Podcast
NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain
Hosted by Paul Spain · EN
New Zealand's podcast that inspires and challenges those in business and leadership. Hear from numerous top NZ leaders and entrepreneurs including Rod Drury, Sir Stephen Tindall, Sir Michael Hill, Sir Graham Henry, Mike Bennetts, Andy Hamilton and many more.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
JD Trask: Raygun + Autohive AI founder
2w ago00:45:23Tap to summarizePaul Spain sits down with JD Trask, founder of Raygun and AutoHive. JD Trask shares insights from his early passion for computers, his entrepreneurial leap with Mindscape at just 23, and the evolution of Raygun into a successful SaaS export.The conversation covers capital raising lessons, the challenges and wins of expanding into the US market, product-led growth versus enterprise sales, and the transformative potential of AI in business. Find practical takeaways on innovation, scaling recurring revenue, and embracing AI for business success.The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology.
Transcribe →Jarra Borman: Zeald & Outrun Global
4w ago01:14:05Tap to summarizeHost Paul Spain sits down with Jarra Borman, Director of Strategy & Growth at Zeald and Outrun Global. Jarra's career has spanned radio broadcasting, digital transformation, and the rise of remote global teams. He experienced the disruptive shift from traditional to digital media during his time at Yellow, before helping drive Zeald's growth and co-founding Outrun Global, a business helping New Zealand companies boost productivity through remote staffing and emerging technologies, including AI.Along the way, Jarra Borman discusses the personal challenges that forced a rethink of his approach to work, what New Zealand businesses can learn about leveraging global talent and automation, and why now is the time to rethink not just the tools we use, but how we work altogether.Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology
Transcribe →Greg Macpherson: Founder of SRW Laboratories & Pharmacy Direct
Jul 301:09:48Tap to summarizeJoin Paul Spain for a conversation with Greg Macpherson, founder of Pharmacy Direct and SRW Laboratories and a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s pharmacy, supplement, and longevity sectors. From building Pharmacy One and pioneering online pharmacy ventures to advancing biotech innovation and longevity research, Greg shares lessons from decades of business growth, disruption, and reinvention. Learn how he identified emerging opportunities, navigated setbacks, built science-backed brands, and stayed ahead of changing consumer trends. Greg also explores the future of health, wellness, and longevity, and what it means for business leaders, investors, and consumers.Packed with practical leadership lessons and strategic insights, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in building resilient, future-focused businesses.Thanks to our show partners One NZ, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology.
Transcribe →Mike Casey: Tech Exit to Cheery Farmer
Jun 1900:59:53Tap to summarizeHost Paul Spain is in Cromwell with Mike Casey, the entrepreneurial force behind Electric Cherries, co-founder of Fishburners and GradConnection and CEO of Rewiring Aotearoa. Mike shares his journey from a tech startup founder in Wellington and Sydney to pioneering sustainable, fully electric farming in Central Otago. Mike shares insights on business challenges, the real story behind his successful exit, practical tips for entrepreneurs, and a passionate case for electrification and climate-friendly business in Aotearoa.Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology
Transcribe →Tony Falkenstein: Just Water entrepreneur
Jun 501:05:17Tap to summarizeTony Falkenstein shares valuable lessons learned from building the Just Water brand, moving the Just Life Group from the NZX to the Unlisted Securities Exchange (USX). He also unpacks his passion for fostering entrepreneurship in schools, the impact of business education, and the driving factors behind successful startups.We hear Tony’s approach to building strong company culture, embracing technology and AI, and supporting the next generation of Kiwi innovators. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world insights from a true leader in New Zealand business.Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology
Transcribe →Jamie Beaton: Co-founder and CEO of Crimson Education
May 2200:43:01Tap to summarizeJamie Beaton shares how Crimson has expanded over the past five years entering new markets internationally, including a highly successful return to India and a major leap forward in the United States. Along the way, Jamie shares what it’s really like building global teams, navigating acquisitions, learning from top-tier mentors like Julian Robertson and Sir John Key, and why a thirst for learning and relentless adaptation is at the heart of Crimson’s journey. Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply curious about what it takes to build a unicorn in the education space, you won’t want to miss this insightful and inspiring episode.The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.
Transcribe →Phil Thomson: Auror (CEO and Co-Founder)
May 801:08:45Tap to summarizePaul Spain is joined by Phil Thomson, Co-founder and CEO of Auror, to explore his journey from a career in law to building one of New Zealand’s standout global tech success stories.Phil shares the early influences that sparked his entrepreneurial drive, the key decisions that shaped his path, and the realities of scaling a software company from New Zealand into major markets including Australia, US and UK. He offers candid insights into startup culture, global expansion, and the discipline and resilience required to grow a high-impact business.If you’re interested in ambitious thinking, scaling globally from New Zealand, and the personal journey behind entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Special thanks to our show partners One New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
Transcribe →Dawn Engelbrecht: CEO of Kitchen Studio
May 101:18:05Tap to summarizePaul Spain sits down with Dawn Engelbrecht, CEO of Kitchen Studio and a trailblazer in both business franchising and governance. Dawn Engelbrecht shares her inspiring journey from a small UK mining town to building an international childcare franchise empire, SKids, and leading business transformations in New Zealand. She opens up about the practical realities of franchising, navigating risk and regulation across countries, the importance of knowing your numbers, and what it takes to help franchisees succeed. Whether you’re interested in business growth, scaling franchises, or effective leadership, Dawn Engelbrecht’s insights on success, setbacks, and learning from experience will leave you inspired and informed.Special thanks to our show partners One New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.
Transcribe →Nick Astwick: CEO of Southern Cross Health Society
Apr 1700:59:07Tap to summarizeJoin Paul Spain for a compelling conversation with Nick Astwick, outgoing Chief Executive of Southern Cross Health Society. Nick shares his journey from a Christchurch schoolboy who once dreamed of joining the police force to leading some of New Zealand’s most influential organisations.Drawing on his experience helping to launch Kiwibank and guiding Southern Cross Health through major strategic transformation, Nick offers hard-won insights into leadership, building intentional cultures, and creating high‑performing teams. He reflects on the importance of aligning personal purpose with professional success, leading with intention, and his vision for New Zealand’s high‑growth business future.The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.
Transcribe →Shane Smith: Co-Founder of Education Perfect
Apr 400:49:59Tap to summarizeHost Paul Spain sits down with Shane Smith, co-founder of Education Perfect, as they dive into Shane's journey of co-founding a startup in his parents' garage with his brother Craig. The conversation traces how Education Perfect evolved from a simple vocabulary learning tool into an adaptive, curriculum-wide online platform now used by 1.8 million students across Australasia. Shane talks about the pivotal moments and challenges faced, from winning their first business competition and building trust with schools, to scaling a company with limited resources and ultimately achieving a major acquisition valued at over NZ$450 million. Shane shares insights on growing a high impact edtech business, working alongside his brother, navigating funding and commercialisation, and transforming educational outcomes with innovative technology. The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.
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