of New Zealand’s fastest‑growing companies, ranking 5th in the 2025 Deloitte Fast 50 with 408% revenue growth over 3 years. Lachlan shares insights on scaling up, building resilient teams, and how serving people and discipline are at the heart of Robomate’s success.
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Special thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Sam Kidd, Co founder and CEO of LawVu, for a look at what it takes to build a global legal tech company from New Zealand.
Sam shares about assembling an exceptional team, maintaining culture across continents, navigating remote work, and the personal highs and lows that come with building something meaningful. This episode delivers practical insights, honest reflections, and inspiration for anyone growing a company in a rapidly changing world.
The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.
Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr

Host Paul Spain sits down with Rob Woolner, Managing Director of Autex Acoustics. Discover Rob’s fascinating journey from his childhood in England and early years in the police, to leading a global manufacturing company shaping sustainable buildings in New Zealand and beyond. You’ll hear how this New Zealand company started as a humble textile manufacturer and transformed into a global leader in sustainable acoustic solutions, supplying major clients like Google, Amazon, and Disney.
Rob shares candid stories about his own personal growth, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the company’s commitment to innovation, people, and culture, and a surprising connection to the Warriors rugby league team! Listen in for insights into Kiwi business success, sustainability, and leadership.
The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

In this episode, Paul Spain sits down with Bowen Pan, a technology leader, advisor and investor.
Bowen shares about his family's early immigrant experiences, launching his first startup as a university student, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career—including being a key force behind Facebook Marketplace. Hear behind-the-scenes tales of innovation at Facebook, lessons learned from his time at Trade Me and Stripe, and why he’s passionate about helping New Zealand’s tech sector reach new heights. Packed with relatable anecdotes and valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in business, technology, and the Kiwi entrepreneurial spirit.
The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.
Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr