Grant Verhoeven is a career and leadership coach who has amassed over 2000 coaching conversations with clients. Describing himself as a ‘recovering door to door salesman’, he realised he found joy in helping others to identify their strengths and make career decisions.  In this episode Grant explores the impact of the Great Resignation, sharing what challenges and opportunities people face in these changeable times. He also talks about the role of a coach, and why asking questions is key to...

Moumita Das Roy is a Cross-Industry Marketer with a story to share. After successfully working in marketing and advertising roles in India, a change in personal circumstances led her to travel the world before settling down in NZ.  In this episode, Mo shares how her creativity led to a career driven by content creation. She talks about the challenges of re-starting a career in a new country, and gives tips on how to build your personal online brand. #WonderingMo Chat highlights: Mo shares...

Jason Naylor is an award-winning artist, designer, and creative director based in Brooklyn, New York. He is known for creating large colorful murals featuring empowering statements and vibrant symbols. His creations have found partnership with a range of brands, including Coach, Pepsi, Guess, XBOX and Maybelline. In this episode, Jason shares how he intentionally creates art that is positive and hopeful. He talks about how he built up his career confidence, and discusses his recent work,...

Louise Chan is the Associate Director of Nursing for the Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability services (MHAIDS) covering Capital and Coast DHB, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa. In this episode, Louise shares how volunteering and charity work shaped her values, she discusses the challenges and opportunities to support nurses in the current context, and she provides suggestions for improving the wellbeing and career development of the workforce.

Who says you can’t love Mondays? Jess Stuart is a coach, author, international speaker and former senior HR Professional who draws upon her experiences to help people to reach their potential. In this episode, Jess shares how ‘work is a part of life’ and how we can thrive both at home and at work. She talks about burnout and gives tips for how we can grow resilience during challenging times. She also talks about her book ‘I Love Mondays’, providing practical guidance on how to beat the Monday b

Devoreaux Walton is a Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager based in Dallas, Texas in the United States. In this episode Devoreaux draws upon her experiences and passion for helping others by sharing why the concept of Cultural Intelligence is so important in the modern workplace. She not only shares how it helps people to better understand each other, she also describes the ways in which employees and employers alike can build this increasingly important skill.

Having grown up in South Auckland, living overseas and working in different industries, Adrian Coysh understands the benefits of embracing diversity. In this episode, Adrian shares how his personal experiences with the disabled community led him to advocate for fairer practices in the workplace. He also talks about why he created ‘Drink my Coffee’, a social enterprise that creates employment opportunities for disabled New Zealanders.  

Coffee has been a strong influence in Sean Yew’s young career so far. After training as a Barista in Malaysia, he moved to NZ 3 years ago, gaining experience in Auckland’s vibrant cafe scene. In this episode, Sean talks about the art of coffee making, and what makes New Zealand’s coffee culture so unique. He also talks about how he expresses his creativity through Latte Art, writing articles for the Perfect Daily Grind website, and studying animation.

Manuia lou aso fānau. Today is the 21st of September and it’s my dad’s 70th birthday, but due to the current Lockdown in Auckland I am unable to see him in person. It also happens to be World Gratitude Day, so I wanted to take a small moment to say thank you to the most awesome man in my life.

The purpose of this special episode is to feature my friends from the careers industry who will share useful career tips and advice during this time of Lockdown.   My first guest is David Sharples, a Vocational Consultant from Alpha Consultants who shares job market insights and also gives tips for online interviews. He is followed by Cherie Perrow, a Careers Counsellor from KingsWay School who shares tips on how to support young people with their career needs.

After studying biomedicine and then working in the health, education and corporate sectors, Elina Ashimbayeva realised her destiny was to champion the voice of others. She co-developed the platform ‘Storyo’ which shares stories of everyday women and other marginalised genders in Aotearoa.  In this episode, Elina shares how her work experiences provided insight into her preferred strengths.  She also discusses how she created Storyo, sharing some of the highlights of interviewing over 100...

Given New Zealand’s recent return into Lockdown, my thoughts are with job searchers and career explorers during this challenging time. The purpose of this episode is to feature my friends from the careers industry who will share tips on how to look for work during lockdown, how to use online platforms for networking, and also how to make a great first impression. My first guest is Victoria Swan, a Redeployment Consultant from Auckland Council, followed by Deb Crossan, a Career Consultant...

