The Zeducation Podcast

Are you the reason your team can't move without you? In this episode of the Zeducation Leadership Podcast, Pasitaua Haufano sits down with Nic Thomson, founder of Iceberg, to unpack how leaders can avoid being the bottleneck, and how to build a team that takes real ownership so you can get your time back. Most leaders think being needed means they're doing a good job. Nic says the opposite. Great...

What do you do when you lose your job before your first day? Nathan Birch bought a yacht, learned to sail from scratch, and took his family to Fiji and back. In this episode of the Zeducation Leadership Podcast, we unpack what his story teaches us about leadership, courage and making big calls when you're scared. In March 2020, Nathan was one of 100 roles cut in the lockdown panic. He was the main...

Most people are using LinkedIn wrong. They scroll. They like. They post once in a blue moon and wonder why nothing changes. No interviews. No influence. No opportunities. In this episode of The Zeducation Leadership Podcast, Pasitaua Haufano sits down with LinkedIn expert Stuart Little — a specialist in helping professionals land jobs and build personal brands that actually open doors. Stuart has...

Most leaders have good values. But values alone won't make you a great leader. In this episode, I sit down with Simon Whyte, Founder of Weave Leadership, to unpack the one thing most leaders are missing — and it's not character. Simon has led across commercial and purpose-driven organisations here in New Zealand and internationally. He brings a rare perspective on what separates leaders who hold i...

Growing up in South Auckland, Vi Hausia noticed something. Other communities had better playgrounds. Better facilities. Better everything. So he asked the question that changes everything: how did they get that? Most people stop at frustration. Vi got curious. And that one shift took him from a kid wondering why his side of town had less, to one of the youngest elected members in Auckland, sitting...

In this episode, we sit down with Lesieli Oliver, founder of Lalanga and the first ever Pacific member of the Franklin board, to talk about what real visionary leadership looks like. Lesieli shares her journey from burnout and readiness to quit in 2024 to discovering her calling as a leader. She opens up about the walk that changed everything: the moment she spoke with God and received clarity on...

When your personal world is on fire, you still have to lead. Your team, your kids, your community. They're all watching how you carry it. In this episode, we sit down with the National Service Delivery Manager at Kidz Need Dadz , who calls himself the Jane Goodall of the family court. He's spent years walking alongside fathers in crisis and studying why smart, capable people flip to "monkey mode"...

Most companies look great on the outside — but inside, people are burned out and disconnected. That's not a people problem. It's a system problem. In this episode, Pasitaua Haufano sits down with Nicholas Thomson, founder of Iceberg, to unpack what self-management actually looks like in practice — and how leaders can build teams where people have real ownership, real responsibility, and real say....

In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Darius Wright, a licensed psychologist and private practice owner based in Hawai'i. We explore mental strength for high performers — diving into identity, trauma, leadership pressure, and how leaders can build resilient teams without burning people out. Dr. Wright also shares insights on reducing mental health stigma, navigating misin...

In this episode of the Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with leadership coach and CEO of The Bridge, Kenny Bhosale, to unpack 5 habits that protect leadership energy . If you want to lead at a high level without sacrificing your health , this conversation is for you. We explore practical routines, mindset shifts, and daily behaviours that help leaders stay calm, clear, and consistent under pressure...

In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we are joined by Neil Gaught FRSA — founder and CEO of Neil Gaught & Associates , an award-winning author, and the creator of the Single Organising Idea approach. We unpack what it really takes to build a purpose-driven organisation where purpose isn't just a slogan on the wall, but a leadership system that shapes decisions, culture, and results—especiall...

Don't Leave Your Culture at the Door: Indigenous Leadership with Michael Moka In this episode, Michael Moka – founder of Indigenous Growth – shares how he went from a "Once Were Warriors"-type upbringing to Head Boy at Kelston Boys', uni graduate, corporate professional, and now business owner helping organisations honour culture through leadership. We talk about: How his story shaped the way he l...

In this episode of the Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with two powerhouse leaders working on the frontline of mental health and addictions for our people. 🎙 Dr Alexander Stevens II – senior Māori academic and kaupapa Māori researcher at AUT, and mental health, addictions & trauma clinician with StandingTallNZ.org 🎙 Pulotu Master Bruce Levi – Service Manager, Pacific Mental Health & Addictions, In...

