Notes From The Executive Podcast with Mina Amso

Natalie Ferguson paid $100K at 23 to escape a controlling relationship - then used that experience to build a customer research framework that validated a billion-dollar investment platform. This is her exact process.She has a gift of finding and solving complex problems. She helped change the financial habits of nearly 200,000 customers with her last startup, ⁠Hatch⁠. Now, she’s focused on the gender leadership gap with ⁠Powrsuit⁠, a career accelerator for women at every stage.Episode PartnerAcademyEx: https://academyex.com/courses/master/master-of-technological-futuresTime Stamps 0:00 – introduction Natalie Ferguson, Entrepreneur & Power Suit Founder2:00 – the problem New Zealanders and money mindset4:30 – natalie’s personal story Overcoming financial control8:00 – early entrepreneurship Starting a web design business10:30 – family influence Entrepreneurial mindset from childhood13:00 – the hatch journey Solving money control issues16:00 – research & customer discovery Framework for startups20:00 – gender wealth gap Launching Power Suit24:00 – mindset barriers Women and money myths28:00 – product development Testing multiple solutions32:00 – early adopters Identifying target market for Hatch & Power Suit36:00 – b2b vs b2c sales Lessons learned40:00 – sales skills for entrepreneurs Overcoming fear of rejection44:00 – newsletters Business growth & research48:00 – podcasting Building community & brand awareness52:00 – linkedin & events Customer acquisition strategies56:00 – measuring impact Tracking professional development outcomes1:00:00 – overcoming objections Budget, time, and gender issues1:04:00 – mistakes & lessons Failing fast and bold moves1:08:00 – bootstrapping vs funding Business growth decisions1:12:00 – the power of co-founders Building a strong partnership1:15:00 – final advice How to connect with Power SuitFollow Natalie https://powrsuit.com/ Follow me:⁠linkin.bio/minaamso⁠ Watch the episode on YouTube: (for spotify and apple only)⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@NotesFromTheExecutivePodcast Listen on:Apple podcast:⁠ https://shorturl.at/UkJ8v⁠Spotify: ⁠ https://shorturl.at/nRz5Z Podcast Partner: AcademyEx https://academyex.com/courses/master/master-of-technological-futures

Mahesh Muralidhar is a New Zealand-based entrepreneur and startup ecosystem builder who gained prominence as the Head of People Operations at Canva during its explosive growth phase to now having a $42 billion valuation.Mahesh founded Phase One, a venture firm focused on nurturing early-stage New Zealand founders, though he's currently paused that to focus on a broader mission of accelerating New Zealand's economic growth.🎙️ In this brutally honest conversation, Mahesh reveals:Why his own startup failed despite Tim Tam bribes to Uber's country managerThe one customer obsession that separated Canva from every other startupWhy 18 months of "not winning" is mandatory for unicorn successThe exact wealth calculation every 40+ entrepreneur needs to do TODAYWhy New Zealand's "safety first" culture is killing our economic potentialEpisode Partner ⁠@academyex https://lnkd.in/gumX_FAd👉 Follow Mina: YouTube👉 Follow Mahesh: LinkedIn⏱ Timestamps00:22 - The "product love" test that predicts startup success02:16 - Why focusing on ONE customer beats 200 every time04:21 - How obsessing over 5 customers trains your scaling muscles06:09 - Mahesh's startup failure story (Tim Tam hustle included)07:01 - The fastest way to test problem vs solution focus09:18 - Why he chose Canva over his own startup11:23 - The one shift Kiwi founders need to think global13:08 - Why building Canva requires "going through fire"16:10 - How to figure out what you actually want from life19:08 - Why saying no is harder than picking your goal22:59 - Inside Canva's $42 billion valuation story24:01 - What being Head of People at Canva actually means29:46 - Master of Technology Futures course for professionals31:04 - The 6 Kiwi unicorns by 2030 prediction31:55 - B2B vs B2C: The 70/30 rule that determines exit value35:15 - The unicorn formula: 18 months of no building38:04 - Role play: Building a $100 million company blueprint42:14 - The reverse engineering approach to business planning45:22 - What really keeps entrepreneurs on track (not community)49:10 - Canva's Sunday desk move that changed everything51:22 - Why AI opportunities don't matter (do this instead)52:02 - Making New Zealand happier: The last chapter mission54:30 - The best advice that keeps him grounded#NewZealandBusiness #CanvaStory #EntrepreneurshipNZ #StartupReality #WealthBuilding #KiwiFounders🎯 Perfect for: Kiwi & Aussie professionals 40+ considering their next career move, established business owners wanting to scale globally, anyone curious about the real story behind billion-dollar companies

