Host Paul Spain sits down with Simon Huesser, co-founder and director of Huski & soon to be launched Smoco. Hear how Simon and his wife Meika transformed a simple idea—keeping beer cold for longer—into an internationally recognised brand now sold in over 50 countries. Leveraging their backgrounds in marketing, design, and business to build Huski from scratch into a business that delivers award-winning products. Full of practical business lessons, anecdotes from Simon’s early career, and the realities of innovating and growing a global business from New Zealand, this conversation is sure to inspire budding entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.
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1:39:18
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1:39:18
Justin Mercer - CEO at Jade Software Corporation
Host Paul Spain sits down with Justin Mercer, CEO of Jade Software to explore his journey from a competitive Christchurch upbringing to leading innovative tech company Jade. He dives into stories from working around the globe—from door-to-door sales in Christchurch, to summer camps in the US, and building his career in Spain, Africa, and Australia. Justin opens up about the challenges of business transformation, leadership lessons, his strategic approach to scaling Jade’s business internationally and the power of New Zealand tech innovation on the world stage.
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56:24
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56:24
Ben Kepes - Co-Founder, Commentator and Investor
In this episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Ben Kepes—entrepreneur, investor, board director, and co-founder of Cactus Outdoor—for a candid exploration of his journey in business and technology. Ben shares the squiggly line of his career, including founding one of New Zealand’s beloved outdoor brands. He offers honest insights into the challenges of co-founder relationships, the evolution of Cactus, navigating tough decisions like shifting manufacturing offshore, and the lessons learned from successes and failures alike. Ben also dives into his perspective on New Zealand’s tech landscape and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to your passions.
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59:46
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59:46
Daniel Hopkirk - Founder & Managing Director at BcgCrave
Host Paul Spain sits down with Daniel Hopkirk, Founder and Managing Director of BcgCrave, an innovative agency born from the merger of Crave Global and BCG2. Daniel shares his journey working with international marketing campaigns for brands like Red Bull, Kerry Group, and Virgin Australia. He shares valuable lessons learned from building relationships, navigating global markets, and starting his own agency here in New Zealand. Daniel also dives into the art of scaling through strategic mergers, the importance of a brand’s “why,” and his approach to creating campaigns that truly matter. It’s an inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for business leaders, marketers, and anyone hungry for creative thinking in the NZ business landscape.
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1:11:11
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1:11:11
Matthew Hayter - President & Chief Product Officer at Projectworks
Host Paul Spain is joined by Matthew Hayter, Founder and Chief Product Officer at Projectworks—a New Zealand-born software platform that’s making waves in the professional services sector around the world. Projectworks has evolved from a humble side project into a rapidly growing global business, serving clients across New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and more. Matt shares his journey from small-town Gisborne beginnings to spearheading a company now valued at over $100 million and recently named High Tech Emerging Company of the Year at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, with candid insights on navigating startup hurdles, growing an international team, transitioning leadership roles, and focusing on solving real problems for customers. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just love a great business story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.
New Zealand's podcast that inspires and challenges those in business and leadership. Hear from numerous top NZ leaders and entrepreneurs including Rod Drury, Sir Stephen Tindall, Sir Michael Hill, Sir Graham Henry, Mike Bennetts, Andy Hamilton and many more.
New Zealand