AI is replacing tasks and some jobs. But what about leadership? I sit down with Second Half's Tyrone Tangata-Makiri and Kamilla Witehira to unpack people-first AI, trust, and how leaders can turn tools into impact. Make sure to tune into this Zeducation podcast episode to learn more. The Zeducation podcast is dedicated to helping you with your leadership and career development!

We interview Johnnie Timu , founder of Brown Pride , a South Auckland movement serving our community with monthly markets for local entrepreneurs, kai and toy drives for families, support for the homeless, free haircuts and barber training, merch courses, youth programs, and open talanoa for mental health. In this episode we unpack the values behind Johnnie's mahi, the shift from victim mindset to...

🎙️ On this Zeducation podcast episode, our  guest is Nora Swann — a bold voice and changemaker in Aotearoa's fashion industry. She's the founder of Nora Swann Ltd, Fusion Fashion, and the Dressed in Confidence programme, and for over a decade, she's been helping people use fashion as a powerful tool for confidence, identity, and leadership. But Nora's message goes beyond the clothes we wear. It's...

Dr. Priyanta Ravi, a neuropsychologist, CEO, and Chief Medical Officer leading the charge in transforming how we think about burnout, leadership, and mental wellness in the workplace. With decades of clinical insight and strategic experience across healthcare and business, she's helped organizations flip burnout into brilliance by applying neuroscience-backed strategies that actually stick. In thi...

Mental health isn't just a personal issue — it's a leadership responsibility. In this Zeducation podcast episode, we're joined by  Tayyaba Khan , CEO of South Auckland's Counselling Services Centre, an organization that's been on the frontlines of crisis support since 1986. With over 15 years of experience across refugee resettlement, human rights, and mental health—spanning the Red Cross in Austr...

What if struggling in school didn't mean struggling in life? In this episode, we sit down with Varun—once a C and D student packing boxes in a warehouse—now a respected sales strategist, business leader, and founder of Synergy Consulting. He shares how he helped scale a business to $250 million, the practical leadership skills school never taught, and how he's teaching his own children to solve pr...

Can you build a successful business or career without sacrificing your family? In this episode, Ray Everest—entrepreneur, tech founder, and father of four—shares the real, practical strategies he uses to lead with excellence at work and at home. From setting boundaries and building systems to managing guilt and redefining legacy, this conversation is your blueprint for aligned leadership. If you'r...

In this episode, Pasitaua sits down with podcast expert Will Fleming to dive into the power of intuition and meaningful conversations—not just in leadership, but in everyday life and the workplace. Together, they explore how conversations were the original tools of leadership for our Māori and Pacific ancestors, and how those same principles still apply today. Will also opens up about living with...

🎙️ How to Speak Like a Pro | With Ma'a Brian Sagala Master the mic. Own the room. Win every conversation! In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Brian Sagala—a seasoned MC, facilitator, broadcaster, and creative—to unpack the real art of communication. With over 30 years of experience in public speaking, hosting, and radio, Brian shares what it really takes to be...

In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with Richie Aholelei, founder and chairman of Kura Cares Charity, known by many as the Tongan David Goggins—and for good reason. Richie is the definition of relentless. From running 5Ks and 10Ks daily, to leading his team, reading every day, and driving impact through his charity—his life runs on discipline. We break down how Richie built his...

In this episode, we sit down with Andre Timothy, a successful Pasifika professional making waves in the world of sales and relationship-building. We dive deep into the real skills that separate a good salesperson from a great one, including: ✅ How to build long-lasting relationships in business ✅ The role of reputation in career success ✅ Why connection beats the hard sell ✅ Practical sales an...

How do you build a career that actually makes a difference? In this episode of The Zeducation Podcast, we sit down with Labour MP and spokesperson, Shanan Halbert, to explore his journey from grassroots education leadership to national politics. Shanan opens up about growing up in Hawke's Bay, the influence of his Māori whakapapa, and the lessons he learned working with Māori and Pasifika communit...