The Powerhouse Diaries

When a Sunshine Girl Learns to Glow in the Dark

In this electric and deeply human episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Kimberley Crossman, an actor, comedian, producer, creator of Pretty Depressed, grief survivor, mental health advocate, marine biology nerd, and the woman who somehow lives ten lives at once without losing the plot or her light.

For years, the world saw Kimberley as the sunshine girl. Cheerful. Bubbly. Always on. But what most people never saw was the grief she was carrying through auditions, deadlines, miscarriages, and the pressure to stay “fine” on screen and online. This episode opens the curtain on that truth but not in a tragic way rather in a way that shows how softness and strength can co-exist in one woman who absolutely refuses a small life.

We explore the wildly parallel worlds she moves through. Los Angeles sets. New Zealand bush walks. Comedy stages. Shark tagging adventures. Solo healing. Creative entrepreneurship. And a career built on resilience that would break most people long before the ten thousandth no.

This conversation is bright, funny, disruptive, emotional, and full of moments that make you feel like you are sitting with a woman who has lived enough for three seasons of her own show. Kimberley brings receipts on what it means to keep going after loss, to redefine resilience, to stop performing for approval, and to let your messy and magnificent parts all have space at the table.

If you’ve ever felt split between who the world sees and who you actually are or ever carried grief while still building a big life this episode feels like oxygen.

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In This Episode We Explore

00:00 Episode trailer

02:10 The duality of being Kimberley in Hollywood and Kimberley at home

07:40 How 10,000 rejections shaped her optimism without hardening her

12:15 The quiet heartbreak of miscarriage and the identity rebuild that followed

18:20 Why joy became her compass and not a personality trait

23:50 The moment she stopped performing for approval and started choosing truth

28:30 Finding purpose beyond visibility and the story behind Pretty Depressed

35:10 The sunshine reputation and the shadows people never see

41:20 Bees, sharks and the passions that keep her grounded and alive

48:00 Living parallel lives and the freedom of being multidimensional

55:40 Letting herself be loved in the mess instead of the performance

01:03:00 Boundaries that saved her from burnout and performative wellness

01:08:45 What resilience and delusion really look like behind the scenes

01:15:00 How she chooses a big life without apology

01:21:30 What she hopes her audience feels, not just sees

01:24:00 Closing reflections

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Episode Links

Kimberley Crossman on Instagram

She Built a Fashion Legacy by Choosing Joy Over the Grind

There is ambition that burns people out.

And then there is ambition that makes you lighter.

Kathryn Wilson chose the second path.

In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Kathryn strips back the fashion gloss and talks about what really built her twenty four year career. Not hustle. Not ego. Not a five year plan. Joy. The kind that feels almost rebellious in a world obsessed with productivity and proof.

But this conversation is not the surface level self care Instagram loves. It is for the woman who knows success can feel heavy even when it looks perfect. The woman who needs a reminder that her intuition is a strategy. And the woman who secretly wants permission to enjoy her life more without losing her edge.

Kathryn reveals just enough to pull you in. The moment she realised she wanted her business decisions to feel like fun again. Why she would rather talk to five year olds about optimism than sit in a board meeting. How she leads her team by asking what lights them up instead of what boxes they have ticked. And how a pair of shoes can shift your whole posture and your whole life.

What she does not do is give you a formula.

She gives you something better.

A lens. A way of choosing. A way of staying human in the climb.

We talk about what it really takes to put your name out there and keep your soul in the process. We peek behind the glamor into the grind, the resets, the pivots, and the moments where her body whispered stop long before her calendar did. We explore how joy has quietly been her compass through every unexpected chapter.

This episode will not tell you to slow down. It will remind you to tune in.

Because sometimes the bravest thing a woman can do in business is choose what feels good and trust that it counts.

In This Episode We Discuss

00:00 Kathryn on what joy really means in business

04:20 The childhood spark and discovering her love for shoes 08:55 Falling into business by following what felt fun

14:20 The real grind behind the glamor

20:10 Why she would rather mentor five year olds about optimism

26:40 How she leads her team through care instead of KPIs 31:55 Creating confidence through design

38:45 The emotional power of shoes and why women stand taller in them

45:20 Reinventing constantly in a fast changing industry

52:15 Protecting her energy without losing her magic

58:40 Knowing when to pivot versus when to push

01:04:30 Building a brand that reflects who you are

01:10:20 Choosing what feels good at forty five

01:17:55 Building a life she actually wants to wake up to

01:24:00 Closing reflections

Episode Resources

Guest Website

Designing the Dream, Then Dismantling It

This is what happens when ambition meets awakening.

