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09. Building A Charity, Battling My Self Worth and Impacting Women -Anna Paterson
Anna Paterson, founder of Everlasting, shares her emotional journey of building a nonprofit that empowers women through affordable clothing and styling services. From starting in her garage to managing a growing organization, Anna reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including learning how to lead a team and managing the weight of societal expectations. She talks openly about the moments of self-doubt, the mental toll of running a charity, and how important it is to take care of yourself in the process. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of self-worth, resilience, and the power of clothing to transform lives—reminding us all that success is about more than just achieving goals; it’s about how we grow through the journey.About our guest:Anna Paterson is the Founder and CEO of Everlasting, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women feel confident and empowered through their clothing. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Anna has spent years discovering her own worth and is now passionate about helping other women do the same. With over nine years of experience in the styling industry, she founded Everlasting with the vision of creating a space where women can feel fabulous in their clothes. All profits after costs are donated to related charities or reinvested into the organization to support its mission.Follow Our Guest:Website: https://shop.everlasting.org.nz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everlasting_recyclingwithlove/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everlastingnzFollow Us On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer04:35 - Clothes give you power06:13 - Put on your alter ego10:16 - The guilt of donating: Is it really making a difference?13:01 - Different visions, business vs. charity15:54 - Giving back: clothing for women in need20:49 - Kids' needs first, my own last24:30 - Husband holds down the fort financially28:48 - Feeling like a butcher, baker, candlestick maker36:37 - Change approved: Brutiful is now a thing!39:34 - Someone tests my boundaries when I need a break42:38 - I’ve cried more since running this charity49:33 - We carry the heart of everlasting51:41 - Your legacy is how you make people feel
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1:00:36
08. I Thought I Was Pregnant … The Truth Nearly Ended My Business !- Trish Peng
Join us for a candid conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship and the strength it takes to keep going. Trish opens up about her personal challenges, including a suspected molar pregnancy and the emotional toll it took while managing her business. She also reflects on her 11-year journey from working out of her parents' lounge to creating a globally recognized brand, sharing the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial path. From going viral on TikTok to managing the pressures of scaling her business, Trish emphasizes the importance of resilience, authenticity, and a strong support system.About our guest:Trish Peng is the founder and Creative Director of Trish Peng, New Zealand’s premier luxury bridal brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and modern twist on wedding gowns. Established in 2014, the brand started with bespoke designs for high-end clients and has since expanded globally, with stockists in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and the UAE. A self-taught fashion designer from Auckland, Trish has always had a passion for fashion, starting to sew at the age of 7. Her designs are renowned for their feminine, sophisticated aesthetic, offering brides the unique opportunity to create fully customizable gowns tailored to their individual style. Trish personally designs and handcrafts each gown for a select 20 custom brides annually.Follow Our Guest:Website: https://trishpeng.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishpeng/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishpengTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trishpengFollow Us On:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer04:21 - I didn’t make any money06:17 - It’s not if, it’s when I will succeed10:00- Signed lease, hired people. Don’t know how to! Covid16:30 - Honestly still don't know how to manage people19:50 - End of last year hot mess for me24:43 - I was mentally preparing for chemo31:00 - I don’t care what bird you kill40:00 - So many barriers
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49:28
07. From a Toxic Job to Becoming a Millionaire Agency Founder! - Marisa Fong
Ever felt like your business is your identity? Join us as Marisa shares her story from corporate life to building a multi-million dollar company and what it felt like to let it go! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of rapid business growth, maintaining company culture, and the emotional journey of selling Madison for an eight-figure sum. Marisa opens up about the identity crisis that comes with such a transition and the importance of finding the right investors who truly align with your vision, rather than forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit.About our guest:Marisa Fong is an entrepreneur, investor, and speaker dedicated to supporting women in achieving success on their own terms. In 1998, she co-founded Madison Recruitment, which became a benchmark in the NZ recruitment industry and was acquired in a multimillion-dollar deal in 2013. Since then, Marisa has founded multiple businesses across skincare, consulting, and manufacturing while building a diverse investment portfolio spanning Telco, HRTech, Biotech, and Fintech. Passionate about fostering positive business culture and empowering female founders, she actively mentors women and serves as Chair of Simplicity Foundation and Board Advisor to a private company.Follow Our Guest:Website: https://www.marisafong.