Welcome to PowerUp, a podcast by Venture Taranaki and produced by Roar Collective. Here we celebrate the region’s entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaving t...
If you met Ben and Tess Annabell 15 years ago, you’d probably never have known they’d end up running a business advisory firm. Ben was a qualified plumber, and Tess had gone away from her marine biology degree into chartered accountancy.
Their life experience and shared passion eventually led them to start Recharge; an accountancy firm with a focus on supporting trades businesses to be both profitable and enjoyable.
In this episode of the PowerUp Podcast, they talk about their own struggles running a plumbing company, and how that led to starting Recharge. Ben and Tess discuss mental health and wellness, burnout, financial education and the toll of running a business.
It’s a fascinating look under the hood at the reality of small business owners, and how to prioritise yourself and your lifestyle alongside the health of your business.
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33:33
Lisa Deken & Leeanne Snowdon / Down to Earth
Lisa Deken and Leeanne Snowdon are two school friends that run Down to Earth Organics; New Plymouth’s hub of holistic health. It’s packed wall to wall with nothing but good stuff for the mind and body.
In this episode of the PowerUp podcast, Lisa and Lee talk about the beginnings of their work relationship, taking over a long-running Taranaki institution at the height of the Covid pandemic.
They discuss the skyrocketing wellness industry and their place in it, how they manage their relationship, getting the right expertise involved and what it’s like taking over an existing business rather than starting one from scratch.
So many good lessons here for anyone in a similar position, be it in the wellness space, buying an existing business, or starting something with a friend.
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32:12
Abby Packer / Neat
Abby Packer is the founder of Neat NZ, an online health and beauty business that sends out thousands of orders a month all around the world. But she never really intended to get to this point. In fact, the start of the business was a complete accident.
In this episode of the Venture Taranaki PowerUp podcast, Abby talks through the serendipitous beginning of Neat and her journey growing the business to become an online powerhouse.
She talks about the challenges of sustainability, team management, sacrifice, looking after your own mental health, advice for female founders and a lot more. There’s so much good stuff in here for aspiring entrepreneurs, whatever field you’re in!
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33:05
James Donald / Ideally
James Donald is one of New Zealand’s shining stars in the tech and startup scene.
He is the first repeat guest on the PowerUp Podcast, and he’s come full circle since his last appearance. Having exited his first venture, tourism-tech company Yonder, he then co-founded the fast-growing market research company Ideally.
James is a highly respected SaaS leader and his lessons cover the complete spectrum of growing a tech startup - from founding and growing to exiting, and taking all those lessons to do it all again!
He picks out the most powerful insights across his journey, together with learnings about technology, AI, the power of accurate market research and the personal aspects of business ownership.
This is a comprehensive conversation with so much for budding entrepreneurs to learn from - it’s not one to miss!
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37:12
Simon Singh / Innovation HQ
As a nine year old growing up in New Delhi, Simon Singh dreamed of being CEO of an IT company. Now, he’s made that dream happen, but not in a way he could ever have imagined.
In this episode of Venture Taranaki’s PowerUp Podcast, one of Taranaki’s most restless entrepreneurs tells the story of how he came to New Zealand and grew an ever-expanding tech network. Simon talks through his rise within the IT sector, to the power of a good mentor and a capable team, and how he gained perspective on New Zealand and the world.
This is a super inspiring episode packed with gold for any budding tech entrepreneur.
Welcome to PowerUp, a podcast by Venture Taranaki and produced by Roar Collective. Here we celebrate the region’s entrepreneurs and innovators who are leaving their mark on the world, while living the famous Taranaki lifestyle.
Each episode features a prominent local entrepreneur, making waves both nationally and internationally with their trailblazing spirit and can-do attitude. They'll share their successes, ah-ha moments and celebrated wins, as well as their struggles and behind the scenes failures. Our guests also reflect on how being from Taranaki influences their work and the lives they lead.
Hosted by long time business advocate and honorary Taranaki local David Downs, this series illustrates the thriving business environment within Taranaki by telling the stories of everyday people who've been able to achieve remarkable things.
Taranaki is a region where the unique natural and entrepreneurship ecosystems collide to create a place where people can flourish and achieve their full potential. Nau mai haere mai, we welcome you to hear our enterprising stories like no other.
New Zealand