B2B Inspired

Let us know your thoughts. What does it take for New Zealand manufacturing to compete on the world stage? In this episode, we sit down with John Cochrane, a seasoned manufacturing leader with global experience across the US, China, and New Zealand. John shares insights from his career working in complex, high-tech manufacturing environments, offering a unique perspective on what makes New Zealand...

Let us know your thoughts. What does AI actually look like inside real businesses today? In this episode, we sit down with Alan Leigh, CEO of Experieco, to unpack how AI is showing up across complex organisations in New Zealand and Australia. Drawing on hands-on experience, Alan shares a perspective that cuts through the noise and challenges how many businesses are thinking about AI right now. Ala...

Let us know your thoughts. What’s really happening in the New Zealand sales landscape right now? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Stokes, CEO and founder of Indicator, to unpack the latest insights from his research into sales leaders across New Zealand and Australia. Mike shares what the data is revealing about growth, performance, and the challenges businesses are facing in a tougher econo...

Let us know your thoughts. As businesses move through Q4 and look ahead to 2026, many teams are asking the same question. Should we slow down or should we be gearing up for the year ahead? In this episode of B2B Inspired, Dale Kenny and Freyja Slavin unpack one of the most important topics in B2B marketing right now. How to use the December and January period to create strategic clarity, build mom...

Let us know your thoughts. How do you build meaningful B2B experiences in a world where technology is accelerating faster than ever? In this episode of B2B Inspired, we sit down with Nicola O’Rourke, a commercial leader and NZTE Beachhead Advisor with a career spanning some of the most recognisable food and beverage brands in New Zealand and abroad. Nicola shares practical insights on the evolving...

Let us know your thoughts. How do you build a purpose-led brand that resonates deeply with your niche, and still scales internationally? In this episode of B2B Inspired, we speak with Hugh Thomas, Brand Manager at Kids Ride Shotgun, a New Zealand company raising the next generation of mountain bikers across the USA, Europe and Asia. Hugh shares how clearly defining purpose has shaped every part of...

Let us know your thoughts. What does marketing effectiveness really mean—and why does it matter? In the latest episode of B2B Inspired, we speak with Carolyn Schofield, Founder of Food Marketing NZ and Brand Science NZ, about what makes marketing work. Carolyn challenges the obsession with short-term results and explains why the most powerful marketing happens over time. She shares how emotional s...

Let us know your thoughts. Curious what it really takes to lead with impact? In this episode of B2B Inspired, we speak with Hayley Nelson, Head of Marketing at Craigs Investment Partners, about the link between leadership, culture, and influence. Hayley reflects on how leadership is earned through consistent actions—not job titles—and why listening is a critical leadership skill. She shares how wo...

Let us know your thoughts. Wondering how to create real organisational alignment? In this episode of B2B Inspired, we talk with Clare Swallow, founder of Mulberry Street, about how culture, values, and leadership work together to unite your team and drive performance. Clare shares how she helps ambitious companies surface authentic values, embed them in everyday decision-making, and connect them t...

Let us know your thoughts. From humble beginnings to a global brand, BeeNZ is a family-owned business redefining what’s possible in New Zealand’s honey industry. In this episode of B2B Inspired, founders David and Julie Hayes share their journey of building BeeNZ from the ground up. They talk about taking big risks, learning the export game, and balancing the pressures of running a business togeth...

Let us know your thoughts. Thinking about exporting? In this episode of B2B Inspired, we talk with Phillipa Cameron, General Manager – Customer at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), about what it really takes to grow your business beyond New Zealand. Phillipa shares how NZTE works in partnership with Kiwi exporters to reduce risk, build capability, and unlock international opportunities. Fro...

Let us know your thoughts. What does it take for a small family business from Katikati to become the world’s third-largest dart manufacturer? In this episode, Peter McCormick, Managing Director of Shot Darts, shares the pivotal moments behind their global rise. From a bold rebrand sparked by a legal battle with Puma AG to building a brand grounded in authentic storytelling and Kiwi grit, Peter rev...

Let us know your thoughts. Going from superyachts to SaaS isn’t your typical founder story—but that’s exactly what makes this episode stand out. In this episode of B2B Inspired, Dale Koerner is joined by Hadleigh Ford, founder of SwipedOn, to explore the unexpected journey behind one of New Zealand’s B2B tech success stories. Hadleigh shares how a frustrating detail on a $100M yacht sparked the id...

