In this powerful episode of Pacific Empowerment, Akanesi Kaufusi opens up about facing online bullies after speaking out on faikava and the harmful customs that silence women. Instead of letting the attacks win, she transformed the experience into fuel for growth and empowerment.Drawing wisdom from books like Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly, and Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is the Way, Akanesi shares practical strategies to rise above criticism, protect your peace, and turn obstacles into opportunities. This episode is a reminder that bullies only win if you hand them your power.You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment
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Episode 11 - Surviving Domestic Violence
In this episode, I sit down with domestic violence survivor Lizzie Wong as she bravely shares her personal story. Today, Lizzie works in a Domestic Violence Center, supporting survivors and strengthening services across communities. She is also the founder of the non-profit Fijian Diaspora, dedicated to empowering Pacific women survivors of domestic violence. Together, we talk about resilience, healing, and creating a future where both men and women are safe, healed, and becoming better human beings.You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment
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Sexualising Women in Kava Sessions, Church Donations, and the #MeToo Movement
In this powerful episode, we tackle three big topics that are shaping conversations in our Pacific communities.First, we address the growing issue of sexualising women in modern kava sessions - how a respected cultural role is being distorted, and what this means for our traditions and values.Next, we look at church donations: the heart behind giving, what the Bible actually says about generosity, and how manipulation from the pulpit can hurt families and communities.Finally, we dive into the #MeToo movement - how it started, how it brought down some of the world’s most powerful figures, and the lessons we can apply here in the Pacific to break cycles of silence, protect the vulnerable, and drive real change.This episode isn’t about judgement - it’s about love for our people, truth-telling, and the hope that even one story shared or one truth spoken could transform a life.🎧 Listen in, reflect, and let’s be part of a movement that uplifts, protects, and empowers the Pacific.You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment
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Episode 9 - How to Build Wealth Without Losing Your Soul
What does it really mean to be rich the right way? In this episode, we dive deep into the truth about money, success, and faith. From Shannon Sharpe’s recent downfall to the story of Job’s unshakable faith, and even the billion-dollar journey of YouTube’s MrBeast - we’ll explore how wealth can either build you up or break you down.You’ll hear how the Bible warns against the love of money, why poverty can push people into desperate choices, and how laziness and poor mindsets have held back our Pacific communities for generations. We’ll also look at powerful examples of what it means to use wealth as a tool, not a master, to bless others and glorify God.If you’ve ever wondered how to build wealth without losing your values, your faith, or your soul - this episode is for you.You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment
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Episode 8 - Why Most People Quit Too Soon
In this heartfelt episode of Pacific Empowerment, we honor the life and legacy of George “Fiji” Veikoso, whose journey from humble beginnings in Fiji to becoming the voice of the Pacific is a true testimony of persistence and passion. We dive into the powerful lesson of Napoleon Hill’s Three Feet from Gold — a story that reminds us why so many give up just before success. I’ll also share my own journey of building Siuhuu and the struggles that test me daily, plus the inspiring story of a Tongan woman who chose long-term investments over quick gains to build a legacy for her family. This episode is a call to our Pacific people: don’t chase quick money. Instead, build with passion, invest wisely, and create freedom and generational wealth that will last.If you’ve ever felt like throwing in the towel, this episode is for you - because the truth is, most people give up right before their breakthrough, and I’m here to make sure you’re not one of them.You can watch the video podcast on https://www.youtube.com/@pacificempowerment
Pacific Empowerment Podcast was founded by a Tongan woman entrepreneur, Akanesi Kaufusi, to uplift and inspire Pacific Island people to take bold action, chase their dreams, and dream as big as they dare. This podcast challenges the limitations of traditional thinking and cultural expectations that often hold our people back. It’s a space to break free from fear, take risks, and rewrite what’s possible - no matter your background or environment. Your situation doesn’t define you. Your vision does.
New Zealand