Elon Musk became the first trillionaire last month. Here's why that matters more than you think.In the last 5 weeks, AI companies spent more money than entire countries. Here's what that means for your job. I'm talking with Frances Valentine, Founder of AcademyEx, who tracks every major AI development. She was here 6 weeks ago. The fact she's back this soon should terrify you. We're covering AI girlfriends, the first trillionaire, and why lawyers are panicking.In this episode:-- We will show you the tool that saved us 20 hours last week-- Frances will explain why your CV written by AI is getting rejected-- We'll cover the one mistake that makes people think they're 'too old' for thisConnect With Frances Valentine - Futurist & Academy X Founder- Email: frances.valentine@academyex.com- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesvalintine/- AcademyEx: https://shorturl.at/A72na- Q3 Business Briefing https://shorturl.at/kFtfSConnect With Me- LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/minaamso/- TikTok https://shorturl.at/MJ4qcEpisode Partner AcademyEx Masters of Technological Futures: https://shorturl.at/XeYy0Timestamps00:00 - Start Here: Are You Too Old for AI?02:47 - The Money That Proves This Is RealElon Musk trillionaire status$600M AI researcher salariesWhy these numbers matter to YOUR job06:15 - What Actually Changed in 5 WeeksSpecific capabilities that landedNot hype—demonstrated toolsHow fast this is really moving11:23 - Image & Video Generation BreakthroughFrom typing prompts to voice commandsMemory across conversationsWhy graphic designers are panicking16:47 - The 100 Assets in Minutes RealityProduct photography without photographersMarketing without agenciesReal cost savings small businesses are seeing23:07 - Google's Desperate Pivot (And What It Means)AI Overview killed their own business model$1B university investment strategyWho's actually winning right now27:48 - Which AI Should You Actually Use?ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini vs ManusOpen Router for comparing toolsFrances' honest recommendation and why33:14 - Real Companies Replacing Real JobsNorwegian fund: 110 positions eliminatedTop 100 law firms: 35% now AI-enabledTimeline for your industry38:20 - Practical Uses You Can Try TonightHoliday planning exampleChair placement testThe cake ingredient substitution trick43:55 - Why You Shouldn't Use AI for Your CV (WARNING)Every job platform uses AI to review applicationsHow to actually stand out in 2025The people-to-people strategy that still works48:40 - AI Girlfriends: What Parents Need to KnowGrok's "Annie" and millions of usersWhy women don't fall for AI boyfriendsScreen time vs actual relationships53:10 - The Mental Health Trade-Off8 hours/day on social media in NZ teensWhen AI companions help vs harmSelf-regulation strategies57:26 - Using AI Like a Power Tool (Not a Crutch)When Frances chose NOT to use AIThe dishwasher lock problem solvedFinding the balance1:03:40 - The Number One Fear of 45+ Professionals (IMPORTANT)Obsolescence anxietyWhy specialists struggle more than generalistsWhat employers actually expect now1:07:15 - Job Security Reality CheckAge bias + AI = worse than you thinkThe automated application death spiralGet hired: networking over algorithms1:11:51 - If You're Looking for Work Right NowNever use AI for cover letters (seriously)Coffee meetings beat online applicationsHow to showcase AI skills without seeming desperate1:16:30 - Coming Back from Career Gaps7-year maternity leave average in NZ1 year away = massive catch-up neededStudy group strategy that works1:20:23 - Frances' Master Program (Why Cohorts Matter)Average age: 50 years oldWhy learning alone failsAccountability + challenging conversations1:24:00 - Your Monday Morning Action PlanDon't wait for permissionExperimentation won't break anythingWhere to email Frances for help

