Ruffells Ad Break 35 - Lucy Pink and Hannah Hardy-Jones
In this episode, we chat with Lucy and Hannah, the dynamic co-founders of Contented, an AI-powered platform redefining how we capture, repurpose, and amplify conversations. From solo startup journeys and chance connections to late-night monkfish-fueled brainstorms, these two founders share how they went from consultancy to product development in just two years.They dive into how their backgrounds in ethical marketplaces and HR shaped their mission to build "boring AI" tech that prioritizes people, privacy, and real-world use cases over hype. Hear about the lessons they’ve learned building a purpose-driven product, their unique approach to customer feedback, and how they’re helping industries like health, finance, and education unlock the power of conversations.If you're curious about the future of AI, building with values, or scaling a startup from scratch, this is a must-watch.📌 Like, share & subscribe for more founder insights and real-world innovation stories!#ContentedAI #StartupJourney #WomenInTech #AIForGood #Founders #HumanCenteredAI #Podcast
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Ruffells Ad Break 34 - Anton Mathews
In this episode, we sit down with Anton Matthews, entrepreneur, educator, and cultural advocate, to explore how he’s reshaping Aotearoa’s business landscape. From flipping DVDs in high school to running iconic hospitality brands like FUSH and Tātou Tātou, Anton shares his journey of embedding Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori into every facet of his ventures. We dive deep into his entrepreneurial spirit, his drive to normalise Māori culture in mainstream spaces, and the lessons he’s learned balancing whānau values with business growth. Whether you're into startups, social impact, or cultural innovation, this conversation is packed with insight, authenticity, and a whole lot of aroha.🎧 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful convos like this!#ContentedPodcast #AntonMatthews #Fush #TeReoMaori #MaoriBusiness #CulturalLeadership #AotearoaBusiness
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Ruffells Ad Break 33 - Ed Donaldson
Ed Donaldson, Marketing Manager of Pegasus Bay Winery shares the remarkable story behind one of New Zealand’s most respected family-run wineries. From planting vines with his family in the 1980s to recently winning the top award at the Judgement of London with their Bel Canto Riesling, Ed outlines a journey built on authenticity, quality, and long-term relationships. He reflects on his unorthodox path from chef to marketer and his deep belief in storytelling over traditional marketing tactics. The conversation also explores the integration of arts and music into the winery's branding, including collaborations, playlists, and a distinct tone of voice. Ed speaks openly about the challenges, his punk rock approach to marketing, and the importance of values, family, and staying true to one’s vision in a saturated wine industry.
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Ruffells Ad Break 32 - Kelly Morrison
This episode features a candid and inspiring conversation with Kelly Morrison, a seasoned marketing professional with a rich background in storytelling, retail, and business strategy. Kelly shares her unconventional career journey from early journalistic aspirations, to a student exchange in the Netherlands, and eventually carving out her own path in marketing. She discusses the importance of purpose-driven work, her experience owning a model agency, and her leadership in launching the UK athleisure brand Sweaty Betty in New Zealand and Australia.
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Ruffells Ad Break 31 - Lukas Halikias and Rit Negi
In this episode of Ruffells Ad Break we sit down with Lukas and Rit, two dynamic Wellington creatives who turned boredom into a booming business. What began as a spontaneous TikTok, filmed in a local dairy, evolved into a fully fledged content agency redefining how brands show up online. From running their family store and filming skits to now working with major clients and corporate campaigns, these two are riding the wave of digital storytelling with authenticity, humour and zero f*#ks.We dive into their unlikely journey from university procrastinators to TikTok sensations, how they balance education with entrepreneurship, and why they see themselves as content creators not influencers. Lukas and Rit share their thoughts on how businesses get social media wrong, the power of storytelling over selling, and what it takes to genuinely connect with an audience in the age of endless scrolling.You’ll hear about the creative highs, the awkward client meetings, the rooftop barbecues, and the moments that almost tore them apart. Whether you’re a marketer, a creator, or just someone trying to understand Gen Z’s hustle, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and serious insight.
Welcome to the Ruffells Ad Break a one stop destination for CMO’s, marketing managers, brand owners or anyone interested in the lighter side of the marketing function. At Ruffells, we are all about the people and when we are working with best in breed it’s easy to get great results. We also recon that when the majority of our effective brain time is spent at work, you might as well enjoy the ride.This series features candid conversations with the practitioners who are in the trenches servicing the effort for the brands they work with and how they return best value to their partners.
New Zealand