Simon Huesser - Co-Founder and Director at Huski

In this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Brooke Roberts, co-founder and co-CEO of Sharesies. Brooke shares her inspiring journey from selling lollies out of her school locker to co-founding one of New Zealand’s most innovative investment platforms. She discusses the pivotal role of mentorship, the power of partnerships, and the challenges building a business from the ground up. Brooke also reflects on the collaborative 3EO leadership style that has helped shape Sharesies’ success. Whether you're passionate about startups, leadership, or the future of finance, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Simon Huesser, co-founder and director of Huski & soon to be launched Smoco. Hear how Simon and his wife Meika transformed a simple idea—keeping beer cold for longer—into an internationally recognised brand now sold in over 50 countries. Leveraging their backgrounds in marketing, design, and business to build Huski from scratch into a business that delivers award-winning products. Full of practical business lessons, anecdotes from Simon’s early career, and the realities of innovating and growing a global business from New Zealand, this conversation is sure to inspire budding entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Justin Mercer, CEO of Jade Software to explore his journey from a competitive Christchurch upbringing to leading innovative tech company Jade. He dives into stories from working around the globe—from door-to-door sales in Christchurch, to summer camps in the US, and building his career in Spain, Africa, and Australia. Justin opens up about the challenges of business transformation, leadership lessons, his strategic approach to scaling Jade’s business internationally and the power of New Zealand tech innovation on the world stage.

In this episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Ben Kepes—entrepreneur, investor, board director, and co-founder of Cactus Outdoor—for a candid exploration of his journey in business and technology. Ben shares the squiggly line of his career, including founding one of New Zealand’s beloved outdoor brands. He offers honest insights into the challenges of co-founder relationships, the evolution of Cactus, navigating tough decisions like shifting manufacturing offshore, and the lessons learned from successes and failures alike. Ben also dives into his perspective on New Zealand’s tech landscape and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to your passions.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Daniel Hopkirk, Founder and Managing Director of BcgCrave, an innovative agency born from the merger of Crave Global and BCG2. Daniel shares his journey working with international marketing campaigns for brands like Red Bull, Kerry Group, and Virgin Australia. He shares valuable lessons learned from building relationships, navigating global markets, and starting his own agency here in New Zealand. Daniel also dives into the art of scaling through strategic mergers, the importance of a brand’s “why,” and his approach to creating campaigns that truly matter. It’s an inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for business leaders, marketers, and anyone hungry for creative thinking in the NZ business landscape.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Matthew Hayter, Founder and Chief Product Officer at Projectworks—a New Zealand-born software platform that’s making waves in the professional services sector around the world. Projectworks has evolved from a humble side project into a rapidly growing global business, serving clients across New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and more. Matt shares his journey from small-town Gisborne beginnings to spearheading a company now valued at over $100 million and recently named High Tech Emerging Company of the Year at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, with candid insights on navigating startup hurdles, growing an international team, transitioning leadership roles, and focusing on solving real problems for customers. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just love a great business story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Kiwi innovator Sir Ian Taylor. From his humble beginnings in rural New Zealand—where he vividly recalls the first time his family home was lit by electricity—to founding Animation Research Ltd and revolutionising sports broadcasting technology worldwide, Ian shares tales of pivotal life decisions, setbacks, lessons in leadership from the army, and how Māori values have shaped his business philosophy. Sir Ian’s story is a powerful reminder to follow your curiosity, look for opportunity in every challenge, and—above all—to get out of bed and seize the day.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Rachel King, founder of Quotient, to dive into the art (and necessity) of working at "human speed." With a background as a civil engineer and expertise in psychology, Rachel unpacks why our obsession with busyness doesn’t equal value, how digital overload and workplace pressures can drive burnout—and, most importantly, practical strategies for leaders and teams to prioritise meaningful work, set boundaries, and thrive without running on empty. Whether you’re a startup founder powering through long hours or part of a corporate team drowning in emails, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and a refreshing perspective on finding real fulfilment and impact at work.

Join host Paul Spain as he sits down with Dr. Simon Malpas, scientist, entrepreneur, and chief executive of Kitea Health. Explore Dr. Simon’s inspiring journey from his global research experiences to co-founding successful medical device companies. Explore how Dr. Malpas' innovative work is poised to transform lives with a groundbreaking micro-implantable pressure-sensitive device. Discover insights on overcoming challenges, raising capital, and the potential of New Zealand as a hub for technological advancement. This episode is a compelling narrative of science, business, and passion, paving the way for future Kiwi-led medical technologies.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Grant Straker, the CEO and co-founder of Straker, a global leader in AI-driven language and translation technologies. From his early days growing up in New Zealand and his time as an elite paratrooper in the British Army, to his journey into entrepreneurship and eventual public listing on the Australian Stock Exchange, Grant shares a fascinating tale of innovation, perseverance, and growth. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of building a tech company from the ground up, the impacts of AI on the translation industry, and Grant's insights into balancing business with personal life.