One year. Over 40 guests. Hundreds of hours. And a podcast that started with zero budget now ranking top 10 next to global giants like Alex Hormozi.Mina Amso is the host of Notes From the Executive, a top 10 business podcast on Apple Podcasts New Zealand. With a background in journalism and a gift for authentic conversation, she interviews kiwi founders, leaders, and changemakers about the real stories behind entrepreneurship. Her show is where business meets humanity, offering powerful insights for purpose-driven professionals ready to grow.If you're building something with purpose, this podcast is for you.In this special solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of Notes From the Executive why I started it, the lessons that nearly broke me, and the moments that reminded me I was born for this.You’ll learn:- Why I left a career in pharmacy to pursue a dream in media- The real cost (financial, emotional, and spiritual) of building a premium show in NZ- How I landed top business guests — and what made some of them cry on air- Why rejection hurts more than you expect — and how I learned to keep going- The one decision that changed everything- What I wish I knew when I started- Why “consistency” is harder than it looks- How I made this podcast different good — not just “another show”Timestamps⁠00:00⁠ - Introduction & Podcast Purpose ⁠01:30⁠ - Mina’s Journey: From Pharmacy to Media ⁠03:00⁠ - Inspiration from Oprah Winfrey ⁠05:00⁠ - Starting the Podcast During COVID-19 ⁠07:00⁠ - Transition to Business & Entrepreneurship Focus ⁠09:00⁠ - Challenges of Podcasting: Costs & Teamwork ⁠11:00⁠ - Building Partnerships and Sponsorships ⁠13:00⁠ - The Importance of In-Person Interviews ⁠15:00⁠ - Achieving Top 10 Podcast Status ⁠17:00⁠ - Dealing with Analytics & Low Views ⁠19:00⁠ - Favorite Guests & Memorable Moments ⁠21:00⁠ - Lessons Learned: Consistency, Commitment, and Growth ⁠23:00⁠ - Building Community & Future VisionIf you’ve ever doubted your voice mattered…If you’ve wanted to be more visible, but feared judgment…If you’re building something of your own, with more heart than hype…Then this one’s for you.💬 Drop your questions in the comments — I want to know what you’re loving about this podcast? What's your favourite episode? 👇 Watch the full episode and don’t forget to subscribe if you believe in honest, unfiltered, high-trust conversations that matter.🔔 Subscribe here: / @notesfromtheexecutivepodcast 🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bZEwmCLzcv0?si=rOzwNoG2Q7gm_k-R💼 Want to be on a podcast? Visit https://podcastguest.co.nz📩 For brand partnerships or guest opportunities: mina@minaamso.com#NotesFromTheExecutive #MinaAmso #PodcastingNZ #WomenInBusiness #VisibilityMatters #EntrepreneurshipNZ #ImposterSyndrome #NZPodcasts #podcastjourney

Former New Zealand Army officer Ellen Ford (PhD) reveals flexible work strategies from “Work School Hours” to lift profits and productivity, business tips on time management and self-improvement. ABOUT THE EPISODEEllen Ford—ex–NZ Army officer, leadership PhD, TEDx speaker, and author of “Work School Hours” - shares a pragmatic blueprint for flexible work that raises productivity, profits, and employee wellbeing. We cover Belonging, Autonomy, Purpose leadership, outputs-over-hours, and steps any employer can apply across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. What you’ll learn◽️ Flexible work that boosts profits andproductivity (not just perks)◽️ Belonging–Autonomy–Purpose: the leadership modelthat scales◽️ Outputs-over-hours: measure results, notpresence◽️ Time management tactics that remove busywork◽️ Policies and scripts that support parentswithout losing performance◽️ Lessons from military leadership and NZ Armyimplementation◽️ How to pilot “Work School Hours” in any team Episode Sponsorwww.podcastguest.co.nz Timestamps00:00 Intro and why this episode matters for leaders andparents00:37 What changes when work is designed for people—profitsincluded02:42 Ellen’s mission to improve the working world03:34 Self-efficacy, impossible missions, and changingsystems05:35 The Afghanistan evacuation lesson: audacity andteamwork06:12 Motherhood, business, and the origin of “Work SchoolHours”07:08 Data from 500+ parents: three broken outcomes to fix08:31 From PhD to practice: leadership research