Notes From The Executive Podcast with Mina Amso

• How to Research Customers Who Lie About Money (The Framework Behind a $1B Platform)

  Natalie Ferguson paid $100K at 23 to escape a controlling relationship - then used that experience to build a customer research framework that validated a billion-dollar investment platform. This is her exact process.She has a gift of finding and solving complex problems. She helped change the financial habits of nearly 200,000 customers with her last startup, ⁠Hatch⁠. Now, she’s focused on the gender leadership gap with ⁠Powrsuit⁠, a career accelerator for women at every stage.Episode PartnerAcademyEx: https://academyex.com/courses/master/master-of-technological-futuresTime Stamps 0:00 – introduction Natalie Ferguson, Entrepreneur & Power Suit Founder2:00 – the problem New Zealanders and money mindset4:30 – natalie’s personal story Overcoming financial control8:00 – early entrepreneurship Starting a web design business10:30 – family influence Entrepreneurial mindset from childhood13:00 – the hatch journey Solving money control issues16:00 – research & customer discovery Framework for startups20:00 – gender wealth gap Launching Power Suit24:00 – mindset barriers Women and money myths28:00 – product development Testing multiple solutions32:00 – early adopters Identifying target market for Hatch & Power Suit36:00 – b2b vs b2c sales Lessons learned40:00 – sales skills for entrepreneurs Overcoming fear of rejection44:00 – newsletters Business growth & research48:00 – podcasting Building community & brand awareness52:00 – linkedin & events Customer acquisition strategies56:00 – measuring impact Tracking professional development outcomes1:00:00 – overcoming objections Budget, time, and gender issues1:04:00 – mistakes & lessons Failing fast and bold moves1:08:00 – bootstrapping vs funding Business growth decisions1:12:00 – the power of co-founders Building a strong partnership1:15:00 – final advice How to connect with Power SuitFollow Natalie https://powrsuit.com/ Follow me:⁠linkin.bio/minaamso⁠ Watch the episode on YouTube: (for spotify and apple only)⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@NotesFromTheExecutivePodcast Listen on:Apple podcast:⁠ https://shorturl.at/UkJ8v⁠Spotify: ⁠ https://shorturl.at/nRz5Z Podcast Partner: AcademyEx https://academyex.com/courses/master/master-of-technological-futures

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• Getting Canva to $42B Valuation To Hunting Next Six New Zealand Unicorns Startups by 2030

  Mahesh Muralidhar is a New Zealand-based entrepreneur and startup ecosystem builder who gained prominence as the Head of People Operations at Canva during its explosive growth phase to now having a $42 billion valuation.Mahesh founded Phase One, a venture firm focused on nurturing early-stage New Zealand founders, though he's currently paused that to focus on a broader mission of accelerating New Zealand's economic growth.🎙️ In this brutally honest conversation, Mahesh reveals:Why his own startup failed despite Tim Tam bribes to Uber's country managerThe one customer obsession that separated Canva from every other startupWhy 18 months of "not winning" is mandatory for unicorn successThe exact wealth calculation every 40+ entrepreneur needs to do TODAYWhy New Zealand's "safety first" culture is killing our economic potentialEpisode Partner ⁠@academyex https://lnkd.in/gumX_FAd👉 Follow Mina: YouTube👉 Follow Mahesh: LinkedIn⏱ Timestamps00:22 - The "product love" test that predicts startup success02:16 - Why focusing on ONE customer beats 200 every time04:21 - How obsessing over 5 customers trains your scaling muscles06:09 - Mahesh's startup failure story (Tim Tam hustle included)07:01 - The fastest way to test problem vs solution focus09:18 - Why he chose Canva over his own startup11:23 - The one shift Kiwi founders need to think global13:08 - Why building Canva requires "going through fire"16:10 - How to figure out what you actually want from life19:08 - Why saying no is harder than picking your goal22:59 - Inside Canva's $42 billion valuation story24:01 - What being Head of People at Canva actually means29:46 - Master of Technology Futures course for professionals31:04 - The 6 Kiwi unicorns by 2030 prediction31:55 - B2B vs B2C: The 70/30 rule that determines exit value35:15 - The unicorn formula: 18 months of no building38:04 - Role play: Building a $100 million company blueprint42:14 - The reverse engineering approach to business planning45:22 - What really keeps entrepreneurs on track (not community)49:10 - Canva's Sunday desk move that changed everything51:22 - Why AI opportunities don't matter (do this instead)52:02 - Making New Zealand happier: The last chapter mission54:30 - The best advice that keeps him grounded#NewZealandBusiness #CanvaStory #EntrepreneurshipNZ #StartupReality #WealthBuilding #KiwiFounders🎯 Perfect for: Kiwi & Aussie professionals 40+ considering their next career move, established business owners wanting to scale globally, anyone curious about the real story behind billion-dollar companies

