NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Hosted by Paul Spain

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Episodes

106

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 5, 20261 hr 5 min

Tony Falkenstein: Just Water entrepreneur

Tony 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

May 22, 202643 min

Jamie Beaton: Co-founder and CEO of Crimson Education

Jamie 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.

May 8, 20261 hr 8 min

Phil Thomson: Auror (CEO and Co-Founder)

Paul 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.

May 1, 20261 hr 18 min

Dawn Engelbrecht: CEO of Kitchen Studio

Paul 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.

April 17, 202659 min

Nick Astwick: CEO of Southern Cross Health Society

Join 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.

April 4, 202649 min

Shane Smith: Co-Founder of Education Perfect

Host 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.

March 20, 20261 hr 21 min

Claudia Batten: Tech Entrepreneur, Advisor and Board Member

Host Paul Spain sits down with Claudia Batten, a respected voice in technology and entrepreneurship. From her childhood in Karori to her pivotal role in selling her tech firm Massive to Microsoft for over $200 million, Claudia Batten shares her unconventional journey through business, law, and leadership; moving from a law career to the heart of the New York tech scene, co-founding industry-shaking companies, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and being comfortable with discomfort. Claudia opens up about the essential role of resilience, lifelong learning, and team alignment, the power of curiosity, and what it means to be a disruptive thinker in today’s world.Special thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

March 6, 202648 min

Sam Vye: Founder and CEO of Syos

Host Paul Spain sits down with Sam Vye, founder and CEO of Syos Aerospace - a New Zealand and United Kingdom business that has moved with remarkable speed pioneering world-class autonomous uncrewed vehicles, ranging from helicopters to advanced maritime and land platforms, serving both civil and defence sectors around the globe. Sam Vye’s journey is packed with adventure, resilience, and remarkable lessons in leadership. Discover how his early passion for problem-solving led him through geophysics, exploration roles across continents, and eventually into the world of drone and unmanned vehicle technology. Hear insider stories about a last-minute Arctic rowing expedition, building drones for the Galápagos and unexpected contract wins. Get ready for insights on adaptability, leadership, fostering fast paced innovation and building a business on the global stage.The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr

February 20, 202648 min

Lachlan Murray: Robomate (Founder and CEO)

Lachlan Murray, Founder and CEO of Robomate shares his journey building Robomate from a small robotics idea into a nationwide home‑automation leader. Lachlan founded Robomate in 2018 and bootstrapped the company through early setbacks, refining the model through relentless problem‑solving and customer focus. His determination helped Robomate become one of New Zealand’s fastest‑growing companies, ranking 5th in the 2025 Deloitte Fast 50 with 408% revenue growth over 3 years. Lachlan shares insights on scaling up, building resilient teams, and how serving people and discipline are at the heart of Robomate’s success.Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability)https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrrSpecial thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

February 9, 20261 hr 12 min

Sam Kidd: LawVu (Co-Founder, CEO)

Host Paul Spain sits down with Sam Kidd, Co founder and CEO of LawVu, for a look at what it takes to build a global legal tech company from New Zealand.Sam shares about assembling an exceptional team, maintaining culture across continents, navigating remote work, and the personal highs and lows that come with building something meaningful. This episode delivers practical insights, honest reflections, and inspiration for anyone growing a company in a rapidly changing world.The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr