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Have you ever wondered how a love for puppet shows and theatre could evolve into pioneering innovation for Kiwis in Virtual and Augmented Reality.

As this podcast goes to air the team at Beyond are readying to release their game Runaways for the new Apple Vision Pro.

Join us as Jessica Manins, co-CEO and co-founder of Beyond, takes us through her story from childhood passions to leading innovation in virtual worlds.

In the last couple of years Beyond have created stand out successes like Combonauts and Fluf World alongside the Futureverse team.

Venturing into the startup world can feel labyrinthine, yet, Jess and her cofounder chartered the world of imaginary digital worlds and in this episode she shares the peaks and valleys of their journey, from hustling like a pro to shaking off the inevitable imposter syndrome and building their dreams into reality.

You can connect with Jess here and check out the amazing work from Beyond.

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Embark on a riveting journey with our guest Anna Scheirlinck, whose life reads like an adventure novel, brimming with courage and a relentless drive to make a difference.

From academia to the frontlines of law enforcement and disaster relief, Anna's tale is not just one of career changes but of chasing the greater good, regardless of the terrain.

Her experiences stretch from the lecture halls of social policy to the dusty streets of Alice Springs, and from the earthquake-struck streets of Christchurch to the snowy peaks of New Zealand's mountain ranges. Anna's story is a testament to the human spirit's capability to adapt, serve, and lead in the most demanding circumstances.

My conversation with Anna isn't just about her past glories; it's a deep dive into the ethics of policing, the essence of community service in crisis, and the raw leadership honed in military and mountaineering feats. She unearths the nuances of serving as a constable in an outback town, the human connections that can evolve from disaster recovery, and the relentless physical and mental trials faced in both army training and alpine rescues.

Anna's narrative is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, the leadership born out of service, and the adrenaline that fuels a life dedicated to surmounting both literal and figurative mountains.

As we conclude our episode, Anna's voice brings us into the heart of alpine search and rescue operations, where the stakes are as high as the peaks. With humility and raw honesty, she opens up about the support systems that uphold her and her team, the culture of debriefing that they rely on, and her dreams of scaling New Zealand's formidable 3,000-metre summits.

You can connect with Anna here.

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When we peel back the layers of our lives, we often find shared battles and common ground in the quest for mental wellness. Today, we sit down with the remarkably open Andy Kerr, who walks us through his journey of loss, depression, and the eventual solace he finds in helping others and in the written word. His story is a poignant reminder that while suffering may be deeply personal, the struggle with mental health is a universal challenge that unites us all.

Writing proved to be Andy's lifeline, a therapeutic outlet that eventually took the shape of his book "We All Change." He recounts the rollercoaster of emotions that led to its creation and discusses the surprising realizations about life's purpose that emerged from his introspective chapters. This conversation is an honest exploration of the struggles with mental health, the continuous management of well-being, and the importance of supportive dialogues that shatter the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Andy's resilience also shines through in his passion for running, which goes much beyond a mere physical pursuit. Each stride for Andy represents a step in his ongoing recovery, echoing the determination and community found in the running scene. The discussion doesn't shy away from the physical challenges and injuries that come with age, yet it's imbued with optimism about setting and achieving new goals. Andy's narrative is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and a beacon of hope for those navigating the murky waters of mental health.

You can read Andy's writings via his Substack page.

His charity website can be found here or email defirippleeffects@gmail.com.

If you'd like to purchase a copy of his book (remember a donation is made to the I AM HOPE charity whenever a copy of a book is purchased) then you can contact Andy at DifferentPeopleBooks@gmail.com.

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Ever feel like you're standing at the edge of a precipice, about to make a decision that could change everything? That's where Dr. Johann Malawana found himself as he made the audacious leap from the security of medicine to the exhilarating world of startups. On today's show, he bares his soul, revealing the internal battles, self-doubt, and the resilience required to navigate such a life-altering transition. His candid reflections on the pressures of entrepreneurship, juxtaposed with his experiences in obstetrics, make for a compelling narrative that both aspiring and seasoned founders can relate to.

