Startup Theatre Podcast

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with ⁠James Powell 🔔 Are you subscribed to us? Only half of our regular listeners are subscribing and we are hoping all of you will subscribe. James is the Co-founder, CFO, and Spaceplane Chief Engineer at Dawn Aerospace. James is currently responsible for the overall design and airworthiness of the Dawn spaceplanes, along with finance and HR, and capital raising. Before Dawn, James worked as an aeronautical engineer and was the design, certification, and manufacturing lead for Airways NZ and was the former youngest CAA Delegated Engineering Authority. He loves building things that go fast and cites his career highlights as every test flight he has ever been involved in, both at Dawn and prior. Dawn Aerospace is really trying to revolutionise space access through its space planes. They are rapid reusability, taking off from existing infrastructure and the ability to run a fleet model will increase access to space, reduce cost, and is way more sustainable than the current rocket launch model. We chat also about how the commercial space industry is growing rapidly globally, and New Zealand has an innovative and burgeoning Aerospace industry. It's a really exciting time to be in the space industry and there is a lot of opportunity for people to grow their careers. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: Talent Army: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talent.army⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE LINKS: James's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesatdawn Dawn's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/DawnAerospace Dawn's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dawnaerospace/ Dawn Aerospace website: ⁠⁠www.dawnaerospace.com/spacelaunch - there is a diagram halfway down the page which shows the iterative plan for the spaceplane on its road to delivering payloads to space which is quite a helpful visual. They're currently in phase 2. PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8⁠⁠⁠⁠ RSS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OW⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Full Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZD⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Clips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUPPORT & CONNECT:  Check out the sponsor above, it's the best way to support this podcast Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with Constant Meiring. 🔔 Are you subscribed to us? Only half of our regular listeners are subscribing and we are hoping all of you will subscribe. Constant is the Co-founder and Chief AI Wrangler at In Game Collectables. Having been introduced to computers at age four, he was hooked and has been geeking out on technology ever since. He's spent the past 15 years shipping successful technology products as a software engineer and product manager in startups as well as public companies. IGC’s generative AI brings your game characters to life with the wave of your wand- or rather, a click of a button. No leaving the game, no third parties, no mounds of unpurchased, premade collectables sitting in a warehouse or landfill. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: Talent Army: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.talent.army⁠⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE LINKS: Constant's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantmeiring Constant's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/constantlm?lang=en Constant's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constantlm Constant's Information Share: ⁠⁠⁠Lenny rachitsky IGC's website: ⁠⁠https://www.igc.studio/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czg⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8⁠⁠⁠⁠ RSS: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OW⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Full Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZD⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Clips: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUPPORT & CONNECT:  Check out the sponsor above, it's the best way to support this podcast Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups⁠⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with Levi Fawcett. 🔔 Are you subscribed to us? Only half of our regular listeners are subscribing and we are hoping all of you will subscribe. Levi is the Founder and CEO of Partly, a startup on a mission to connect the world's parts, by making it as easy as possible for buyers to find the right parts for their vehicle. With a background in engineering at Rocketlab and multiple previously successful startups, Levi brings a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen to his role at Partly. Under Levi's leadership, Partly has raised $24 million in funding from leading venture capital firms in Europe and the US. The company has experienced exponential growth, directly powering over $150 million in annual orders and over $4 billion indirectly. Partly’s team of data scientists, engineers, and automotive veterans are building algorithms that help buyers find the correct car parts, solving one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: Talent Army: ⁠⁠⁠www.talent.army⁠⁠⁠ EPISODE LINKS: Levi's LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/levi4sit/ Levi's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Levi_Fawcett Levi's Information Share: ⁠⁠The Life You can Save by Peter Singer Partly's website: ⁠https://www.partly.com/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czg⁠⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8⁠⁠⁠ RSS: ⁠⁠⁠https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OW⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Full Episodes: ⁠⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZD⁠⁠⁠ YouTube Clips: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze⁠⁠⁠ SUPPORT & CONNECT: Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups⁠⁠ ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with Dr Angela Lim. 🔔 Are you subscribed to us? Only half of our regular listeners are subscribing and we are hoping all of you will subscribe. Dr. Angela Lim is CEO and co-founder of Clearhead.  Clearhead is an innovative workplace well-being EAP provider that takes a holistic and proactive approach to well-being that ensures personalised mental health care is accessible to everyone. Trained as a Paediatric doctor at Starship Hospital and having completed research at the Harvard School of Public Health. Angela’s passion for tackling inequality led her to believe that technology has the best potential to drastically improve health outcomes and empower patients. Having sat on more than 15 Boards, she understands the importance of good governance and the importance of managing Health and Safety risks effectively. That is why Clearhead’s unique value proposition focuses on supporting businesses to understand their employees better through employee wellbeing data insights to drive systemic culture change. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: Talent Army: ⁠⁠www.talent.army⁠⁠ EPISODE LINKS: Dr Angela's LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelalim1/ Dr Angela's Information Share: ⁠Good to Great by Jim Collins Clearheads's website: www.myclearhead.com Clearheads's Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/clearheadnz/?hl=en⁠ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czg⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8⁠⁠ RSS: ⁠⁠https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OW⁠⁠ YouTube Full Episodes: ⁠⁠https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZD⁠⁠ YouTube Clips: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze⁠⁠ SUPPORT & CONNECT: Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast Twitter: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups⁠ ⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod⁠⁠ OUTLINE:Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. 00:04:23 Fixing the broken healthcare system. 00:08:30 Society is more burnt out. 00:15:27. Importance of creating stillness. 00:17:50 Focus on proactive mental health. 00:21:18 Self-work is a lifelong journey. 00:29:40 Accessible mental health support is needed. 00:34:26 Mental health support is cost-effective. 00:40:09 Self-awareness is key for mental health. 00:43:06 Self-care is essential for well-being. 00:51:06 Be kind and empathetic. 00:54:35 Book recommendation: "Good to Great"