meets realworkplaces09:11 Advising the NZ Army: inclusive leadership and policyimplementation10:25 What needed to change: pregnancy, return-to-work, andphysical standards12:24 Policy vs. practice: why implementation makes orbreaks change17:50 From talks to a movement: book, TEDx, and publishing22:52 Real stories: breastfeeding, field exercises, andcorporate parallels27:21 Why “we used to do it this way” isn’t a strategy31:02 The three principles: value life outside work, focuson outputs, enable flexibility33:51 For SMB owners: use flexibility to win top talent youcan’t out-pay36:09 Outputs over hours: motivate efficiency without fear38:31 NZ productivity problem: long hours ≠ high value40:45 Kill busywork: align tasks to outcomes people are paidfor42:13 Market response: why companies are booking this worknow45:01 Belonging–Autonomy–Purpose explained (and why profitsfollow)49:24 Case study: the dairy farm that transformed teamworkand leave52:37 Autonomy example: presenteeism vs. real productivity54:59 Purpose that motivates: linking tasks to businessimpact59:15 Future of work: flexible, commercial, and leader-led1:03:22 Free eBook for listeners (code below)1:05:03 Final takeaway: “There’s more in us than we think” Follow me:LinkedIn: linkin.bio/minaamso Follow Ellen:https://www.ellenjoanford.com/Use code MINA100 on Ellen’s website shop page to get Ellen's Book Follow me:linkin.bio/minaamso Listen on:Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX Episode Sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz

Steven Zinsli knows what startup mistakes are like. He launched his first startup business at 22, later starting Extraordinary, a fast-growing company transforming employee benefits across New Zealand and Australia. In this Episode, Steven shares:⬜ Early startup mistakes and lessons learned.⬜ How Extraordinary evolved and succeeded.⬜ Building networks and a personal brand.⬜ Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.Episode Sponsor: www.podcastguest.co.nzTimestamp00:00 –Intro02:02 – Growing up with discipline and resilience04:05 – Why founders must love winning | Entrepreneurial mindset explained06:45 – How to start a business after university in New Zealand | 08:15 – First healthcare startup at 22 | Lessons learned from early mistakes09:27 – How to validate startup ideas with customers10:06 – Pivoting a failed idea into success | Startup adaptability and investor feedback14:26 – Building a scalable business model | From healthcare to extraordinary card16:14 – How to get honest investor feedback 17:22 – Scaling to 220+ corporate clients in NZ and Australia18:38 – Pros and cons of being a solo founder20:57 – How to find early investors in New Zealand | Networking and building trust22:39 – Business networking tips | How to grow relationships with investors & advisors26:35 – Why brand building matters for startups | Personal and business branding tips28:52 – Personal brand strategy for entrepreneurs 30:16 – B2B sales strategy in New Zealand | How to land enterprise clients33:21 – How events help you close business deals | Using speakers and experiences34:58 – Startup founder challenges | How to survive discomfort and hard times36:21 – Advice for 22-year-old entrepreneurs | Why experience before a startup helps40:21 – Understanding fiscal buying cycles | Key dates for startup sales strategy42:00 – Customer obsession in startups | Why founders must stay close to customers45:17 – Best way to raise startup capital47:26 – Choosing the right investors | More than just money in capital partnerships49:24 – Why entrepreneurs must think big | Bold mindset for billion-dollar companies50:25 – Biggest mistakes in business | Cash flow, contracts, and financial oversight51:34 – Best decisions in business | Avoiding business death and choosing survival53:33 – Top 3 lessons every entrepreneur must learn | Team, numbers, contracts55:41 – Speed vs slow decisions in business | When to act fast or hold back59:01 – Best industries for entrepreneurs in New Zealand 1:00:26 – Why passion fuels startups | Personal backstory driving extraordinary card1:01:03 – Scaling from New Zealand to global markets1:01:47 – Where to connect with Steven Zinsli | LinkedIn and extraordinary websiteFollow me: LinkedIn: linkin.bio/minaamsoFollow Steven:Website:https://www.extraordinarypay.com/Listen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bXWatch latest episodes:https://shorturl.at/zpgv5Episode Sponsor: www.podcastguest.co.nz

