Live Smarter

Brittany came back to represent New Zealand in tennis after what should have been a career ending injury. She shares what drove her to be so focused and to push through.  If you want to be inspired and develop resilience - listen now! If you want to hear more about Brittany Teei ’s experience as a world class athlete, how gratitude has grown her determination and resilience: find Brittany's FU...

Starting out, we have big dreams, audacious goals. Leonard shares his mindset that helps you aim big, but adapt if life doesn’t turn out the way you expect. In Leonard Gardner 's full conversation we discuss his journey to CEO and owner of Fosters Construction, How he had early career success, becoming the Young Chartered Accountant of the year in New Zealand,  If you are interested in growing...

Andy is one of the best people I know at intentionally getting outside of his echo chamber to explore new ideas. Listen as he shares what he has practically done to broaden his perspective. Andrew Nicol is Owner & Chief Co-Worker at Agoge a Recruitment firm based in Hamilton, New Zealand. In Andy's full conversation over on The Story Hub podcast, we talk about Andy’s journey rising rapidly...

Jeff gives the example of technology and why it is so important to know what you will learn. He talks about the differences in being a T shaped professional and a generalist. If you are interested in more from Jeff McLuckie , hear about his journey into Tech Consulting in a late part of his career. We explore how to overcome Imposter Syndrome, and how to succeed by getting clarity around expectati...

After many successful CEO, Board and Chairman roles, Graeme shares his wisdom on the core tenets of successful directors and whether you should pursue a career in governance. In our FULL conversation on The Story Hub hear more from Graeme Milne . Graeme contributed to some of the dairy mergers which ended up creating Fonterra in the `90s, worked in West and East Germany during the `80s, all starti...

On Friday you get a call, on Tuesday you're heading on a trip to row across the Atlantic Ocean with no training or preparation. Hear what happens next in the toughest 35 days Paul Gerritsen has ever experienced.  If you want to hear Paul Gerritsen ’s FULL conversation on The Story Hub where we discuss his whole rowing for New Zealand experience, working for the NZ Fire Service for a decade, an...

Sir Ross recorded this conversation in the last month of his stellar 38 year KPMG career, and is extremely personable. Hear his excellent advice on building a network - where to start and how to maintain it. If you want to hear more from Sir Ross Buckley talking about leadership after 38 years at KPMG, working abroad (Netherlands & Canada), and practical tips & life advice - find Sir Ross&...

Habits are powerful because of the difference they can make in the long term. If you want to improve in these next 12 months, your habits are the best place to start. Hear Liz O’Neil’s thoughts on the habits aspiring leaders need. In my FULL conversation with Liz O’Neil on The Story Hub we hear about her experience working for large Corporates such as Lion Breweries, Spark, Fonterra, and most rece...

What can success look like in your first 5 years as a lawyer or an aspiring professional in another field? Owen shares his thoughts.  If you want to hear Owen Culliney ’s FULL conversation on The Story Hub we discuss Owen’s success in Law, building up multiple successful law practices including his own. We talk through Owen’s entrepreneurial journey purchasing Clinico, a Denture and Hearing busine...

Starting out in her career Kin was faced with three distinct opportunities and she chose the one that was the lowest paid. We delve into what you should do when weighing up career paths.  In my FULL conversation with Kim Ballinger on The Story Hub we discuss her success in the Global Dairy Industry, starting out in a technical role with a Chemical Technology degree to being the first female salesp...

1 week away from receivership, most stock has to be disposed of. Hear how Brent responded to turnaround Stoney Creek so quickly in his steep learning curve and trial by fire entry to the clothing industry.  In our FULL conversation with Brent McConnell on The Story Hub we discuss his journey as a dairy farmer and subdivision developer, the full Stoney Creek turnaround story where it was 1 week fro...

4 Days after arriving in the UK, half of Graeme’s executive team is arrested. Not the usual start to a CEO role! Hear how Graeme responded to this situation and his thoughts on crisis leadership. In our FULL conversation on The Story Hub hear more from Graeme Milne . Graeme contributed to some of the dairy mergers which ended up creating Fonterra in the `90s, worked in West and East Germany during...