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with Barney Chunn. Barney is the Co-founder and COO of CONQA. 🔔 Are you subscribed to us? Only half our listeners are subscribing and we are hoping the rest of you will follow and subscribe. CONQA gives contractors the QA tools they need to get the job done, saving time and money. Mobile, intuitive digital software that makes it easy for those on-site to deliver fast and accurate detail for every QA check. No more tick and flick, and no more unnecessary paperwork. Barney is no stranger to startups and has been an entrepreneur from high school days and right through University. In this episode, Barney breaks down the triangle of opportunity he and his co-founding team looked for in creating CONQA. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: - Talent Army: ⁠www.talent.army⁠ EPISODE LINKS: Barney's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barney-chunn-38a71172 Barney's Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/barneychunn Barney's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/ChunnBarney Barney's Information Share: ⁠Was his collection of poems that his Father has written him and his band the 'Dictaphone blues' PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: ⁠https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartups⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czg⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8⁠ RSS: ⁠https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OW⁠ YouTube Full Episodes: ⁠https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZD⁠ YouTube Clips: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze⁠ SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast⁠ - Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups⁠ - LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast⁠ - Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups ⁠- TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod⁠ OUTLINE: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. [00:01:07] Entrepreneurial grafter selling sushi. [00:04:16] Reusable bowl and catering. [00:09:30] Philosophy in startups. [00:11:34] The genesis of the idea. [00:15:03] Connector issue between project and head office. [00:17:46] Solving startup challenges. [00:21:20] Focusing on core business. [00:25:47] Accumulation of a fuck load. [00:29:14] Foundational conversations and trust. [00:31:23] Building an authentic company culture. [00:35:30] Fuck yeah moments. [00:39:12] Collaborative nature of the construction industry. [00:43:56] Construction in a recession. [00:47:08] Understanding the value of a dollar. [00:50:23] An interesting topic. [00:53:20] Writing poems every day.