Let us know your thoughts. Breaking into retail isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about having a strategy that delivers results. In this episode of B2B Inspired , Jayden Kilpatrick shares practical insights from his journey through New Zealand’s FMCG landscape, from supermarket floors to launching his own brand partner agency. He explains why many emerging brands struggle to scale: they...

Let us know your thoughts. This episode of B2B Inspired explores how marketers can elevate their impact by shifting focus from tactics to true business strategy. PJ Morris, Head of Customer Experience and Marketing at Fletcher Building Concrete Division, shares how marketers can become more effective by understanding the commercial model of their business. Drawing on her extensive experience in B2...

Let us know your thoughts. What does the future of sales and marketing look like in New Zealand and beyond? Join us for an insightful conversation with Mike Stokes, the visionary founder of Indicator. Mike’s journey from small business ownership to becoming a key player in the sales industry offers a refreshing perspective on the often misunderstood field of sales. Uncover the unique challenges th...

Let us know your thoughts. Discover how AI is shaping the future of business in New Zealand with Dave Howden, CEO and co-founder of SupaHuman AI. In this insightful episode, Dave shares his journey from the UK to New Zealand and explains why he believes this environment is primed for AI’s transformative potential. We explore the powerful role of large language models and multimodal technology in r...

Let us know your thoughts. Ready to elevate your B2B design game? Join us on the latest episode of We Do B2B, BlueOcean’s podcast sharing inspiration and insights for the New Zealand marketing community. This week, we dive deep into the fascinating world of graphic design with creative powerhouse John Hayler. From the allure of gig posters and musical merchandise to navigating the intricacies of B...

Let us know your thoughts. 🎙 Uncover the Secrets of Award-Winning B2B Marketing! 🎙 Tune in to the latest episode of We Do B2B as we chat with Bhavi Ogra and Julian Liew-Young from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Together, they unpack the strategic thinking and real-world tactics behind the Evora Full CPAP Face Mask launch, a campaign that not only revolutionised its market but also took home award...

Let us know your thoughts. Want to unlock next-level creativity in your marketing? Check out the latest episode of We Do B2B, where we sit down with Brett Colliver, Chief Creative Officer at Dentsu New Zealand. Brett unpacks the anatomy of a great idea and shares his powerful “nods and eyebrows” concept – a fresh way to evaluate whether your marketing ideas are truly hitting the mark. If you'...

Let us know your thoughts. In this episode of We Do B2B, we dive deep into the ever-evolving world of B2B marketing with none other than James Hurman — an innovation leader, best-selling author, and the co-founder of Tracksuit, which is rapidly changing the way the brand tracking is managed and monitored. For B2B marketing professionals in New Zealand and beyond, this conversation is packed with i...

Let us know your thoughts. 🔎 Keen to bring more customer insight into your decision making?  ⚖️ Need to democratise discussions in the boardroom?  💡Or maybe you need to send the right signals to support your journey through the levels of seniority… Join BlueOcean Senior Marketer, Freyja Spaven, on a thought-provoking and practical discussion about the B2B Marketer’s superpower, nailing customer...

Let us know your thoughts. What if mastering the deep knowledge of your product could be the key to elevating your sales team's performance and speeding up your sales cycle? In this first episode of season two the Blue Ocean B2B podcast, we chat with James Igglesden, a seasoned business owner and marketer, to explore the pivotal role of product marketers in B2B marketing.  James offers practi...

Let us know your thoughts. Ever wondered what it takes to be recognized as Tech Marketer of the Year? Join us on "We Do B2B" as we chat with Nick Whitehead, the acclaimed CMO of Serko. Nick generously shares his extensive journey through the SaaS industry, his strategic insights on Serko's dual market approach, and how his team’s innovative partnership with Booking.com for Business...

Let us know your thoughts. What if the secret to transforming your marketing performance lies in a laser-focus on your customers' needs and experiences? This episode of #WeDoB2B delves into this crucial topic with Lovina McMurchy, COO and CPO of Kry10, as she shares her remarkable journey from South Auckland to global tech leadership. Learn how Lovina's customer-centric initiatives at St...