
Notes From The Executive with Mina Amso
Notes from The Executive tells the incredible stories behind the business success of the movers and shakers of local world - New Zealand. The business thinkers, CEOs, founders, creatives, disruptors and doers who are reshaping industries and rewriting the rules. Unscripted. Unedited.
You will learn the lessons, failures, mindset, philosophies and practical actionable know-how on how they did it to get ahead. So you can think bigger and differently and achieve more success in business and life.
Hosted by Founder & Journalist Mina Amso.
Latest episodes

Feb 16, 2025 • 1h 2min
How This Ex-Nurse Entrepreneur Built a Six-Figure Health Marketing Startup (in Under 2 Years!)
How This Ex-Nurse Entrepreneur Built a Six-Figure Health Marketing Startup (in Under 2 Years!)
Dive into the incredible journey of Stacey Airey—a former nurse who turned her frontline healthcare experience into a thriving digital marketing business.
Discover how she’s revolutionising electronic prescribing, collaborating with top Pharma brands, and proving that Kiwi innovation can change the future of patient care.
If you’re looking for real-world inspiration to fuel your own entrepreneurial dreams, this story is a must-watch!
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https://www.mediactivate.co.nz/
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Feb 2, 2025 • 29min
Top Sales Expert Dishes Out Sales Secrets For Free
This is a highlight episode from my previous full episode with Bill James, which you can FIND HERE
Or Listen Here To The Full Episode CLICK HERE
Bill James is a Certified Speaking Professional and Kiwi Sales Powerhouse with over 30 years of experience transforming sales teams. He's worked in industries like banking, finance, and retail. Bill has helped companies achieve millions in revenue through his award-winning "3 Piece Sales" process and expert strategies for sales growth, client retention, and zero-cost offline marketing.
This episode is for introverts learning to sell, top performers refining their skills, or business owners navigating tough times, this conversation is packed with insights to help you take action and drive results.
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billjamesspeaker.com
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https://linkin.bio/notesfromtheexecutive
Bill is an expert when it comes to how to close a deal faster, sharing his secrets as a top sales expert. We talk about Introvert vs extrovert: Who makes a better salesperson? Bill is a Sales Expert Who Will Go Over How To Close A Deal Faster: Free SECRETS From Top Sales Professional Bill James. He will also talk about How to leverage referrals for exponential growth.

Jan 27, 2025 • 24min
Presenteeism Is Silently Killing Your Company's Productivity
This is a shorter version episode from my original episode with Rich, which you can find here.
Listen to the full version here.
Richard Ellis, a health and mindset coach. His mission is to help individuals find their own version of health.
In this episode, I talk to Health Mindset Professional Rich Ellis on how presenteeism Is silently killing your company's productivity.
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linkin.bio/notesfromtheexecutive

Jan 19, 2025 • 16min
Stop SABOTAGING Your Brain And Do THIS like a High-Performing Executive: The Tomatis Method
Stop SABOTAGING Your Brain With THIS like a High-Performing Executive: The Tomatis Method. This is a highlight video of the full interview here: https://youtu.be/qO9JiltvZTM?si=pj19kTZ27dfS3Tg-
Maria Moell Lundqvist, Founder and Managing Director of Tomatis New Zealand.
From an exciting international career in multinational tech companies in Sweden and Belgium to managing director of a small business in New Zealand, Maria has profound experience in leadership, education, technology, quality management, and coaching.
The Tomatis Method is a training technique that uses the power of sound to improve brain function -- with lasting results. As one of only nine worldwide certified instructors in the Tomatis Method, Maria is passionate about training new practitioners and coaching her private clients to vastly improved performance using Tomatis.
This video is for high-performers seeking a mental edge, an entrepreneur navigating the challenges of business, or a parent looking for holistic approaches to support neurodiverse children, Maria’s expertise offers valuable strategies to enhance your cognitive abilities and overall performance.
Share Your Experience: Have you tried the Tomatis Method? Drop a comment below and share how it has impacted your life!