Yaela Raber sits down with Mia Feasey, founder of Siren Design Group, to talk about what success really costs when you’ve spent your life chasing it.

Mia built one of the most celebrated design studios in Asia Pacific, leading teams, winning awards, and creating spaces that shaped culture. From the outside it looked perfect. Inside, it was a slow collapse of identity, ego, and exhaustion.

In this raw and unguarded conversation, Mia opens up about the reckoning that followed the burnout that forced her to rebuild from soul instead of status. She shares how she learned to lead without losing herself, why she dismantled the version of success she once worshipped, and what happens when you finally stop performing and start becoming.

This episode isn’t about walking away. It’s about walking home.

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In This Episode We Discuss

00:00 Episode trailer

01:10 The rise of Siren Design and the architecture of ambition

06:00 When achievement becomes addiction

12:30 Burnout, identity, and the ego that built the empire

18:45 The power and pain of letting go

25:00 Motherhood, leadership, and the cost of proving yourself

31:15 Rebuilding from alignment instead of exhaustion

37:20 What success looks like when peace becomes the goal

43:40 Creativity after collapse

48:00 How to design a life that finally fits

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Episode Resources

She Cracked the CFO Code: Candice Tait on Money Mastery, Mindset & Freedom

In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Candice Tait a seasoned Chief Financial Officer turned founder, investor, and financial empowerment mentor who’s on a mission to help women reclaim their power through financial fluency.

From working in London’s high-stakes tech scene as a CFO surrounded by men to building a purpose-driven career in New Zealand, Candice opens up about breaking glass ceilings, redefining safety, and creating what she calls the “F*** You Fund” a savings system designed to give women true freedom of choice.

This conversation dismantles money myths, explores how trauma and safety shape our financial behaviors, and reveals why understanding your numbers is the most radical act of empowerment a woman can take.

We Discuss:

In This Episode

00:00 - Episode Trailer

02:10 - From London finance executive to female founder in New Zealand

05:45 - Cracking the code of the male-dominated world of tech and private equity

09:00 - Sexism in the boardroom and learning to play the game differently

13:20 - The pivotal lessons from 14 company exits and multi-million-dollar acquisitions

17:00 - The “F*** You Fund”: what it is and why every woman needs one

20:30 - Turning scarcity into empowerment through intentional money management

23:10 - Rewriting your attachment style to money

27:00 - Why financial literacy is the second language every founder must speak

30:20 - How to pay yourself properly as a founder (and when to start)

33:50 - Why numbers tell your story and how to make them work for you

38:10 - Overcoming shame and rewriting your financial narrative

42:00 - Using business strategy and profit & loss as your power tools

46:10 - How to bridge feminine intuition with financial confidence

50:00 - The money myths that need to die and how to build true wealth on your terms

Episode Resources:

From Pastor to Building Empire: Natalie Williams on Trauma, Real Estate, and Building Generational Wealth

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Williams speaker, coach, and founder of Wealth Creators whose journey has been anything but ordinary. From her early years as a pastor and suicide prevention advocate in New Zealand to becoming a luxury real estate entrepreneur in Dubai, Natalie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition.

We dive into the trauma and transformation that shaped her path, including losing her father, facing depression, and learning to turn pain into power. Natalie shares how she built a multi-million-dollar real estate business in one of the world’s most competitive markets, why financial literacy and wealth creation are essential for women, and the mindset shifts that allow anyone to step into their next level.

This conversation is packed with practical insights, raw truth, and a powerful reminder that you are the architect of your own life.

In This Episode We Discuss:

00:00 - Episode Trailer

01:00 - From pastor to entrepreneur: Natalie’s unlikely beginning

05:00 - Losing her father, depression, and the power of forgiveness

10:00 - Building resilience through grief and trauma

14:00 - Creating a national suicide prevention tour

18:00 - Transitioning into PR, coaching, and real estate

22:00 - Pitching and winning the biggest property deal in New Zealand

28:00 - Moving to Dubai: why a one-way ticket changed everything

33:00 - The truth about financial freedom, wealth, and contribution

38:00 - Money mindset: shifting from scarcity to abundance

42:00 - Female founders, tall poppy syndrome, and building global empires

48:00 - Why pain can be your greatest teacher

53:00 - Final reflections: success, sacrifice, and legacy

Episode Resources:

She Built One of New Zealand’s Most Iconic Restaurants And Redefined What It Means to Lead

In this episode, I sit down with Judith Tabron, legendary restauranteur and hospitality leader, whose story is one of grit, innovation, and fearless reinvention. From building and running the iconic Soul Bar & Bistro for over two decades to reimagining what life and leadership look like beyond it, Judith has consistently led from the front in one of the toughest industries in the world.