In this episode of the WFLS podcast we chat with Claudia Batten. Claudia is currently is Chairperson of NZX and ASX listed digital travel company Serko and a Director of NZX and ASX listed Vista Group and NZX listed Air New Zealand. Are you subscribed to us? Only half our listeners are subscribing and we are hoping the rest of you will follow and subscribe. We talk on this podcast about a lot of topics, from Claudia’s roots in commercial law to how she has been a founding member of two highly successful entrepreneurial ventures. As part of the founding team of Massive Incorporated, a network for advertising in video games, she helped pioneer “digital” as a media buy. Massive was sold to Microsoft in 2006, where Claudia then spent 3 years scaling the in-game network. In 2009 she co-founded Victors & Spoils, the first advertising agency built on the principles of crowdsourcing. After two years in market, V&S was acquired by French holding company Havas Worldwide. Claudia also spent three years running North American operations for NZTE, supporting disruptive thinking for the growth of NZ exports in North America. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor: - Talent Army: ⁠www.talent.army⁠ EPISODE LINKS: Claudia's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/claudiabatten Claudia's Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/claudiabatten/ Claudia's Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/ClaudiaBatten Claudia's Information Share (book): ⁠Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Marian's Information Share (podcast): ⁠The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish www.squigglylife.com PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: ⁠https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartups⁠ Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czg⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8⁠ RSS: ⁠https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OW⁠ YouTube Full Episodes: ⁠https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZD⁠ YouTube Clips: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze⁠ SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast⁠ - Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups⁠ - LinkedIn: ⁠www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast⁠ - Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups ⁠- TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod⁠ OUTLINE: Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. [00:02:17] Natural flow state in conversation. [00:04:43] Power dynamics in conversations. [00:06:18] The power of listening. [00:10:40] Māori Pacifica Technology [00:14:40] Tech boom and e-commerce. [00:18:26] Relational networking over transactional. [00:21:09] Deep diving topics and information. [00:24:17] Massive Incorporated pivot. [00:27:12] Software pirate. [00:30:16] Solving problems for companies. [00:33:41] Traits to look for in a board. [00:37:36] Making hard decisions. [00:39:04] Making hard decisions with grace. [00:44:28] AI and human interaction. [00:47:22] Changing the game with AI. [00:50:06] Squiggling philosophy. [00:55:03] Thinking Fast and Slow. [00:57:06] Share your knowledge and stories.

In this episode, we chat with Marian Johnson the CEO of Ministry of Awesome 💡 🔔 Are you subscribed to us? Only half our listeners are subscribing and we are hoping the rest of you will follow. Marian has been leading the Ministry of Awesome team since late 2017 helping to drive a dynamic startup and innovation ecosystem that will power NZ’s future success. Marian is deeply passionate about engineering the serendipity required for a successful Kiwi high-growth startup community - driving collaboration between founders, investors, government, talent, and corporates through MoA and their ChristchurchHQ and startup hub Te Ōhaka. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor:- Talent Army: www.talent.army EPISODE LINKS:Marian's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marianejohnsonMarian's Instagram: www.instagram.com/marianjohnsoninnz/Marian's Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarianInNZMarian's Information share (book): www.a16z.com/book/the-hard-thing-about-hard-things/Marian's Information share (website): www.abroad.io PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://linktr.ee/wefuckinlovestartupsApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/g8Ae8czgSpotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8RSS: https://tr.ee/E4yOBnw-OWYouTube Full Episodes: https://lnkd.in/dq6ZsuZDYouTube Clips: https://tinyurl.com/4tnxp2ze SUPPORT & CONNECT:- Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WFLSPodcast- Instagram: www.instagram.com/wefuckinlovestartups- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wflspodcast- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WeFKINLoveStartups- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@wefukinlovestartupspod OUTLINE:Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. [00:02:08] Mistakes and startup lessons. [00:05:04] Ministry of Awesome's backstory. [00:07:39] Christchurch's transformation post-earthquake. [00:12:18] Dragging partners to New Zealand. [00:15:08] Trump's unexpected victory. [00:19:39] Tech hub in Budapest. [00:24:29] Americans and their orating skills. [00:26:02] New Zealand's global recognition. [00:31:42] High-growth startup community. [00:35:07] Startup environment as a career path. [00:37:10] Kiwis think too small. [00:42:47] Startups and early stage volume. [00:45:06] Women founders and inclusivity. [00:48:51] Electrify Aotearoa. [00:53:20] Minister for startups. [00:57:03] Founder development program [01:00:15] The power of podcasting.