Pat turns himself around in a short period of time from not competing in any sport to rowing for New Zealand. How purpose-led goal setting kept him motivated and on track. If you want to be inspired and encouraged in your goals, listen now! In our full conversation with Pat Peoples on The Story Hub we discuss how he competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, how he transformed Schick construction fr...

Hear one of Leonard’s favourite leadership quotes and what it means to lead with heart. In Leonard Gardner 's full conversation we discuss his journey to CEO and owner of Fosters Construction, How he had early career success, becoming the Young Chartered Accountant of the year in New Zealand,  If you are interested in growing in leadership, and dealing with the pressures of early success in yo...

We hate uncertainty. Open loops in our brain means you're thinking about things as you try to sleep and are a constant distraction. In this clip, hear how to be decisive in this world of ever-growing complexity was Andy’s key to his success to grow his capacity  as a leader. Andrew Nicol is Owner & Chief Co-Worker at Agoge a Recruitment firm based in Hamilton, New Zealand. In Andy's fu...

Having a successful career is no easy task, putting the pressure of all your decisions on yourself is not something you should have to do. Sir Ross shares how mentors are great sounding boards and how they can help you in your career journey.  If you want to hear more from Sir Ross Buckley talking about leadership after 38 years at KPMG, working abroad (Netherlands & Canada), and practical tip...

Going through a tough time? I hope this clip from Celia is able to encourage you, and help you craft a resilience mindset based on one of her favourite quotes. Go well, kia kaha. This was one of the most replayed episodes on The Story Hub podcast out of all seasons. If you want to hear some of Celia Austin 's other great moments ranging from her journey from Art History to Consulting, developi...

Sir William Gallagher took his father’s invention and spread it across the world. He is a phenomenal and iconic entrepreneur, so what is it like to work with him? Simon Graafhuis had the privilege to work in Sir Williams executive team for many years and shares his experience. If you want to hear more about Simon Graafhuis ' journey starting out at the University of Waikato, working in the USA...

Sales is a core component of any business, Gavin shares practical tips on how to improve your sales ability that go beyond smooth talking. It’s about helping customers and getting results. If you want to be better at sales, this clip is for you. If you want to hear more about Gavin Halley 's journey from the warehouse floor to becoming the New Zealand National Sales Manager (now recently appoi...

Sir Ross recorded this conversation in his last month of a stellar 38 year KPMG career. Hear what he is most proud of and his thoughts about his remarkable journey.  If you want to hear more from Sir Ross Buckley talking about leadership after 38 years at KPMG, working abroad (Netherlands & Canada), and practical tips & life advice - find Sir Ross' full conversation on The Story Hub on...

Growth is something you have to choose, curiosity is a habit. Renae shares how she has developed her own growth mindset in her wide ranging career, keeping her from stagnation. If you want to hear Renae Smart 's full conversation on The Story Hub podcast covering her journey as a strategy consultant turned entrepreneur. Renae’s story of getting hired, after changing the recruiters mind on a re...

Successful as an entrepreneur and in the corporate courier industry, Andy shares his best pieces of advice for getting promotions and nailing your role.  Andrew Nicol is Owner & Chief Co-Worker at Agoge a Recruitment firm based in Hamilton, New Zealand. In Andy's full conversation over on The Story Hub podcast, we talk about Andy’s journey rising rapidly in the courier industry after dropp...

How you respond to challenges is more important than the challenge itself. Hear Brittany’s wisdom that has helped her keep a resilient perspective and grow stronger. If you want to hear more about Brittany Teei ’s experience as a world class athlete, and how she came back from what would’ve been a career ending injury to represent New Zealand again in Tennis: find Brittany's FULL conversation...

Hear Leonard’s community approach to business and how it has led to helping fuel Fosters. In Leonard Gardne r's full conversation we discuss his journey to CEO and owner of Fosters Construction, How he had early career success, becoming the Young Chartered Accountant of the year in New Zealand,  If you are interested in growing in leadership, and dealing with the pressures of early success in...

For all of those starting out in their career or who would like career advice - Jeff McLuckie shares his best practical tips for you to learn from. If you are interested in more from Jeff, hear about his journey into Tech Consulting in a late part of his career. We explore how to overcome Imposter Syndrome, and how to succeed by getting clarity around expectations and showing initiative.  Listen t...