We dive into how she navigated the relentless pressures of hospitality, what it really means to scale and sustain a brand over decades, and the personal toll that comes with being “always on.” Judith shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and legacy and why she believes the next chapter of her life is her boldest yet.

This conversation is a rare behind-the-scenes look at an industry icon, packed with wisdom for any founder, leader, or creative building something meant to last.

00:00 - Episode Trailer

01:20 - Building Soul Bar & Bistro from vision to institution

06:30 - The relentless grind of hospitality and leadership

11:00 - Lessons in resilience: navigating setbacks and comebacks

15:20 - The realities of being a woman leader in a male-dominated space

20:00 - Sustaining success over two decades

24:45 - The personal cost of being “always on”

30:10 - Leadership lessons from hospitality that apply everywhere

35:00 - Reinvention: what comes after building an empire

40:15 - Judith’s advice to the next generation of women leaders

She Took On Menopause Myths And Changed the Conversation for Women Everywhere

She Left Corporate To Teach Women AI And Discovered It Was Never About the Tech

In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Jeffs founder of SheisAI and a fierce advocate for women stepping into the AI revolution with confidence and creativity. From navigating a career in corporate leadership to building a platform that demystifies artificial intelligence for women entrepreneurs, Amanda’s journey is proof that the most powerful transformations often begin with a leap into the unknown.

We dive deep into how she went from working in male-dominated industries to creating a global learning community, why women can’t afford to sit out the AI conversation, and how embracing tech can also mean reclaiming your voice, your authority, and your place at the table.

This conversation is both a practical roadmap for women wanting to integrate AI into their businesses and a powerful reminder that your value is never just in what you know but in how you use it.

In This Episode We Discuss:Episode Resources:

00:00 Episode Trailer

01:30 Amanda’s leap from corporate to AI entrepreneurship

04:20 The gender gap in AI and why it matters now more than ever

08:15 Demystifying AI for non-tech women

11:45 How fear of technology holds women back in business

15:00 Practical AI tools to save time, money, and energy

20:10 Why mindset is just as important as skillset in tech adoption

24:40 Building SheisAI into a global learning platform

29:00 Stories of women transforming their businesses with AI

33:50 The biggest myths about AI (and the truth behind them)

38:20 The intersection of creativity, confidence, and technology

42:00 Amanda’s advice to women ready to embrace AI now

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She Built a Startup Empire… Then Burned Out, Got Cancer, and Had to Rebuild Everything

In this episode, I sit down with Marian Johnson startup ecosystem builder, founder champion, and former CEO of Ministry of Awesome who spent years at the forefront of New Zealand’s innovation scene… until her body forced her to stop.

We dive into the untold truth behind building a mission-led movement, the funding gap women founders are still up against, and what happens when success demands more than you can sustainably give. After facing a crushing wave of burnout and a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Marian had to walk away from everything she helped build just to find herself again.

This conversation is a raw and deeply honest exploration of identity, ambition, and why true leadership sometimes looks like stepping down, not pushing through.

For every woman who’s ever carried too much for too long this one’s for you.

In This Episode We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:00 Building Electrify and why she walked away

04:00 The 2% stat: women’s access to capital

07:00 Why innovation is New Zealand’s future

10:00 Female leadership on the world stage

13:00 The myth of balance in high-growth spaces

17:00 Burnout, fear, and the emotional toll of leadership

21:00 Leading on grit and breaking because of it

24:00 Getting the cancer diagnosis that stopped everything

26:00 The pressure to stay in “high function” mode

28:00 What actually helped her recover

31:00 Letting go of control and urgency

35:00 Role modeling from a place of wholeness

38:00 Rewriting the startup founder narrative

41:00 Advice for early-stage women entrepreneurs

45:00 The one thing she needed to hear earlier

Episode Resources:

What does it look like to walk away from a life that looks good on the outside but is quietly destroying you from within? Rochelle Moffitt knows. After leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, losing her footing in the traditional workforce, and navigating the chaos of a blended family with six kids, Rochelle started again this time, on her terms.