Easy Crypto co-founder Janine Grainge started the fintech company in late 2017. Within four years, she’d scaled it to over 250k users and more than NZD $2 billion in trades, smashing big goals in record time.Janine talks about how to start a business with no money, how an entrepreneur mindset work, and how her fintech story shaped how New Zealand do cypto. This fintech startup story started as a business with no money and they have no ideas.She is recognised globally as the crypto expert, a Hi-Tech Inspiring Individual 2023, a Women in Web3 Changemaker, and a UoA 40 Under 40 Innovator.Episode Sponsorwww.podcastguest.co.nzWe cover:- Saying no to “no”.- When a bank wouldn’t open an account.- When her platform gets banned from advertising.- and when a CEO who won’t “shill” in Facebook groups… becomes the companys Australian country manager out of a ban.Timestamp00:00 – Intro02:52 – Janine Grainger childhood lessons on money and resilience04:40 – Should you drop out of high school to become an entrepreneur?07:09 – How to deal with imposter syndrome as a startup founder09:02 – Why Janine believed in Bitcoin before it was mainstream10:36 – The future of digital money and financial systems going digital12:12 – What disruption in crypto really means for New Zealand startups13:28 – How Easy Crypto grew fast with automation and lean operations14:22 – The crazy story of how Janine’s brother built Easy Crypto in 5 days16:31 – Co-founder dynamics: Building a business with your sibling17:32 – How startup co-founders grow together: equity splits, roles & relationship changes21:10 – The power of dreaming big in business (BHAG explained)23:29 – Where young entrepreneurs in New Zealand can find free startup support25:08 – How to validate your business idea and get product-market fit29:10 – How Easy Crypto got customers without paid ads or Google marketing30:45 – How Easy Crypto grew through Facebook groups without shilling (banned story that led to Australia expansion)32:39 – Customer growth journey: From 10M in 18 months to 10M daily turnover34:39 – How Easy Crypto survived competitors copying their code (startup moat story)36:27 – How Easy Crypto convinced KiwiBank after every NZ bank said no (startup banking struggle)40:58 – Easy Crypto expansion into South Africa and the Global South43:37 – Why is cryptocurrency so volatile? Truth about Bitcoin spikes44:47 – The “Wild West” days of crypto and how regulation changed everything47:51 – Why Easy Crypto sold to Swyftx: regulation, costs & consolidation50:56 – Janine’s best business decision vs biggest mistake as a founder53:49 – Finding your WHY as an entrepreneur when the industry changes56:13 – How to connect with Janine Grainger on LinkedInFollow Janine:www.easycrypto.comFollow me: linkin.bio/minaamsoListen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bXEpisode Sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz

Richard Conway is the founder of Pure SEO, one of New Zealand’s top digital agencies. From $200 and a dream, he built a multimillion-dollar business and is now leading his company into an era of AI-driven search and zero-click marketing.In this episode, Richard reveals how Shopify’s ChatGPT integration lets people shop directly with AI potentially making traditional websites not needed. He shares how clients have found him through ChatGPT, and what that means for the future of e-commerce.you’ll learn:adapt or die: the only AI strategy that works for 2025personal branding: the secret growth weapon for entrepreneurshow to get noticed in a zero-click world (without paying for ads)the #1 ai mistake every business makes (and the simple fix you need)timestamps:00:00 – intro01:06 – welcome back richard conway: founder of pure seo new zealand01:54 – how pure seo started with $200 and a bottle of vodka02:36 – is seo dead in the era of ai search?04:29 – seo vs geo vs aeo: what’s the difference?05:10 – the rise of zero-click searches on google07:26 – how to optimise for ai-generated summaries08:44 – leveraging sources and citations for ai search rankings10:00 – avoiding spammy seo tactics in the ai era11:30 – why reddit and quora influence ai search results14:34 – simple steps for businesses to improve