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• Is It Too Late to Learn AI at 45? What Changed in 5 Weeks (What it means for YOU)

  Elon Musk became the first trillionaire last month. Here's why that matters more than you think.In the last 5 weeks, AI companies spent more money than entire countries. Here's what that means for your job. I'm talking with Frances Valentine, Founder of AcademyEx, who tracks every major AI development. She was here 6 weeks ago. The fact she's back this soon should terrify you. We're covering AI girlfriends, the first trillionaire, and why lawyers are panicking.In this episode:-- We will show you the tool that saved us 20 hours last week-- Frances will explain why your CV written by AI is getting rejected-- We'll cover the one mistake that makes people think they're 'too old' for thisConnect With Frances Valentine - Futurist & Academy X Founder- Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesvalintine/- AcademyEx: https://shorturl.at/A72na- Q3 Business Briefing https://shorturl.at/kFtfSConnect With Me- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/minaamso/- TikTok https://shorturl.at/MJ4qcEpisode Partner AcademyEx Masters of Technological Futures: https://shorturl.at/XeYy0Timestamps00:00 - Start Here: Are You Too Old for AI?02:47 - The Money That Proves This Is RealElon Musk trillionaire status$600M AI researcher salariesWhy these numbers matter to YOUR job06:15 - What Actually Changed in 5 WeeksSpecific capabilities that landedNot hype—demonstrated toolsHow fast this is really moving11:23 - Image & Video Generation BreakthroughFrom typing prompts to voice commandsMemory across conversationsWhy graphic designers are panicking16:47 - The 100 Assets in Minutes RealityProduct photography without photographersMarketing without agenciesReal cost savings small businesses are seeing23:07 - Google's Desperate Pivot (And What It Means)AI Overview killed their own business model$1B university investment strategyWho's actually winning right now27:48 - Which AI Should You Actually Use?ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini vs ManusOpen Router for comparing toolsFrances' honest recommendation and why33:14 - Real Companies Replacing Real JobsNorwegian fund: 110 positions eliminatedTop 100 law firms: 35% now AI-enabledTimeline for your industry38:20 - Practical Uses You Can Try TonightHoliday planning exampleChair placement testThe cake ingredient substitution trick43:55 - Why You Shouldn't Use AI for Your CV (WARNING)Every job platform uses AI to review applicationsHow to actually stand out in 2025The people-to-people strategy that still works48:40 - AI Girlfriends: What Parents Need to KnowGrok's "Annie" and millions of usersWhy women don't fall for AI boyfriendsScreen time vs actual relationships53:10 - The Mental Health Trade-Off8 hours/day on social media in NZ teensWhen AI companions help vs harmSelf-regulation strategies57:26 - Using AI Like a Power Tool (Not a Crutch)When Frances chose NOT to use AIThe dishwasher lock problem solvedFinding the balance1:03:40 - The Number One Fear of 45+ Professionals (IMPORTANT)Obsolescence anxietyWhy specialists struggle more than generalistsWhat employers actually expect now1:07:15 - Job Security Reality CheckAge bias + AI = worse than you thinkThe automated application death spiralGet hired: networking over algorithms1:11:51 - If You're Looking for Work Right NowNever use AI for cover letters (seriously)Coffee meetings beat online applicationsHow to showcase AI skills without seeming desperate1:16:30 - Coming Back from Career Gaps7-year maternity leave average in NZ1 year away = massive catch-up neededStudy group strategy that works1:20:23 - Frances' Master Program (Why Cohorts Matter)Average age: 50 years oldWhy learning alone failsAccountability + challenging conversations1:24:00 - Your Monday Morning Action PlanDon't wait for permissionExperimentation won't break anythingWhere to email Frances for help

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• 5 Things That Made My Podcast Top 10 on Apple (In A Year)

