NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

New Zealand's podcast that inspires and challenges those in business and leadership. Hear from numerous top NZ leaders and entrepreneurs including Rod Drury, Sir Stephen Tindall, Sir Michael Hill, Sir Graham Henry, Mike Bennetts, Andy Hamilton and many more.

  • 48 minutes 47 seconds
    Sam Vye: Founder and CEO of Syos

    Host Paul Spain sits down with Sam Vye, founder and CEO of Syos Aerospace - a New Zealand and United Kingdom business that has moved with remarkable speed pioneering world-class autonomous uncrewed vehicles, ranging from helicopters to advanced maritime and land platforms, serving both civil and defence sectors around the globe. Sam Vye’s journey is packed with adventure, resilience, and remarkable lessons in leadership. Discover how his early passion for problem-solving led him through geophysics, exploration roles across continents, and eventually into the world of drone and unmanned vehicle technology. Hear insider stories about a last-minute Arctic rowing expedition, building drones for the Galápagos and unexpected contract wins. Get ready for insights on adaptability, leadership, fostering fast paced innovation and building a business on the global stage.

    The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr

    6 March 2026, 10:00 am
  • 48 minutes 42 seconds
    Lachlan Murray: Robomate (Founder and CEO)

    Lachlan Murray, Founder and CEO of Robomate shares his journey building Robomate from a small robotics idea into a nationwide home‑automation leader. Lachlan founded Robomate in 2018 and bootstrapped the company through early setbacks, refining the model through relentless problem‑solving and customer focus. His determination helped Robomate become one of New Zealand’s fastest‑growing companies, ranking 5th in the 2025 Deloitte Fast 50 with 408% revenue growth over 3 years. Lachlan shares insights on scaling up, building resilient teams, and how serving people and discipline are at the heart of Robomate’s success.

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    https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr

    Special thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    20 February 2026, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    Sam Kidd: LawVu (Co-Founder, CEO)

    Host Paul Spain sits down with Sam Kidd, Co founder and CEO of LawVu, for a look at what it takes to build a global legal tech company from New Zealand.

    Sam shares about assembling an exceptional team, maintaining culture across continents, navigating remote work, and the personal highs and lows that come with building something meaningful. This episode delivers practical insights, honest reflections, and inspiration for anyone growing a company in a rapidly changing world.

    The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr

    9 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Rob Woolner: Autex Acoustics

    Host Paul Spain sits down with Rob Woolner, Managing Director of Autex Acoustics. Discover Rob’s fascinating journey from his childhood in England and early years in the police, to leading a global manufacturing company shaping sustainable buildings in New Zealand and beyond. You’ll hear how this New Zealand company started as a humble textile manufacturer and transformed into a global leader in sustainable acoustic solutions, supplying major clients like Google, Amazon, and Disney.

    Rob shares candid stories about his own personal growth, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the company’s commitment to innovation, people, and culture, and a surprising connection to the Warriors rugby league team! Listen in for insights into Kiwi business success, sustainability, and leadership.

    The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    23 January 2026, 5:30 am
  • 50 minutes 17 seconds
    Bowen Pan: Creator of Facebook Marketplace

    In this episode, Paul Spain sits down with Bowen Pan, a technology leader, advisor and investor.

    Bowen shares about his family's early immigrant experiences, launching his first startup as a university student, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career—including being a key force behind Facebook Marketplace. Hear behind-the-scenes tales of innovation at Facebook, lessons learned from his time at Trade Me and Stripe, and why he’s passionate about helping New Zealand’s tech sector reach new heights. Packed with relatable anecdotes and valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in business, technology, and the Kiwi entrepreneurial spirit.

    The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability): https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrr

    9 January 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    Jamie Beaton: Crimson Education (Founder and CEO) 2020 Interview

    Join host Paul Spain in this retrospective Interview recorded in November 2020 with Jamie Beaton, founder and CEO of Crimson Education. From starting the company at just 18 to leading a global team and launching New Zealand’s first online high school, Jamie Beaton shares his fascinating journey through entrepreneurship, scaling internationally, and redefining what’s possible for Kiwi students. Listeners will get an inside look at the Crimson story, from the early days of educational hustle to navigating funding rounds, leadership challenges, and expansion into new markets. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with insights on ambition, innovation, and the future of education.

    Thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology

    26 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Aaron Ward: AskNicely, Huckleberry (CEO, Co-Founder)

    Paul Spain sits down with Kiwi entrepreneur Aaron Ward for a conversation about his journey pioneering tech companies like AskNicely and his latest venture, Huckleberry. Aaron Ward shares insights about embracing risk, learning from setbacks and the impact of positive feedback on both employees and customers. Packed with honest reflections, practical lessons, and a peek into the future of voice AI feedback, this interview is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, leadership, or starting their own business in New Zealand and beyond.

    The New Zealand Business Podcast is proudly sponsored by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    12 December 2025, 6:00 am
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    Janine Grainger: Easy Crypto (CEO, Co-Founder)

    Host Paul Spain sits down with Janine Grainger, co-founder of Easy Crypto, to explore her remarkable journey from early ventures and corporate roles at PwC, Westpac, and Air New Zealand, to building one of New Zealand’s leading crypto platforms. Janine shares insights into navigating compliance, managing explosive growth and achieving a successful exit. Her story is packed with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and innovation. This conversation offers practical advice and stories that reveal what it takes to build a successful business from scratch.

    Special thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology

    28 November 2025, 10:00 am
  • 34 minutes 11 seconds
    Christopher Boyle: Fabrum (Hydrogen and superconductivity innovators)

    Host Paul Spain sits down with Christopher Boyle, co-founder of Fabrum, one of Canterbury’s standout high-tech companies. Christopher Boyle shares the journey from Fabrum’s inception, born from university friendships and a passion for engineering—to becoming a global leader in cryogenic and composite technologies. The conversation dives into Fabrum’s groundbreaking work with superconductivity, liquid hydrogen, and collaborations with icons like NASA and Rolls Royce. Along the way, Christopher Boyle discusses the challenges of innovation, surviving market shifts, and the vital role of Kiwi ingenuity in building world-class tech from Christchurch. If you’re keen to learn about New Zealand’s impact on innovation and the future of sustainable energy, this interview delivers insightful stories and inspiration straight from the frontlines.

    Thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

    14 November 2025, 9:15 am
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    Neil Livingston: Kordia (Chief Executive Officer)

    In this episode host Paul Spain sits down with Neil Livingston, Chief Executive of Kordia, for an inspiring and insightful conversation about leadership, transformation, and the evolution of Kordia, one of New Zealand’s most critical communications companies. Neil Livingston shares stories of innovation, strategic thinking, and lessons learned from working with iconic brands and pioneering change in the tech sector.

    He also discusses building trust, embracing transparency, and fostering culture in organisations both large and small, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at Kordia’s rich heritage and its exciting vision for New Zealand’s future connectivity and security.

    This episode is packed with business wisdom, leadership anecdotes, and a passion for making a difference in New Zealand business.

    31 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    Brooke Roberts: Sharesies (Co-Founder, CEO)

    In this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Brooke Roberts, co-founder and co-CEO of Sharesies. Brooke shares her inspiring journey from selling lollies out of her school locker to co-founding one of New Zealand’s most innovative investment platforms. She discusses the pivotal role of mentorship, the power of partnerships, and the challenges building a business from the ground up. Brooke also reflects on the collaborative 3EO leadership style that has helped shape Sharesies’ success. Whether you're passionate about startups, leadership, or the future of finance, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage.

    17 October 2025, 10:00 am
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