ai search presence16:39 – the unique edge humans have over ai20:00 – identifying where your customers are and showing up there21:42 – building brand mentions through community engagement22:32 – the power of first-party data in a cookieless future23:36 – why personal branding is crucial in the ai era24:25 – richard’s personal branding strategy and pillars26:24 – starting a personal brand from scratch28:45 – business brand vs personal brand in 202530:00 – standing out by doing things differently31:35 – networking through cold approaches32:41 – how ai tools like chatgpt choose the “best companies”35:00 – the paid listings problem in ai recommendations36:31 – overlap between optimising for google ai and openai37:10 – following seo thought leaders for ai search insights38:20 – why enduring marketing principles still matter in ai search39:05 – the evolution of search since 200940:22 – understanding large language model source selection41:56 – combining pr, seo, and ai strategy for long-term wins43:30 – how to adapt quickly to ai-driven search changes44:55 – building authority through consistent brand mentions46:40 – leveraging ai search insights for competitive advantage48:05 – why google’s ai search is still the wild west49:22 – long-term vs short-term ai search strategies50:50 – the importance of transparency in ai search marketing52:15 – how to make your brand appealing to ai search engines53:30 – measuring success in the ai search era54:48 – overcoming misinformation in ai search results56:05 – how ai is reshaping the digital marketing landscape57:26 – preparing your business for the next ai search shift58:42 – final advice for businesses on ai and seo01:00:15 – why now is the time to embrace ai in marketingfollow richard:linkedin: linkedin.com/in/pureseowatch on youtube:https://youtu.be/7-7qiWeSBJopodcast sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz#richardconway #richardconwayseo #richardconwayauthor #richardconwayentrepreneur #pureseofounder #pureseo #seoentrepreneurnz #digitalmarketingnz #howtogettothetopofgoogle #seoexpert #searchengineoptimisation #searchmarketing

Dr. Gail Pearson is an nationally respected anesthetist-turned-nutrigenomics advocate with over 30 years of experience in traditional medicine.She served as a specialist anesthesiologist in Auckland, New Zealand, where she gained a reputation for clinical excellence and leadership. Dr. Pearson held senior roles such as serving on the board of one of Auckland’s largest private hospitals and chaired one of the city’s largest groups of anesthetists. Dr. Gail Pearson shares:◽️How Nutrigenomics Helps Entrepreneurs & Busy Professionals◽️The science behind activating your genes for better health (versus supplements)◽️Collagen Activation: How To Make It, Not Take It◽️The anti-aging secrets she uses to stay sharp and energized at 66◽️Why Everyone Should Be on an NRF2 Activator (Backed by Science)Episode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutFTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro01:10 - Meet the Rebel Doctor: Why Dr. Pearson Left Traditional Medicine03:50 - Rebel Doctor: Why I Left Medicine & Reversed Aging05:55 - 30 Years in Anesthesia: Dr. Pearson’s Medical Background Explained07:25 - How COVID Took the Human Touch Out of Medicine10:17 - Why Everyone Should Be on an NRF2 Activator (Backed by Science)11:34 - How Nutrigenomics Improves Sleep, Energy & Brain Fog15:38 - Gene Activation vs Supplements: What’s the Real Difference?16:05 - How Nutrition Can Change Your DNA Expression18:52 - Gene Activation vs Supplements: What’s the Real Difference?22:30 - Collagen Activation: Make It, Don’t Take It23:57 - Turmeric, Ashwagandha & NRF2: Potent Natural Combinations26:21 - The NRF2 Pathway: How to Activate Antioxidants in Every Cell Naturally29:40 - Are You Missing the Cellular Support Layer?32:32 - Why I Left Traditional Medicine to Champion Natural Healing34:11 - What Is Oxidative Stress and Why It Accelerates Aging36:37 - AD38:24 - Real Benefits: Hair Growth, Clear Skin, and Energy Boosts39:18 - How Nutrigenomics Helps Entrepreneurs & Busy Professionals42:37 - NRF2 + Activated Collagen: Game-Changer for Women Over 4044:24 - Collagen Beyond Skin: Joints, Gut & Heart Health Benefits45:50 - Regulations & Ethics Around Nutrigenomics Products47:43 - Where to Find Dr. Gail Pearson and Start