In this explosive and deeply human conversation, Rochelle opens up about how she built a brand with no website, launched one of New Zealand’s most exciting business events, and redefined what it means to be bankable as a woman in business. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, sat in a pile of highlighters trying to figure it out, or felt the pull toward something more this one’s for you.

00:00 – Why she walked away from the life everyone else wanted

04:01 – What people don’t know about starting from nothing

10:45 – The truth about believing in yourself when no one’s watching

18:01 – How she went from ‘hobby business’ to building a legacy

23:01 – What being “bankable” really means for women in business

30:01 – How she launched NZ’s boldest business event with no roadmap

36:01 – Why your name is the most powerful currency you own

42:01 – How to build a personal brand that actually stands out

46:01 – What to do when you’re not ready… but know you need to start

Janine Grainger is living proof that bold vision, grit, and conviction can change the game. From high school dropout to co-founder of one of New Zealand’s largest crypto platforms, Janine built Easy Crypto from a wild idea into a multimillion-dollar empire and then walked away on her own terms. In this episode, she unpacks what it takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, navigate burnout, and trust your gut in the face of massive uncertainty. This conversation is equal parts entrepreneurial insight and deeply personal growth.

About our guest:

Janine Grainger is a fintech founder, speaker, and advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. As the co-founder and former CEO of Easy Crypto, Janine led the company through record-breaking funding rounds, global expansion, and massive industry shifts all while championing equity, access, and ethical innovation. With a background in traditional banking and a passion for democratizing finance, she now focuses on empowering others to take control of their financial futures.

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Dr. Sarah Anticich is on a mission to make peak performance more human. As a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience, Sarah blends science with compassion to help high performers especially women thrive without burning out. In this episode, she breaks down why nervous system regulation is non-negotiable, how we can rewire deep-rooted beliefs, and what it really takes to sustain success without self-destruction.

About our guest:

Dr. Sarah Anticich is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and co-founder of Grow Daily. With a background spanning trauma recovery, corporate wellbeing, and peak performance, she brings a science-backed yet radically relatable lens to mental health and resilience. From running large-scale corporate programs to helping individuals develop everyday psychological skills, Sarah’s work centers on compassionate self-regulation, mindset mastery, and nervous system balance.

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Krishna Botica’s story is a masterclass in bold reinvention. After building an iconic hospitality career in New Zealand, Krishna is pivoting everything career, location, and life path to chase the dreams she once thought were impossible. In this episode, she shares the messy, powerful reality of change, why fear is never a reason not to act, and how letting go can lead to your greatest adventures.

About our guest:

Krishna Botica is a celebrated entrepreneur, hospitality leader, and transformational coach. Known for co-founding Café Hanoi, Ghost Street, and Saan, Krishna has spent decades shaping New Zealand’s dining landscape. Now, she’s stepping into a bold new chapter—relocating to Europe to embrace uncertainty and creativity on her own terms. Krishna is passionate about leadership, resilience, and building a life fueled by authenticity, not expectation.

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Join Yaela Raber in this solo episode of The Powerhouse Diaries as she dives deep into one of the most uncomfortable yet crucial aspects of business: sales. From childhood stories to hard-hitting coaching moments, Yaela shares the real reason so many entrepreneurs freeze when it’s time to sell and how to shift from fear to flow. Learn how the A.S.S.H.O.L.E. sales strategy was born (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) and why selling is not just an option it’s your obligation when your work is medicine. If you've ever held back from making offers because of fear, doubt, or “ick,” this conversation will challenge you to step up, speak out, and serve at a higher level.

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Mela Lush is rewriting the rules for women in the workforce. What started as a personal challenge navigating solo motherhood, a broken system, and impossible expectations became a full-blown movement. In this episode, Mela shares how she built Jobs for Mums from her living room into a national platform that’s already impacted over 10,000 families and helped shift the conversation around motherhood, equity, and identity. Expect raw truth, hard-won lessons, and the empowering reminder that systemic change starts with one bold choice.

About our guest:

Mela Lush is the founder of Jobs for Mums, a social enterprise helping parents especially mothers access flexible, meaningful employment. With a background in marketing and leadership, Mela’s mission is to dismantle the outdated systems that penalize parenthood and make work, well… work, for everyone. Her platform is now a catalyst for economic growth, gender equity, and deeply personal transformation.