  One year. Over 40 guests. Hundreds of hours. And a podcast that started with zero budget now ranking top 10 next to global giants like Alex Hormozi.Mina Amso is the host of Notes From the Executive, a top 10 business podcast on Apple Podcasts New Zealand. With a background in journalism and a gift for authentic conversation, she interviews kiwi founders, leaders, and changemakers about the real stories behind entrepreneurship. Her show is where business meets humanity, offering powerful insights for purpose-driven professionals ready to grow.If you're building something with purpose, this podcast is for you.In this special solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of Notes From the Executive why I started it, the lessons that nearly broke me, and the moments that reminded me I was born for this.You’ll learn:- Why I left a career in pharmacy to pursue a dream in media- The real cost (financial, emotional, and spiritual) of building a premium show in NZ- How I landed top business guests — and what made some of them cry on air- Why rejection hurts more than you expect — and how I learned to keep going- The one decision that changed everything- What I wish I knew when I started- Why “consistency” is harder than it looks- How I made this podcast different good — not just “another show”Timestamps⁠00:00⁠ - Introduction & Podcast Purpose ⁠01:30⁠ - Mina’s Journey: From Pharmacy to Media ⁠03:00⁠ - Inspiration from Oprah Winfrey ⁠05:00⁠ - Starting the Podcast During COVID-19 ⁠07:00⁠ - Transition to Business & Entrepreneurship Focus ⁠09:00⁠ - Challenges of Podcasting: Costs & Teamwork ⁠11:00⁠ - Building Partnerships and Sponsorships ⁠13:00⁠ - The Importance of In-Person Interviews ⁠15:00⁠ - Achieving Top 10 Podcast Status ⁠17:00⁠ - Dealing with Analytics & Low Views ⁠19:00⁠ - Favorite Guests & Memorable Moments ⁠21:00⁠ - Lessons Learned: Consistency, Commitment, and Growth ⁠23:00⁠ - Building Community & Future VisionIf you’ve ever doubted your voice mattered…If you’ve wanted to be more visible, but feared judgment…If you’re building something of your own, with more heart than hype…Then this one’s for you.💬 Drop your questions in the comments — I want to know what you’re loving about this podcast? What's your favourite episode? 👇 Watch the full episode and don’t forget to subscribe if you believe in honest, unfiltered, high-trust conversations that matter.🔔 Subscribe here: / @notesfromtheexecutivepodcast 🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bZEwmCLzcv0?si=rOzwNoG2Q7gm_k-R💼 Want to be on a podcast? Visit https://podcastguest.co.nz📩 For brand partnerships or guest opportunities: [email protected]#NotesFromTheExecutive #MinaAmso #PodcastingNZ #WomenInBusiness #VisibilityMatters #EntrepreneurshipNZ #ImposterSyndrome #NZPodcasts #podcastjourney

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• The TRUTH About "Perfect" Work-Life Balance

  Former New Zealand Army officer Ellen Ford (PhD) reveals flexible work strategies from “Work School Hours” to lift profits and productivity, business tips on time management and self-improvement. ABOUT THE EPISODEEllen Ford—ex–NZ Army officer, leadership PhD, TEDx speaker, and author of “Work School Hours” - shares a pragmatic blueprint for flexible work that raises productivity, profits, and employee wellbeing. We cover Belonging, Autonomy, Purpose leadership, outputs-over-hours, and steps any employer can apply across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. What you’ll learn◽️ Flexible work that boosts profits andproductivity (not just perks)◽️ Belonging–Autonomy–Purpose: the leadership modelthat scales◽️ Outputs-over-hours: measure results, notpresence◽️ Time management tactics that remove busywork◽️ Policies and scripts that support parentswithout losing performance◽️ Lessons from military leadership and NZ Armyimplementation◽️ How to pilot “Work School Hours” in any team Episode Sponsorwww.podcastguest.co.nz Timestamps00:00 Intro and why this episode matters for leaders andparents00:37 What changes when work is designed for people—profitsincluded02:42 Ellen’s mission to improve the working world03:34 Self-efficacy, impossible missions, and changingsystems05:35 The Afghanistan evacuation lesson: audacity andteamwork06:12 Motherhood, business, and the origin of “Work SchoolHours”07:08 Data from 500+ parents: three broken outcomes to fix08:31 From PhD to practice: leadership research meets realworkplaces09:11 Advising the NZ Army: inclusive leadership and policyimplementation10:25 What needed to change: pregnancy, return-to-work, andphysical standards12:24 Policy vs. practice: why implementation makes orbreaks change17:50 From talks to a movement: book, TEDx, and publishing22:52 Real stories: breastfeeding, field exercises, andcorporate parallels27:21 Why “we used to do it this way” isn’t a strategy31:02 The three principles: value life outside work, focuson outputs, enable flexibility33:51 For SMB owners: use flexibility to win top talent youcan’t out-pay36:09 Outputs over hours: motivate efficiency without fear38:31 NZ productivity problem: long hours ≠ high value40:45 Kill busywork: align tasks to outcomes people are paidfor42:13 Market response: why companies are booking this worknow45:01 Belonging–Autonomy–Purpose explained (and why profitsfollow)49:24 Case study: the dairy farm that transformed teamworkand leave52:37 Autonomy example: presenteeism vs. real productivity54:59 Purpose that motivates: linking tasks to businessimpact59:15 Future of work: flexible, commercial, and leader-led1:03:22 Free eBook for listeners (code below)1:05:03 Final takeaway: “There’s more in us than we think” Follow me:LinkedIn: linkin.bio/minaamso Follow Ellen:https://www.ellenjoanford.com/Use code MINA100 on Ellen’s website shop page to get Ellen's Book Follow me:linkin.bio/minaamso Listen on:Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX Episode Sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz

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