Having grown up idolising The Hulk and Michael Jackson, Ali Cowley spent his youth surrounded by the great forces of creativity. His Samoan father also taught him the craft of drawing and sketching. After a colourful OE in Australia involving dance performances and working in a Chicken Farm, Ali trained in animation and went on to carve a successful career as an illustrator, film maker, director and art tutor. In this episode, Ali shares his journey as a Polynesian artist in Aotearoa.

Anna Fleming had an upbringing based on service and being hospitable to others, so her curiosity led her to explore pathways in the helping professions.  A chance opportunity in social work, allowed her to grow her skills and eventually led her to retrain in psychotherapy.  Now fully qualified, Anna practices as a psychotherapist and actively champions Māori mental health and wellbeing.  In this episode, Anna shares highlights from her career journey, as well as her new path as a mum to...

Life-long learning is a key feature of Fiona Timoti-Knowles’ career, with early beginnings as a typist and secretary, working across the globe for Foreign Affairs, to transitioning into the education and community sectors and becoming a career development specialist. In this episode, Fiona shares anecdotes from her career and explores her passion for culturally responsive services.

Suki Xiao is a career coach with a mission to help people redefine their grind.  Having immigrated from China to New Zealand at the age of 12, Suki had initial plans of becoming a finance lawyer. In this episode, we explore how her experiences of working in corporate, policy advisory and agile consulting lead her down the path of becoming a career coach. She also shares her perspective of Imposter Syndrome, its causes, and solutions for busting through this prevailing phenomenon. 

Dr Lena Waizenegger is a researcher and academic at AUT University, with a strong interest in connectivity and how individuals and teams interact with technology. Originally from Germany, Lena was a successful snowboarder before changing career pathways. In this episode, we explore Lena’s career transition, her research into how employees experienced working from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and also her current research inspired by ‘Phone Free Friday’.

John Dorado has enjoyed a career in the helping professions, with experience as registered nurse, trainer, counsellor and career development consultant. He came to New Zealand from the Phillipines 8 years ago, and fell in love with the lifestyle. In this episode, he provides career guidance and tips to students and migrants, and explores the challenges of culture differences in the Kiwi workplace.

Pepe Afeaki is an Auckland-based careers and employability coach who balances work with motherhood, community volunteering, family responsibilities and study. In this episode we have a frank discussion on the trials and tribulations of juggling personal and professional interests, and explore how her natural forte for serving others lead to a passion for career coaching. 

Having excelled in mathematics and science during high school, Matthew Sinclair moved from Auckland to Christchurch to pursue University studies in Engineering.  The transition wasn’t as smooth as he expected and Matthew decided that things weren’t aligning to his personal values. In this episode, we explore what brought Matthew back to Auckland and towards a path in computer science and psychology.  We also learn about his love of projects, and the formation of his business, ‘Rubber Duck...

University student Raksha Tiwari arrived in New Zealand from India with her parents at the age of 7. After excelling during her schooling years at Lynfield College, she entered University and discovered how career directions are never predictable. In this episode we explore how Raksha transitioned into University life and what prompted her to pause and reconsider her options. We also gain insight into an inspiring publication she produced: ‘UofA Women in Law - Outreach magazine’.   

With a long line of chefs and hospitality professionals in her family, it would be accidental and inevitable that Karen Coleman would find herself in this industry too. Karen spent years crafting her skills as a chef, managing a business, and working overseas. In this episode we explore how Karen’s vast experiences in the hospitality industry, as well as her passion for history, culture and innovation have steered her in the direction of becoming a secondary school teacher.

Since arriving in New Zealand from Russia over two years ago, Anastasia Timoshkina set out on an adventure to experience a new culture on the other side of the world.  She also undertook post-graduate studies to understand how organisations function in Aotearoa.  In this episode, we explore how her adventures lead to an unexpected discovery of self and purpose, and eventual work as a Student Experience Coordinator.

"There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so." This Shakespearian quote has long resonated with me and it makes me reflect on the importance of maintaining positive wellbeing so we can thrive and be our best selves.   In this episode I talk frankly and openly about the challenges I've faced this year, but also my experiences of depression.  I'll also share what I'm doing to get through these uncertain times.