PowHer

In this episode we’re joined by Alicia McKay - a straight-talking strategist, author, and one of the world’s top thinkers in local government. Known for her bold perspectives, Alicia dives into what leadership really looks like in today’s uncertain, AI-driven world. This conversation explores the challenges of modern leadership in an era defined by constant uncertainty, where many leaders feel stu...

In this episode, change-maker and leader Ziena Jalil shares her journey from international student to senior leader, highlighting how opportunity, mentorship, and global experience have shaped her path and reinforcing that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. She emphasises the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and purpose in navigating challenges and leading across cultures, whil...

In this episode, Sarah Connor shares how her own unexpected experience with perimenopause led her to become a powerful advocate for change. Through her initiative Menopause Over Martinis, she’s helping break the silence around menopause and create open, supportive conversations in communities and workplaces. Sarah highlights how little many people know about menopause, the wide range of symptoms w...

In this episode I speak with Dr Michelle McQuaid, a researcher and workplace wellbeing expert, who translates insights from positive psychology, neuroscience, and organisational science into practical tools for leaders. The conversation explores how leaders can support wellbeing, navigate constant change, and lead effectively in an increasingly complex world. Dr Michelle McQuaid is an award-winnin...

This podcast episode features Alison (Ali) Mau - an award-winning New Zealand journalist with 30+ years in TV, radio, and print, a #MeToo advocate, and co-founder of Tika, a charity supporting survivors of sexual harm. Ali also released a bestselling memoir, No Words for This, in 2024. This episode covers Ali's career journey, the challenges of speaking truth to power, her personal experience as a...

The latest podcast episode features comedian, writer and social commentator Michele A'Court. Michele reflects on her career in comedy, challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, experiences with harassment, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and the importance of collaboration and support networks. The episode explores self-doubt, personal growth, activism, and identity in Aotearoa. The c...

In this episode I am joined by the amazing Alexia Hilbertidou who has changed the lives of so many young women. Alexia shares her story, what sparked her idea to Start Girl Boss, and patters she sees in terms of challenges young women are facing as they step into the next phase of their careers. Described by the NZ Herald as the Headmistress of Gen Z, Alexia is the founder of GirlBoss NZ - the sch...

In this episode I am delighted to be talking with Maia Jackman about leadership on and off the field, transitioning from a career as a footballer into media and physiotherapy among other things. Māia Jackman MNZM is a former New Zealand Football Ferns captain, sports physiotherapist, football advocate, and media personality whose leadership and legacy have helped shape the women’s game in Aotearoa...

In this episode I'm talking with Nic Turner who shares her story with us and the turning point in her passion and purpose-led life, and some tips to simplify your life. Nic Turner is a speaker, best-selling author and the driving force behind Mainstream Green. After spending the first 15 years of her career working in the global consumer goods industry, her life was set on a different trajectory w...

Today I'm speaking with Dr Ellen Joan Ford who discusses her story and the roles she has had that have led her to these insights and experiences which she shares with us today. Dr Ellen Joan Ford is terrifyingly ambitious about improving the working world for people and for organisations. As a leader, researcher, military veteran, international speaker, TEDx speaker, facilitator, consultant and pa...

In this episode I'm joined by the fabulous Tara Lorigan. We talk about Tara's experience in the tech industry - what she has seen change over the years and what have been some of the hurdles that leaders in that sector have had to overcome. Tara Lorigan MNZM is a globally recognised authority on leadership, high performance, and gendered intelligence in business. With a career that began in senior...

In this episode of the PowHer podcast I'm talking to Melissa Crawford who is a highly regarded thought leader in the future of work. We talk about what leaders need to be thinking about as we head into the future, and what is the people impact as we look at how things are evolving in the tech space. Melissa Crawford is a leading expert in the future of work. With a rare skillset crossing both peop...