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_b_fong/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marisa.FongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisafong/Follow Us On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer02:32 - When leadership ignores critical business failures04:53 - A Defining Moment at 1209:04 - When to lead, when to check in12:44 - Chasing Opportunities vs. Choosing the Right Ones18:48 - Marisa’s Craziest Business Experience22:18 - The Birth of Madison Recruitment26:00 - The Tea Towel Roster30:16 - Letting Go of Madison Recruitment36:08 - Finding Yourself in a New Version of You38:45 - Why the World Needs More Female Entrepreneurs41:36 - Find Your Tribe44:49 - Understanding Your Personal Version of Success51:06 - Success is About Impact, Not Just Numbers
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56:00
06. How This CEO is Helping Millions Lose Weight Naturally! - Sarah Kennedy
Did you know that obesity kills more people each year than COVID? Join me as I interview the CEO and Founder of Calocurb, Sarah Kennedy. Sarah discusses the health implications of weight management and how her innovative approach with Calocurb is changing lives. From her journey as a veterinarian to founding a groundbreaking health venture, Sarah shares valuable insights on science-backed appetite suppression and the importance of prioritizing health over appearance. Tune in for a powerful conversation on the science of weight management and how small changes can lead to lasting health transformations.About our guest:Sarah Kennedy is the CEO and founder of Calocurb, a company pioneering natural appetite control solutions. With an extensive background in nutrition, R&D, and leadership, she previously served as CEO of Healtheries and later led Vitaco for 11 years, expanding it into one of New Zealand’s largest health supplement companies. She also held key roles at Fonterra as Managing Director of Fonterra Nutrition, overseeing R&D and business units. Ms. Kennedy earned her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A veterinarian by training, she leveraged her scientific expertise to develop Calocurb, a breakthrough hunger-curbing supplement derived from New Zealand-grown hops. In recognition of her innovative leadership, she was recently named one of Fortune Magazine's Top 36 CEOs to Watch in 2025. Passionate about innovation and global health, she is driving Calocurb’s international expansion while championing New Zealand’s scientific ingenuity.Follow Our Guest:Website:https://www.calocurb.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kennedy-0a840b13/Follow Us On:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/**Episode Highlights:00:00 - Episode Trailer03:23 - Veterinary Beginnings05:38 - General Manager Role06:30 - CEO of Healthories09:46 - Sloan Fellowship at MIT17:01 - Internationalization and Growth22:26 - The Role of Big Pharma25:57 - Understanding Weight Management30:39 - CaloCurb's Unique Approach36:14 - Health Over Appearance39:11 - Customer Success Stories41:29 - The Importance of Sleep and Health43:05 - Advice for Entrepreneurs45:10 - Building a Strong Team
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48:49
05. From Fashion Blogger to Style Icon: They Said I Couldn’t Do It - Caitlin Taylor
In this episode, Caitlin Taylor breaks down the science of styling and how to choose pieces that truly represent YOU! She shares her journey from fashion blogger to personal stylist and founder of her own label, revealing how personal style is a powerful expression of inner confidence. Caitlin dives into the mechanics of styling, offering insights on making intentional wardrobe choices that empower individuals to feel their best. She also opens up about launching her fashion label, balancing creativity with business demands, and the importance of authenticity in both fashion and life. About our guest: Caitlin Taylor is a personal stylist and style coach with nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. With degrees in psychology and journalism, she combines her expertise in style with a deep understanding of the way language and self-perception influence confidence. Caitlin is passionate about helping women appreciate their bodies, make smart wardrobe choices, and harness the power of fashion to feel amazing. Her extensive background spans both high-end designer brands and mainstream retail, equipping her with the skills to guide clients in maximizing the value of their existing wardrobes while making intentional future purchases. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Caitlin offers her styling services both in person and online, empowering women everywhere to embrace their personal style with confidence. Follow Our Guest: Website: https://chasingcait.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaitlinTaylor.stylist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CaitlinTaylor.stylist Follow Us On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/** Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Episode Trailer 03:32 - From fashion blogger to stylist 05:15 - Finding your personal style 08:28 - Importance of outward expression 10:05 - Helping clients feel confident 12:43 - Navigating style transitions 17:51 - Launching a fashion label 21:47 - Challenges of starting a new business 25:41 - Maintaining presence and clarity 29:59 - Learning from mistakes 34:27 - Worst business advice received
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38:50