Jan 12, 2025 • 28min
Could This Franchise Make You Rich? Coffee News Franchise Pro Spills Beans!
Could This Franchise Make You Rich? Coffee News Franchise Pro Spills Beans! This is a highlight video from the full interview that you can find here: https://youtu.be/v0e03OAyxEY?si=aMsZ5PWFcV4uePyu
Rudy Kokx is the CEO and Master Franchisor of New Zealand's Iconic Publication: Coffee News. The publication has been going for over 20 years in New Zealand.
Ever wondered how this one-day-a-week franchise model is still surviving and thriving (making money) in this digital age and how it be a real money maker? This episode is for Aspiring Franchise Owners, Existing Franchisees, Local Service-Based Business Owners, Small Retail & Hospitality Entrepreneurs, Business Brokers & Consultants, Early-Stage Startups in Local Markets, Community-Focused Marketers, Local Media Franchises, Offline Marketing Enthusiasts.
Listen on:
Apple podcast – https://shorturl.at/aJ18i
Spotify - https://shorturl.at/2fps7
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https://linkin.bio/notesfromtheexecutive
Discover how Rudy Kokx turned Coffee News into a thriving franchise in New Zealand's competitive market. Whether you're an aspiring franchise owner or a small business entrepreneur, Rudy's insights on door-to-door sales strategies and local marketing can help you achieve sustainable business growth. Don't miss out on these valuable business success stories NZ has to offer

Jan 5, 2025 • 29min
Why Oprah Loved His Work—Now Murray Thom Reveals His Simple Entrepreneur Secrets
This is a highlight episode from our Full Conversation Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-r2y...
In this highlight from my full Murray Thom interview, discover how a Kiwi entrepreneur turned small opportunities into big success and earned a coveted spot as one of Oprah’s favorite things. What's his one rule in business. If you do not eat at your desk at work, you are doing yourself a huge favour. You'll find out why. Murray Thom’s journey started at CBS Records, launching a career that spans music, publishing, and business growth strategies. He’s known for innovative entrepreneur success stories and inspiring approaches to philanthropy and entrepreneurship.
In this clip, Murray shares his simple entrepreneur secrets, offering insights into the entrepreneur mindset that helped him create the Together 10-CD Collection, hailed by Oprah in 2002. Learn how he masterminded The Offering Project, The Great New Zealand Cookbook, and now ventures into the NFT entrepreneur journey with his new digital collection, Glorious.
If you’re searching for authentic business lessons, how to get named Oprah’s favorite things, or ways to combine creativity, philanthropy, and sustainable success, this conversation delivers. See how Murray Thom’s Kiwi businessman background fuels his international impact.
Listen On:
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/aJ18i
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/2fps7
Follow for more insights: https://linkin.bio/notesfromtheexecutive
Murray Thom is a dynamic Kiwi businessman and entrepreneur known for turning small opportunities into big successes across music, publishing, business, and philanthropy. He produced the Together 10-CD Collection, which Oprah Winfrey named her "favourite thing of the year" in 2002. That project made millions around the world.
Murray Thom's notable projects, such as The Offering and The Great New Zealand Cookbook, have raised significant funds for charity. Murray’s latest venture, 'Glorious,' delves into the NFT space, showcasing authentic digital masterpieces.

