Ruffells Ad Break 28 - Mike Harrison

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

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

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.

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.

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.

In this refreshingly honest episode of Ruffells Ad Break we sit down with Lizzie Parker; brand leader, globetrotter, and unapologetic straight-shooter. From launching products in Thailand to reimagining NZ butter for the US market, Lizzie’s career is a blend of global experience, practical marketing grit, and hilarious honesty.She opens up about her unplanned Bitcoin windfall, her love for rural life, and how working in bars, boardrooms and for some of the biggest brands in Europe shaped her fearless approach to brand building and why she’ll always trust her gut.From launching bold campaigns on a shoestring budget to embracing the chaos of TikTok marketing, Lizzie shows that building great brands isn’t about fancy degrees or perfect plans but about knowing your audience, trusting your team, and never losing your sense of humour.

In this inspiring episode of Ruffells Ad Break, we sit down with Becky Turnbull—brand manager, Ironman competitor, and all-around powerhouse. Becky’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and rising through the ranks without a traditional playbook. From skipping university to working in local garages and bakeries, she’s now leading brand strategy for one of New Zealand’s top FMCG exporters.Becky opens up about balancing motherhood, marketing, and marathons—literally—sharing how she transitioned from admin roles to managing major brand campaigns. We dive into her experience navigating imposter syndrome, dealing with tight budgets, and making bold moves into spaces like TikTok to connect with modern consumers.She talks candidly about workplace culture, surviving lockdown with young kids, and what it really takes to build trust with agency partners. Plus, Becky reveals how training for a 70.3 Ironman shifted her mindset and deepened her connection to her work and team.This episode is packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes lessons, and real talk on career growth, confidence, and doing more than you ever thought possible.

Mike Harrison; Londoner, Aucklander, now Christchurchian and General Manager of OMD New Zealand brings some real talk on the podcast this week! Discussing the future of Christchurch’s business and marketing community and how to succeed in new roles with his ‘rule of three’s, Mike is a truly epic mentor and leader in the industry. Adbreak will be here next week too! See you then. Based in Christchurch, Ruffells is a creative team that specialises in video production, marketing consultancy and creating unique brand strategies. For more on how we work or how we can help your business do better, get in touch at ruffells.co.nz

Mark ‘the marketer’ Godenho; engineer, broadcaster, creative director and now head marketer at TASKA prosthetics is with us this week! From a very diverse work background to a very niche market, Mark’s perspective on economic shifts in the industry and maintaining duality within international markets is fresh. Creative discipline, the importance of connecting with customers and whether digital marketing is actually just marketing? This episode of Adbreak is one to watch. Based in Christchurch, Ruffells is a creative team that specialises in video production, marketing consultancy and creating unique brand strategies. For more on how we work or how we can help your business do better, get in touch at ruffells.co.nz 

Gareth O’Connor is in the house, on trend and on the podcast this week! Founder and Consultant of marketing strategy consultancy ‘Something Different’, Gareth is a weapon in the marketing industry and gives us incredible insight into how it has evolved over the past 20 years, and where it’s going in the next 20! Tune in to get the down-low on the importance of creativity in strategy, how to focus on customer solutions, and why every stage of the marketing process is equally valuable. We’ll see you in the next Ad Break for more epic conversations with leading marketers in New Zealand. Based in Christchurch, Ruffells is a creative team that specialises in video production, marketing consultancy and creating unique brand strategies. For more on how we work or how we can help your business do better, get in touch at ruffells.co.nz