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In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber takes you behind the curated social media feeds and into the raw, unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship.

Speaking candidly about her own experience with burnout, executive depression, and the pressure of maintaining the image of success, Yaela shines a light on the darker side of building a business—one that often goes unspoken. This episode is a must-listen for ambitious female founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are tired of the unrealistic narratives and craving honest conversations about what it really takes to thrive.

Yaela shares her journey of rediscovering her worth beyond business success, breaking free from the societal conditioning that ties identity to achievement. She opens up about the messy middle of entrepreneurship and why embracing authenticity is the key to sustainable leadership.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your worth, feeling alone in your struggles, or searching for the permission to lead in your own way—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Walk away with powerful insights on redefining success, reconnecting to your vision, and leading from a place of integrity and inner knowing.

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Gaelle takes us behind the scenes of creating her waterless beauty brand, Dust&Glow, sharing the challenges of crafting a product that not only works but aligns with her core values—eliminating water, plastic, and harmful ingredients. She opens up about the hurdles of finding like-minded manufacturers and staying true to her mission amidst skepticism and setbacks. Gaelle also discusses the urgent need for innovation in the beauty industry, particularly around packaging and sustainability, and stresses the importance of self-care to drive meaningful change. As the conversation wraps, Gaëlle reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave—one built on positive impact and resilience.

About our guest:

Gaelle Thieme is a Senior Marketing Consultant based in Auckland, with over 13 years of experience in FMCG and beauty industries across New Zealand, France, and the USA. She has a proven track record of driving brand growth and delivering strategic and tactical projects for both corporate and SME environments. Gaelle is passionate about innovation, with a strong background in product development, spanning industries such as FMCG, beauty, natural skincare, and food. Her unique ability to see the big picture while being hands-on in managing complex projects and teams has been a key to her success. Gaelle specializes in product development, category innovation, consumer and market insights, brand strategy, and project management. Currently, she is focused on her own start-up, Dust&Glow, a waterless beauty brand, and is not taking on new work in the beauty industry.

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In this episode, I hang out with Emma Peters, the powerhouse behind Aleph Beauty, and we get into all the juicy bits of her journey. She spills the tea on a brutal moment when her mentor told her to "put a bullet in it" with her online store—which, let's be real, stung—but it ended up being the kick she needed to find her true passion. We dive into how pregnancy turned her into a label-reading ninja, and why she decided to create makeup that’s as good for the planet as it is for your skin. Emma’s got stories about battling the beauty industry's dirty little secrets and why her brand is all about high performance without the guilt. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

About our guest:

Emma Peters is the founder of Aleph Beauty, a New Zealand-made natural makeup brand born from her passion for health-conscious, sustainable beauty. As a professional makeup artist, Emma became increasingly aware of the potentially harmful ingredients in mainstream products. Frustrated by the lack of options that combined high performance with clean, vegan, cruelty-free formulas and sustainable packaging, she set out to create her own solution. Aleph Beauty embodies Emma’s vision of a minimalist, multi-functional makeup range that enhances natural beauty while prioritizing the health of people, the planet, and its animals.

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Anna Paterson, founder of Everlasting, shares her emotional journey of building a nonprofit that empowers women through affordable clothing and styling services. From starting in her garage to managing a growing organization, Anna reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including learning how to lead a team and managing the weight of societal expectations. She talks openly about the moments of self-doubt, the mental toll of running a charity, and how important it is to take care of yourself in the process. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of self-worth, resilience, and the power of clothing to transform lives—reminding us all that success is about more than just achieving goals; it’s about how we grow through the journey.

About our guest:

Anna Paterson is the Founder and CEO of Everlasting, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women feel confident and empowered through their clothing. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Anna has spent years discovering her own worth and is now passionate about helping other women do the same. With over nine years of experience in the styling industry, she founded Everlasting with the vision of creating a space where women can feel fabulous in their clothes. All profits after costs are donated to related charities or reinvested into the organization to support its mission.

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Join us for a candid conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship and the strength it takes to keep going. Trish opens up about her personal challenges, including a suspected molar pregnancy and the emotional toll it took while managing her business. She also reflects on her 11-year journey from working out of her parents' lounge to creating a globally recognized brand, sharing the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial path. From going viral on TikTok to managing the pressures of scaling her business, Trish emphasizes the importance of resilience, authenticity, and a strong support system.