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with Nick Houldsworth. Nick Houldsworth is co-founder of AI tax startup Prosaic, a board member of Ambit and Melodics, and an investor at Tradify, Spotrisk, and Redshield. Nick was the first employee and CMO at Vend, and Exec GM for the Developer API and App Store at Xero. Sadly, he’s no longer available for children’s parties. In this episode, we chat about Nick's journey from being the #1 employee at Vend and then leading the Ecosystem marketplace at Xero. Nick gives his advice to people that want to be in a startup and why you should sit when you are offered a seat on a rocket ship. He talks about life now and what he is up to with his latest startup. Nick talks about his band Hobotalk as his information share and you can check them out here. He believes that you should join a startup and 'start a movement' and you can see the video "How to start a movement" to see how it evolves. Please help us to continue producing these podcasts by subscribing. Thank you and enjoy the episode. Timestamps: [00:03:25] Taking a career break. [00:06:36] Filtering through creative ideas. [00:10:22] Finding balance in work and life. [00:14:47] User-friendly accounting software. [00:16:17] Consumer brands building business applications. [00:20:10] Failed entrepreneurial attempts. [00:23:24] B2B marketing and emotional motivation. [00:26:00] Creative marketing strategies. [00:29:23] F bomb gate. [00:32:06] Writing job descriptions and blow-up. [00:36:34] Obsession with Trade Me. [00:38:05] Sliding door moments. [00:42:28] Midlife crisis and hobbies. [00:45:20] Music archives and Virgin Records. [00:47:26] People smarter than you. [00:51:30] Marketing team and business growth. [00:53:37] Leaving for new opportunities. [00:57:55] Entrepreneurial mindset and prioritization. [01:00:27] Career trajectory and joy. [01:03:52] Building a marketing team. [01:08:07] Personal cashflow struggles. [01:09:09] Open banking and AI opportunities. [01:11:32] Companies thriving and growing. [01:16:37] Hobo talk on Spotify. [01:19:26] Getting involved in startups. [01:21:08] Nick's imposter syndrome.

In this episode of the WFLS podcast we chat with Justin Soong. Justin is the founder of Authsignal, an engineer by craft, and product and customers are his passion. He is no stranger to success as Justin has been part of multiple FinTech successes in Australasia. Justin has been CTO of ASX-listed NZ company Laybuy. Was a vital member of the team working on the Afterpay code base at Paloma Group, and launching P2P lending at Harmoney. During this journey Justin's teams have processed billions dollars of payments and lending, and he's taken his learnings from scaling and managing risk consumer applications into Authsignal. We talk about why he decided to found AuthSignal with Paloma Ventures and how he loved it. Justin shared many lessons on his journey and his information share is doing Toast Masters. Please help us to continue producing these podcasts by subscribing. Thank you and enjoy the episode.

In this episode of the WFLS podcast, we chat with Miriana Lowrie. Miriana is the Founder & CEO of 1Centre - Trade Credit & Customer Management Platform. Her laser focus is on solving everyday problems for their Sales & Finance Teams when they onboard business customers and manage their ongoing credit risk. She is highly motivated and driven, Miriana founded 1Centre as a result of supporting other businesses by setting up systems and processes in her spare time. Miriana says: “I just couldn’t quite figure out why opening accounts was so laboriously manual, repetitive and time-consuming” – so she set out on a journey spanning over two years to interview as many suppliers and business consumers as she could, about what their experiences were like with opening trade accounts – as a result, 1Centre came to life. With over 20 years of banking experience, a passion for making life easier for business (herself included), and a BBS in management and sales, she has all the right ingredients to roll her sleeves up and drive 1Centre forward. In this episode, we chat about Mariana's journey from being a single Mum at 17 to going back to University to give a better life to her children. Mirinana says being a Wāhine Māori founder has taught her many lessons and she shares a lot of these on the podcast. Her information share is to go and watch the TV show Silicon Valley and you can check out her son's Instagram we mention on the show here. Please help us to continue producing these podcasts by subscribing. Thank you and enjoy the episode.