Dec 29, 2024 • 1h 2min
How to Build Resilience and Leadership Skills (For Young Women) | Vicki Tyler
How to Build Resilience and Leadership Skills For Young Women?
Vicki Tyler is an accomplished Kiwi-American speaker, leadership trainer, mentor and entrepreneur. She’s the former President of Flight Centre USA, a $4b travel company, and real estate multi-millionaire. Known for traveling 40 countries, nearly dying twice, and her passion for building resilience and leadership skills for young women in a post-COVID world.
Follow Vicki
GrowZoneLayer.com
Listen on: Apple podcast –
Spotify -
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Dec 22, 2024 • 22min
I Asked a Top Property Manager: Will Your Next Home Be a ‘Lifetime Rental’? (Her Answer Shocked Me)
NZ rental markets face grey tsunami: double the elderly tenants are coming, are you ready? Megan LamontThis is a highlight video. Watch the full conversation here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_8Cx4QDCII&t=2999sMegan Lamont is the founder of Vertigro Property Management, a company based on the North Shore and Hibiscus Coast region of Auckland, New Zealand. Megan Lamont has over 22 years of experience in the property management industry. She now directs a small team to run her property management business and shares insider secrets in this field.This video is for property managers, property developers, property investors, property flippers, first-home buyers, people who rent in NZ, renters in NZ, renters in Auckland.Listen on: Apple podcast – https://shorturl.at/aJ18iSpotify - https://shorturl.at/2fps7Follow me:https://linkin.bio/notesfromtheexecutiveBy 2048 so it's still a good few years away. It's estimated that there will be twice the number of older folks renting than what we have now. To give you perspective:Current/Recent Situation (around 2018):Back in 2018, about 20–22% of people over 65 were renting (roughly 150,000 out of about 711,200). So, about one in five older individuals were renters.Projected 2048 Scenario (the given prediction):By 2048, if we see 600,000 renters out of a total older population of around 1.4 million, that share jumps to about two in five (around 43%).This represents:A four-fold increase in the absolute number of older renters (from around 150,000 to 600,000).Approximately a doubling of the proportion (from about 20% to over 40%).This predicted scenario shows not just growth in the sheer number of older renters—due to overall population aging—but also a fundamental shift in housing tenure patterns. More older New Zealanders may find themselves renting later into life, possibly due to housing affordability pressures, changing family structures, or the preference for more flexible living arrangements. A jump from around one-fifth to nearly half of the 65+ population renting represents a significant and possibly challenging social, economic, and policy shift over the next couple of decades.Are we equipped for that in New Zealand? And I would say we're not equipped for that, said Megan Lamont.“If you talk to most young Aucklanders, a lot of them would say there's no way I'm gonna buy a house.”Hopefully we'll have more build to rent, so that people have that, people that go into those properties, they have 10 year long leases, where they have a lifetime for rent so that they have that security can enroll their child at school and know that, oh, great, we're going to stay if we choose to.Sitting down with Megan Lamont provided a fascinating insider's look at property management in New Zealand. I was quite clueless to the landlording world, I gained a much deeper appreciation for the complexities of this industry.Lamont highlighted the rapid evolution of the industry, underscoring the need for continuous learning to stay ahead of regulatory changes, technological advancements, and shifting market trends. Perhaps most intriguing was Lamont's stance on the lack of regulation in New Zealand's property management sector, which she believes leaves both owners and tenants vulnerable. This insight into an industry-wide issue provides a valuable glimpse into the realities of this often-overlooked profession.how do i find a reliable property manager on aucklands north shore, what to know before renting in aucklands challenging housing market, how have new zealands tenancy laws changed in the last 10 years, tips to maintain and add value to your rental property in nz, is a build to rent property right for my familys future in auckland, comparing renting and buying a home in new zealands current market, how to navigate the rental market for long term tenants in auckland, investing in property as a mum and dad landlord what you need to know

Dec 15, 2024 • 21min
Top Job Branding Expert Shares Surprising Job Search Strategy "Don't Rush To Find a Job"
This is a highlight episode from my first interview with Kathryn Sanford which you can find here https://youtu.be/nK66TR0ls3I?si=h1bK9gxxxMhFvdBE
Top Job Branding Expert Kathryn Sandford is a LinkedIn Personal Branding and Career Success Coach with a track record of helping professionals unlock opportunities and thrive in an unpredictable job market.
In this episode Kathryn shares a surprising job search strategy and to not Rush To Find a Job.
Kathryn Sandford is former recruiter who’s reviewed over 50,000 resumes and conducted more than 10,000 interviews, Kathryn knows what it takes to stand out. Her coaching journey began after seeing countless talented individuals struggle to articulate their value—a challenge she faced in her own career when pivoting from corporate roles.

Dec 11, 2024 • 25min
Highlight Moments With Ashish Saxena | FORGET Everything You KNOW About Leadership (It's surprising)
This is a highlights reel from my first conversation with Ashish. For the full episode Click HERE
Ashish Saxena is a former executive at Lucent-Alcatel, Nokia and General Electric, he advocates for a shift from traditional authority to empathetic, servant-based leadership. His insights on listening and collaboration are timely, especially in today’s evolving business landscape.
FORGET Everything You KNOW About Leadership (It's surprising) | This episode is for ambitious business professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking actionable insights to elevate their leadership and business strategies. If you're a CEO, manager, team leader, or aspiring entrepreneur grappling with challenges in team collaboration, managing conflicts, or building a cohesive company culture, this episode delivers valuable lessons.
Our guest Ashish Saxena shares profound knowledge on holistic leadership, developing empathy in leadership, and how to create lasting business assets that drive success. This episode is for anyone curious about effective communication, mastering change management, and understanding the psychology of leadership.
If you're exploring how to build inclusive teams, develop a strong company culture, or manage the complexities of corporate environments, you'll find Ashish's perspectives invaluable. It's also perfect for professionals looking to gain an edge in decision-making, time management, and goal setting, as well as those intrigued by leadership in the age of AI.
Whether you're navigating the modern workplace or striving to be a more empathetic, impactful leader, this episode delivers actionable insights grounded in real-world experience.