PowHer

In this episode, change-maker and leader Ziena Jalil shares her journey from international student to senior leader, highlighting how opportunity, mentorship, and global experience have shaped her path and reinforcing that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. She emphasises the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and purpose in navigating challenges and leading across cultures, while encouraging leaders to recognise Aotearoa’s place in an interconnected world. Ziena outlines the key traits needed for modern leadership—clear communication, presence, and leading with purpose—stressing that leadership is not defined by titles but by impact at all levels. She also reflects on the importance of strong support systems and community in sustaining resilience, and shares insights from her work with Hato Hone St John, particularly around public health priorities like cardiac arrest survival and falls prevention, with a focus on addressing equity gaps.

A strategic and influential executive leader with over 20 years of award-winning experience across diplomacy, business, and public sector leadership in New Zealand and Asia – Ziena is known for building trusted relationships across cultures and systems to deliver inclusive, lasting impact.

Recognised by the global Stevie Awards for Women in Business in the Female Executive of the Year (Government or Not for Profit) category, Ziena has significant experience in large, complex organisations, and has led major initiatives and high performing teams across a multitude of sectors.
Prior to joining Hato Hone St John in 2025 as Deputy Chief Executive Strategy and Executive Operations, she was Deputy Chief Executive at Te Pūkenga and served on the boards of the Natural Hazards Commission, Education New Zealand, DNA, Asia New Zealand Foundation, ATEED and the Cancer Society. She has also received several international awards for her work advancing New Zealand’s profile and partnerships in Asia, where she was based for ten years as Regional Director (South and Southeast Asia) for Education New Zealand, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore, and Head of North Asia Marketing and Communications for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. 

A member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, Global Women and Asia 21, Ziena is an internationally recognised speaker, MC and facilitator, and brings a strong commitment to leadership, equity and purpose.

In this episode, Sarah Connor shares how her own unexpected experience with perimenopause led her to become a powerful advocate for change. Through her initiative Menopause Over Martinis, she’s helping break the silence around menopause and create open, supportive conversations in communities and workplaces.

Sarah highlights how little many people know about menopause, the wide range of symptoms women face, and the impact it can have - especially at the peak of their careers. She emphasises the importance of education, empathy, and practical workplace support, as well as including men in the conversation.

As a guest speaker and advocate, Sarah facilitates conversations and
shares resources about menopause/ruahinetanga with workplaces,
networks and associations all over Aotearoa and the world. So far, Sarah
has shared her lived experience and knowledge with 50+ organisations
including Air New Zealand, Xero, Sharesies, the New Zealand Defence
Force, Inland Revenue, MBIE, various city councils and the PPTA.
She’s also a writer and campaigner for change. While Sarah is not a
doctor, she’s been exploring, writing and talking about menopause since
2019 when perimenopause impacted every aspect of her health and
wellbeing in a significant way.

www.sarahconnor.co.nz

www.menopauseovermartinis.org

www.women.govt.nz/menopause - an online guide to help organisations, regardless of type and size, be informed, and supportive of employees going through menopause

https://www.women.govt.nz/gender-pay-gaps/gender-pay-gap-toolkit - helping employers understand, measure, and take action to close gender pay gaps

https://www.women.govt.nz/womens-safety/free-lead-toolkit - supporting women with a public profile or who use online spaces as part of their mahi, and their employers, to be safe online

https://www.women.govt.nz/women-leadership/register-with-BoardConnector - supporting women interested in governance positions within the public sector by sharing opportunities about available roles and training opportunities

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-connor-075b68161/

https://www.instagram.com/sarahconnor_stories/

www.jessstuart.co.nz

In this episode I speak with Dr Michelle McQuaid, a researcher and workplace wellbeing expert, who translates insights from positive psychology, neuroscience, and organisational science into practical tools for leaders. The conversation explores how leaders can support wellbeing, navigate constant change, and lead effectively in an increasingly complex world.

Dr Michelle McQuaid is an award-winning researcher, LinkedIn Top Voice for Mental Health, and honorary fellow at Melbourne University's Centre for Wellbeing Science. She translates cutting-edge research into practical strategies that help care for wellbeing, supercharge psychosocial safety, and co-create change in workplaces, schools, and communities. With nine best-selling books and over 250 podcast interviews with leading researchers, Michelle's work regularly appears in Psychology Today, Forbes, and media outlets around the world. Drawing from personal experience and scientific expertise, she creates playful, practical approaches to help people thrive, even during the most challenging of times.

www.michellemcquaid.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chellemcquaid/
www.jessstuart.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-stuart-559a7940/

This podcast episode features Alison (Ali) Mau - an award-winning New Zealand journalist with 30+ years in TV, radio, and print, a #MeToo advocate, and co-founder of Tika, a charity supporting survivors of sexual harm. Ali also released a bestselling memoir, No Words for This, in 2024.

This episode covers Ali's career journey, the challenges of speaking truth to power, her personal experience as a survivor, and the launch of her landmark tech platform Tika.

https://www.tika.org.nz/
https://www.tiktok.com/@tika.org.nz/video/7594313527926476052?q=Tika&t=1772508018703
https://www.instagram.com/tika.nz/
www.jessstuart.co.nz
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-stuart-559a7940/

The latest podcast episode features comedian, writer and social commentator Michele A'Court. Michele reflects on her career in comedy, challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, experiences with harassment, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and the importance of collaboration and support networks. The episode explores self-doubt, personal growth, activism, and identity in Aotearoa. The conversation mixes humour, vulnerability, and insight, highlighting how personal experiences, community support, and continuous learning shape both careers and social change.

Winner of “Female Comedian of the Decade” at the 2010 NZ Comedy Guild Awards and the 2015 Reilly Award for Excellence in Comedy, Michèle’s international experience as a stand-up comedian includes work in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. She is a regular guest entertainer on the cruise ship circuit.

Michele has also worked as a corporate MC, entertainer and keynote speaker for 25 years, becoming one of New Zealand’s most in-demand hosts for business awards and leadership hui. Her clients include lawyers, financial advisers, social service providers, the tourism industry, and boutique spirits makers.

https://www.facebook.com/michele.acourt
https://www.instagram.com/michele.acourt/
Bluesky: @micheleacourt.bsky.social
Threads: michele.acourt

www.jessstuart.com
https://www.facebook.com/jessstuartauthor/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-stuart-559a7940/