In this episode I'm joined by Judy O'Brien who shares her journey with us, her interest in inclusion - and inclusion practices - from an early age, gender equity, and what she's doing now. Judy is a values-driven changemaker with a diverse career spanning education, entertainment and advocacy. As Head of Culture, Inclusion & Safeguarding at New Zealand Rugby, Judy leads work for intersectional inc...

In this episode I'm joined by the wonderful Dr Libby and we delve into her story and what ignited her passion to help women take charge of their health and wellbeing. Armed with a PhD in biochemistry, a degree in dietetics, 25 years of clinical experience and a genuine desire to help others thrive, Dr Libby empowers people to take charge of their health through her events, courses, supplements and...

Welcome back to season 2 of the powher podcast! In this episode I'm joined by the amazing Cassie Roma and we discuss - among other things - how we get to a space where we are comfortable in making achievements, and how to shine in a society where that is not always encouraged. Cassie Roma is an internationally acclaimed and awarded advertising executive. An expert in brand building, social and dig...

In the last episode of my podcast for this season and year, I'm talking to Danette Fenton-Menzies. Danette is Director of Learning for Magical Learning, author of The Adaptable Leader: 7 skills to help you succeed during uncertainty, and podcast host of Adapt with Danette FM. She uses the latest brain science and tools to help leaders adapt faster and optimise opportunities whilst navigating uncer...

As we head towards the end of the season for this podcast, I reflect on the amazing conversations that we have had over this season, and some of the key themes that I've taken away from them.

In this episode I'm speaking with Holly Bailey who is the visionary founder of Play Like a Girl, an organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls across Australia through sport and leadership development. Under Holly's leadership, Play Like a Girl has become a driving force in promoting gender equality in sport, creating inclusive spaces where women and girls can build confidence, resilienc...

In this episode I talk with Joe Consedine. Joe and I have had an insightful few years chatting to male leaders about what it means to build inclusive cultures and how we can provide environments where everyone belongs, and today Joe shares his thoughts on this topic. Joe is the former NZ GM for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and is now an independent Diversity, Equity and Inclusi...

In this episode I talk to Nina Christian about personal brand, confidence, authenticity, influence and impact. Nina is an award-winning, global branding and marketing expert. For three decades she’s helped business leaders and over 1000 brands build their audience, authority and connection with prospects and customers. After 20 years of running a marketing agency that was recognised as "Best Marke...

This week I talk to the amazing Niki Bezzant about gender ageism, and the celebration of women aging because of the gaining of wisdom, power and mana as they age. Nikki is a writer, journalist, editor and commentator who has a reputation for translating complex health and science jargon into easy-to-understand information for everyone over more than 20 years. A trusted advocate and sought-after sp...

Join me as I talk to Simone Denny about feminine energies and power, connecting to purpose, understanding the elements of yourself and being comfortable in who you are and what you offer, creating space to connect to what matters. Simone is a leading coach and practitioner dedicated to helping individuals and groups uncover the root causes of what is holding them back. She empowers clients to deve...

This week I’m talking to Kirsten Patterson (KP) who reflects on her career in leadership roles, many of which have been in male-dominated environments, discusses the changes she’s seen, how far we’ve come – specifically regarding women in the workplace, and inclusion - standing out even when it makes you uncomfortable, the importance of service to others and making a difference in the world and th...

Join me as I speak with Jo Cribb about the future of work and the role AI will play, what we can expect, how it is different for women, and where are some of the challenges in that space. Jo is an experienced consultant who has led a variety of projects and assignments. She is regularly asked to facilitate strategy sessions with leadership teams, coach emerging leaders and lead substantial policy,...

In my latest podcast, I speak to Dr Kirsten Peterson about how to combine a high pressure high performance environment with mindfulness and a more gentle approach to performance. Kirsten Peterson PhD is a high-performance expert, speaker, and most recently an author, having just published her first book, When Grit Is Not Enough. She has spent decades working in elite sport as a sport psychologist...