NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Hosted by Paul Spain

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Episodes

114

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 16, 20261 hr 48 min

Building Serko: Global Growth, AI and the Long Game - Darrin Grafton

How do you build a New Zealand technology company that competes on the global stage? Darrin Grafton, co-founder and CEO of Serko, shares the story behind building one of New Zealand's most successful software companies. Darrin discusses entrepreneurship, international expansion, acquisitions, company culture, resilience through crises, and why AI is creating the biggest opportunity of his career. He also shares lessons on leadership, innovation, and playing the long game in business. Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology

October 2, 20261 hr 2 min

From Hardware Manufacturing to Global Software Business - Greg Balla. AoFrio CEO

In this episode of the New Zealand Business Podcast, Paul Spain sits down with Greg Balla, CEO of AoFrio, to explore the leadership, innovation, and transformation lessons behind building successful organisations. From his early years at 3M and Orion Health through to leading AoFrio's shift from hardware manufacturing to a global IoT and software business, Greg shares practical insights on change management, innovation culture, values-based leadership, and why technology success is ultimately about people, not technology. Thanks to our show partners One NZ, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology.

September 18, 202659 min

Cybersecurity in the AI Era: What Business Leaders Must Protect - Stephen Phillips

Paul Spain speaks with Stephen Phillips, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Gorilla Technology, about the risks facing New Zealand organisations, from identity theft and convincing phishing messages to deepfakes and vulnerabilities in software. Stephen shares lessons from telecommunications, banking and cloud technology. He explains why every organisation needs to understand its risk appetite, prioritise resilience and recovery and protect identities. They also discuss how smaller businesses can access effective security protections without the budgets of large enterprises, and why security awareness, careful technology selection and regular testing matter more than ever. The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology.

August 28, 202655 min

How Venture Capital Really Works: Funding Startups and Managing Risk - Lachlan Nixon

Host Paul Spain speaks with Lachlan Nixon, founder and managing partner of Motion Capital, a New Zealand venture capital fund focused on climate tech. Lachlan explains why New Zealand’s climate tech sector is gaining momentum. He shares lessons from funding startups, taking products global, validating customer demand early, and managing the high-risk maths of venture capital, including Motion Capital’s 15-company portfolio strategy and standout investments. Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology

August 17, 20262 hr 0 min

Leading Through Crisis, Change and Career Setbacks - Strahan Wallis

Join Paul Spain as he sits down with Strahan Wallis, one of Aotearoa’s top marketing, communications, and public relations leaders. From his humble beginnings on a Raglan farm to leading agencies in London, Los Angeles, and New Zealand, Strahan Wallis shares pivotal lessons from working with global brands, crisis management, and leading transformations at companies like Clemenger Group and Porter Novelli. This candid conversation explores values-based leadership, navigating career cliffs and how Kiwi grit can power international success. Whether you’re a business owner or aspiring leader, this episode offers rare insight into world-class campaigns, building resilient teams, and leading with integrity through change. Thanks to our show partners One NZ, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology.

July 31, 202645 min

Raising Capital, Entering the US and Building Agentic Software - JD Trask

Paul 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.

July 16, 20261 hr 14 min

Remote Teams, AI and a Smarter Way to Grow Your Business - Jarra Borman

Host 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

July 3, 20261 hr 9 min

From Online Pharmacy to Biotech and Longevity Innovation - Greg Macpherson

Join 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.

June 19, 202659 min

From Tech Exit to Fully Electric Farming - Mike Casey

Host 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

June 5, 20261 hr 5 min

Building a Lasting Business: Acquisitions, AI and Entrepreneurship - Tony Falkenstein

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