About our guest:

Trish Peng is the founder and Creative Director of Trish Peng, New Zealand’s premier luxury bridal brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and modern twist on wedding gowns. Established in 2014, the brand started with bespoke designs for high-end clients and has since expanded globally, with stockists in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and the UAE. A self-taught fashion designer from Auckland, Trish has always had a passion for fashion, starting to sew at the age of 7. Her designs are renowned for their feminine, sophisticated aesthetic, offering brides the unique opportunity to create fully customizable gowns tailored to their individual style. Trish personally designs and handcrafts each gown for a select 20 custom brides annually.

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Ever felt like your business is your identity? Join us as Marisa shares her story from corporate life to building a multi-million dollar company and what it felt like to let it go! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of rapid business growth, maintaining company culture, and the emotional journey of selling Madison for an eight-figure sum. Marisa opens up about the identity crisis that comes with such a transition and the importance of finding the right investors who truly align with your vision, rather than forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit.

About our guest:

Marisa Fong is an entrepreneur, investor, and speaker dedicated to supporting women in achieving success on their own terms. In 1998, she co-founded Madison Recruitment, which became a benchmark in the NZ recruitment industry and was acquired in a multimillion-dollar deal in 2013. Since then, Marisa has founded multiple businesses across skincare, consulting, and manufacturing while building a diverse investment portfolio spanning Telco, HRTech, Biotech, and Fintech. Passionate about fostering positive business culture and empowering female founders, she actively mentors women and serves as Chair of Simplicity Foundation and Board Advisor to a private company.

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Did you know that obesity kills more people each year than COVID? Join me as I interview the CEO and Founder of Calocurb, Sarah Kennedy. Sarah discusses the health implications of weight management and how her innovative approach with Calocurb is changing lives. From her journey as a veterinarian to founding a groundbreaking health venture, Sarah shares valuable insights on science-backed appetite suppression and the importance of prioritizing health over appearance. Tune in for a powerful conversation on the science of weight management and how small changes can lead to lasting health transformations.

About our guest:

Sarah Kennedy is the CEO and founder of Calocurb, a company pioneering natural appetite control solutions. With an extensive background in nutrition, R&D, and leadership, she previously served as CEO of Healtheries and later led Vitaco for 11 years, expanding it into one of New Zealand’s largest health supplement companies. She also held key roles at Fonterra as Managing Director of Fonterra Nutrition, overseeing R&D and business units. Ms. Kennedy earned her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A veterinarian by training, she leveraged her scientific expertise to develop Calocurb, a breakthrough hunger-curbing supplement derived from New Zealand-grown hops. In recognition of her innovative leadership, she was recently named one of Fortune Magazine's Top 36 CEOs to Watch in 2025. Passionate about innovation and global health, she is driving Calocurb’s international expansion while championing New Zealand’s scientific ingenuity.

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In this episode, Caitlin Taylor breaks down the science of styling and how to choose pieces that truly represent YOU! She shares her journey from fashion blogger to personal stylist and founder of her own label, revealing how personal style is a powerful expression of inner confidence. Caitlin dives into the mechanics of styling, offering insights on making intentional wardrobe choices that empower individuals to feel their best. She also opens up about launching her fashion label, balancing creativity with business demands, and the importance of authenticity in both fashion and life.

About our guest:

Caitlin Taylor is a personal stylist and style coach with nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. With degrees in psychology and journalism, she combines her expertise in style with a deep understanding of the way language and self-perception influence confidence. Caitlin is passionate about helping women appreciate their bodies, make smart wardrobe choices, and harness the power of fashion to feel amazing. Her extensive background spans both high-end designer brands and mainstream retail, equipping her with the skills to guide clients in maximizing the value of their existing wardrobes while making intentional future purchases. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Caitlin offers her styling services both in person and online, empowering women everywhere to embrace their personal style with confidence.

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Discover how Marissa transformed her pain into purpose through her deep connection with her Tupuna (ancestors) and a life-altering wake-up call. Learn how her parents’ separation shaped her teenage years and led her to confront her struggles head-on. Explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure to conform, and the importance of self-worth—especially for women in minority cultures. Uncover Marissa’s concept of “flussel,” a balance between flow and hustle, and why honoring our natural rhythms is key to avoiding burnout.