As we weave through Johann's story, the conversation gets into the challenges of leading two mission-driven healthcare organisations, The Healthcare Leadership Academy and Medics Academy. His insights on the importance of focus and the similarities in decision-making between medicine and business leadership are eye-opening.

Johann provides an inspirational roadmap for those contemplating a foray into startups. He encourages aligning one's personal convictions with their career choices, emphasising that the true measure of success is deeply personal and unique to each individual. Embrace the doubt, harness the passion, and carry forward the mission—Dr. Johann Malawana's reflections are a beacon for anyone seeking to leave a mark on the world through their work.

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James Rose is the co-founder of Content Snare.

With wit and wisdom, he shares the joys of developing a product that resonates with a market one never anticipated, emphasising the critical role of customer feedback and the importance of adaptability in business growth.

Our chat with James takes a dive into the essentials of bootstrapping a startup and navigating the complexities of global team dynamics.

Learn how Content Snare's origins in a software development agency provided the springboard for a self-funded enterprise, and how hiring the right attitude has propelled their team forward.

James discusses the significance of test projects in the hiring process and underscores the effectiveness of asynchronous communication in managing a distributed team.

Closing the loop, we explore the link between intense work and essential downtime that startup life demands.

You can connect with James on LinkedIn and check out Content Snare.

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We all need time in nature to restore and renew. To find insight and creativity, to set big life goals and just to get away and restore our bodies to their factory settings.

Escape the relentless march of the clock and find solace in the wilderness with Chris Grant and Charlie Crisp from Unyoked.

This episode is the essence of a business literally born in the wild and the profound peace it promises to those entangled in the modern world. My own respite within an Unyoked cabin was so incredibly restorative and in this episode I learn all about the origin and ethos of Unyoked.

The founders' footsteps echo with lessons on the healing touch of nature and the challenging ascent of scaling a startup, offering insights into creating a venture that is as nurturing to the human spirit as it is successful in the marketplace.

Chris and Charlie speak of cabins under the stars and the symbiosis of sustainability and comfort that defines the Unyoked experience. Leaving with a heart full of starlight and a mind clear like the forest air, I extend an invitation to all of you to step into the Unyoked universe— an essential reset for the soul.

Find out all about Unyoked here.

And connect with Chris and Charlie.

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When entrepreneurial fervor meets an insatiable urge to shake up the norm, you get the captivating story of Aaron Ward.

Our exchange with the Ask Nicely co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer is less of a conventional interview and more of a masterclass in turning the kernel of an idea into a global phenomenon. As we unfurl Aaron's narrative, you'll be privy to the raw, unvarnished truths of startup life — from weathering financial pressure to the thrill of winning the first big client catch by delivering on a promise before a product integration existed.

But it's not all business tactics and growth strategies; we also delve into how incorporating Maori cultural values into Ask Nicely's ethos has resonated with customers worldwide.

His conviction in embracing the 'madness' of entrepreneurship is encouraging for fellow founders to cherish the unpredictable journey that is building a business.

You can connect with Aaron on LinkedIn and be sure to check out AskNicely.

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Have you ever wondered how a self-described academic underachiever can morph into a powerhouse entrepreneur? Dr. Alex Allen, co-founder of Kortical joins us to share his transformation from a laid-back student to a PhD holder and AI innovator.

His insights are a treasure trove for any budding founder, emphasising the significance of knowing your 'why' and the symbiotic relationship between consistent progress and mental well-being.

What does the future hold for AI? We uncover the prospective role of AI agents across a variety of industries and wide - reshaping how we handle tasks from travel planning to legal research.

We don't just talk shop; our chat takes a turn towards the personal challenges and growth experienced along the entrepreneurial journey. From recognising the importance of goal setting to engaging in disciplines like boxing, Alex shares how confronting fears and stepping out of one's comfort zone are critical for self-improvement. He recounts how these experiences have been instrumental in him becoming a more resilient person, both in and out of the ring.

You can connect with Dr Alex via LinkedIn or check out Kortical.