Your Health JourneyFollow Gail:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-gail-pearson-87901320Website: NewLight.earthFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/minaamso/Listen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bXEpisode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutFAfter decades in conventional medicine, Dr. Pearson became increasingly concerned by the chronic conditions she saw in patients, ailments that modern medicine was only managing with pharmaceuticals rather than curing. She observed first-hand the limitations and side effects of pharmaceutical treatments, which opened her mind to alternative approaches. Around 2019, Dr. Pearson discovered the emerging science of nutrigenomics – the study of how nutrition and natural compounds affect gene expression. Impressed by the robust scientific research behind it, she recognized nutrigenomics as a “future of medicine” that could address root causes of illness by supporting the body’s own healing processes.#Nutrigenomics #NRF2Activation #EntrepreneurHealth #BusinessWellness #CEOWellness #CellularHealth #BiohackYourLife #NaturalPerformance #GeneActivation #StressFreeSuccess #BrainFogFix #BurnoutRecovery #HealthOptimization #FunctionalWellness #ExecutiveHealth

Marisa Fong is a pioneering entrepreneur who transformed the recruitment industry in New Zealand. She co-founded Madison Recruitment and scaled it from a two-person startup into a 100-strong enterprise, all without a college degree. In this episode, she explains:◽️How being underestimated became her biggest edge◽️Sales-first strategies that built a national business◽️Why recurring revenue is non-negotiable◽️What psychological safety really looks like at work◽️The mindset shift every first-time founder needsEpisode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutF Timestamp00:00 – Intro02:39 – How Marisa Fong’s Mother Shaped Her Work Ethic and Leadership04:21 – Why Marisa Fong Chose Entrepreneurship Over University08:28 – How Marisa Fong’s Husband Became a Stay-at-Home Dad and Broke Stereotypes09:44 – Starting a Business With the Right Partner: Tips for Founders14:32 – Why Purpose and Values Matter in Long-Term Business Growth17:42 – How Marisa Fong Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Aotearoa19:22 – Why Specialization Beats One-Stop Shops in Modern Recruitment24:45 – How to Pitch Your Startup to Investors in a Competitive Market25:58 – AD28:07 – Mentorship vs Coaching: What Early-Stage Founders Really Need31:06 – Marketing to Female Founders: Solving Overwhelm with Done-For-You Solutions32:53 – Timeless Marketing Principles: How to Look Big and Build Trust34:35 – Investing in Brand and Perception: Why Professionalism Matters36:46 – Physical Offices vs. Remote Work: What Works for Recruitment Today37:39 – Would You Start a Recruitment Company Again? Adapting to AI and Tech39:47 – End-to-End AI Recruitment: The Future of Hiring and Workflow Automation42:36 – Common Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Should Avoid in NZ45:15 – How to Stay Resilient Through Business Highs and Lows48:00 – The Power of Listening and Leading With Empathy50:26 – Marisa’s Personal Growth Journey as a Business Leader53:14 – Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Founders in NZ56:02 – Business Beyond Profit: Giving Back and Creating Impact59:11 – How Founders Can Align Vision With Daily Execution1:01:04 – Business Basics: How to Understand Your Costs, Profit, and Cash Flow1:04:47 – Why Marisa Fong Chose to Exit a Thriving Business1:07:22 – Final Advice From Marisa Fong to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs1:10:03 – Where to Follow Marisa Fong and Learn More About Her WorkFollow Marisa:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marisafong Follow Me https://www.instagram.com/notesfromtheexecutivepodcast/Listen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX Episode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutF#femaleentrepreneur #scaleyourbusiness #salesmindset #nzculture #founderstory #noclientsproblem #psychologicalsafety #cashflowtips #recurringrevenuebusiness #buildwithoutinvestors #nichemarketingstrategies #cofounderadvice #aiinrecruitment #newzealandentrepreneurs #marisafong #businesswithoutadegree #kiwis #businessleadership #businessowner #businesstips