About our guest:

Marissa Lewis is a dynamic confidence coach, keynote speaker, trainer, and retreat facilitator with over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and a decade as a business owner. Passionate about empowering women, she helps them cultivate unstoppable confidence, self-leadership, and personal branding that radiates from the inside out. Marissa’s own transformative journey through trauma led her to a profound mission—supporting entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in overcoming self-doubt, embracing their stories, and creating fulfilling, successful lives. As the founder of Marissa Lewis International, she combines psychology, life coaching, and wellness strategies to guide individuals toward self-acceptance and business success. A dedicated author and advocate for personal growth, Marissa is committed to impacting 100 million lives by fostering healing, confidence, and purpose-driven living.

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Growing up in a family business gave Natasha a strong foundation in work ethic and a deep passion for empowering others—values she’s carried into her own entrepreneurial ventures. In this episode, she reflects on the lessons learned from her upbringing, the challenges she’s faced as a leader, and her mission to uplift women in the beauty industry. Natasha also opens up about how she prioritizes personal well-being amidst the demands of running a business and shares insightful advice for young female founders on trusting their instincts, embracing patience, and navigating the messy moments of entrepreneurship.

About our guest:

Natasha Bourke is the CEO of 200 Doors, the exclusive distributor of Dermalogica in New Zealand, and the founder of Skintopia, an innovative skin treatment salon that blends her passions for retail innovation, advanced skincare, customer experience, and holistic wellness. With a commitment to delivering exceptional results, Skintopia combines cutting-edge technology and a holistic approach to skincare. Natasha recently earned a Health Coaching certificate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York, deepening her expertise in wellness and its connection to skin health. She works closely with her team to shape business strategy while supporting and nurturing Skintopia’s talented staff across its locations, empowering individuals to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

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In this inspiring episode, Aline shares her heartfelt journey of creating a sustainable, non-dairy butter that has made waves in the food industry. Aline opens up about the challenges she faced, from crisis management moments and balancing family pressures to the triumph of winning prestigious food industry awards. She discusses the pivotal role of intuition, perseverance, and staying true to her values while navigating a traditionally dairy-dominated market. This episode offers a raw and transformative look at the highs and lows of building an impact-driven business and the importance of maintaining balance between personal and professional life.

About our guest:

Aline Fonseca is the co-founder of Feliz Wholefoods, a family-owned business she founded alongside her husband, Patrick Malloch. Together, they are united by a shared vision of creating delicious, sustainable, plant-based food that nourishes both people and the planet. Their flagship product, Vutter, is a multi-award-winning vegan butter that represents their commitment to quality, wellness, and sustainability. Aline and Patrick’s journey began with a life-altering decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle and raise their children in an environment aligned with their values. With backgrounds in fine dining, architecture, design, marketing, and FMCG, they built Feliz Wholefoods from the ground up, using their diverse expertise to create products that make plant-based living accessible and enjoyable. Their innovative, award-winning products, such as the Vutter Avo Spreadable, have garnered recognition, including the Supreme Winner of the 2024 New Zealand Food Awards. Through Feliz Wholefoods, Aline and Patrick aim to inspire positive change by making mindful, sustainable food choices easier for everyone while supporting a healthier planet for future generations.

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In this episode, I chat with the amazing Cathy Pope, a jewelry designer who has built her business from the ground up with creativity and passion. Cathy shares how her journey from TV stylist to entrepreneur has been a slow and steady process, filled with meaningful milestones—like the time Jacinda Ardern wore her jewelry while meeting the Queen. We talk about her love for natural gemstones and how she celebrates their imperfections, making each piece unique. Cathy’s designs reflect her belief in individuality, encouraging women to mix her pieces with their own heirlooms for a personal, timeless style.

About our guest:

Cathy Pope is a New Zealand-based jewellery designer who combines her background as a stylist and dressmaker with a passion for bold, distinctive designs. She launched Cathy Pope Jewellery in 2011 as a response to a market flooded with overpriced or mass-produced pieces, creating her first signature design—a chunky choker necklace with a bold stone on a gold chain. Inspired by annual trips to Jaipur, India, Cathy sources gemstones and collaborates directly with artisans to craft unique, ethically made collections. Each piece reflects her love for individuality, celebrating the beauty of imperfections and personal expression. Cathy’s jewellery empowers women to embrace timeless style over fleeting trends while maintaining affordability and authenticity.

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