NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Paul Spain sits down with Kiwi entrepreneur Aaron Ward for a conversation about his journey pioneering tech companies like AskNicely and his latest venture, Huckleberry. Aaron Ward shares insights about embracing risk, learning from setbacks and the impact of positive feedback on both employees and customers. Packed with honest reflections, practical lessons, and a peek into the future of voice AI feedback, this interview is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, leadership, or starting their own business in New Zealand and beyond.The New Zealand Business Podcast is proudly sponsored by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Janine Grainger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, to explore her remarkable journey from early ventures and corporate roles at PwC, Westpac, and Air New Zealand, to building one of New Zealand’s leading crypto platforms. Janine shares insights into navigating compliance, managing explosive growth and achieving a successful exit. Her story is packed with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and innovation. This conversation offers practical advice and stories that reveal what it takes to build a successful business from scratch.Special thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology

Host Paul Spain sits down with Christopher Boyle, co-founder of Fabrum, one of Canterbury’s standout high-tech companies. Christopher Boyle shares the journey from Fabrum’s inception, born from university friendships and a passion for engineering—to becoming a global leader in cryogenic and composite technologies. The conversation dives into Fabrum’s groundbreaking work with superconductivity, liquid hydrogen, and collaborations with icons like NASA and Rolls Royce. Along the way, Christopher Boyle discusses the challenges of innovation, surviving market shifts, and the vital role of Kiwi ingenuity in building world-class tech from Christchurch. If you’re keen to learn about New Zealand’s impact on innovation and the future of sustainable energy, this interview delivers insightful stories and inspiration straight from the frontlines.Thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

In this episode host Paul Spain sits down with Neil Livingston, Chief Executive of Kordia, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about leadership, transformation, and the evolution of Kordia, one of New Zealand’s most critical communications companies. Neil Livingston shares stories of innovation, strategic thinking, and lessons learned from working with iconic brands and pioneering change in the tech sector. He also discusses building trust, embracing transparency, and fostering culture in organisations both large and small, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at Kordia’s rich heritage and its exciting vision for New Zealand’s future connectivity and security. This episode is packed with business wisdom, leadership anecdotes, and a passion for making a difference in New Zealand business.

In this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Brooke Roberts, co-founder and co-CEO of Sharesies. Brooke shares her inspiring journey from selling lollies out of her school locker to co-founding one of New Zealand’s most innovative investment platforms. She discusses the pivotal role of mentorship, the power of partnerships, and the challenges building a business from the ground up. Brooke also reflects on the collaborative 3EO leadership style that has helped shape Sharesies’ success. Whether you're passionate about startups, leadership, or the future of finance, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage.