NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Join Paul Spain for a conversation with Greg Macpherson, founder of Pharmacy Direct and SRW Laboratories and a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s pharmacy, supplement, and longevity sectors. From building Pharmacy One and pioneering online pharmacy ventures to advancing biotech innovation and longevity research, Greg shares lessons from decades of business growth, disruption, and reinvention. Learn how he identified emerging opportunities, navigated setbacks, built science-backed brands, and stayed ahead of changing consumer trends. Greg also explores the future of health, wellness, and longevity, and what it means for business leaders, investors, and consumers.Packed with practical leadership lessons and strategic insights, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in building resilient, future-focused businesses.

Tony Falkenstein shares valuable lessons learned from building the Just Water brand, moving the Just Life Group from the NZX to the Unlisted Securities Exchange (USX). He also unpacks his passion for fostering entrepreneurship in schools, the impact of business education, and the driving factors behind successful startups.We hear Tony’s approach to building strong company culture, embracing technology and AI, and supporting the next generation of Kiwi innovators. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world insights from a true leader in New Zealand business.Special thanks to our show partners: One New Zealand, Outrun Global and Gorilla Technology

Paul Spain is joined by Phil Thomson, Co-founder and CEO of Auror, to explore his journey from a career in law to building one of New Zealand’s standout global tech success stories.Phil shares the early influences that sparked his entrepreneurial drive, the key decisions that shaped his path, and the realities of scaling a software company from New Zealand into major markets including Australia, US and UK. He offers candid insights into startup culture, global expansion, and the discipline and resilience required to grow a high-impact business.If you’re interested in ambitious thinking, scaling globally from New Zealand, and the personal journey behind entrepreneurship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Special thanks to our show partners One New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.

Join Paul Spain for a compelling conversation with Nick Astwick, outgoing Chief Executive of Southern Cross Health Society. Nick shares his journey from a Christchurch schoolboy who once dreamed of joining the police force to leading some of New Zealand’s most influential organisations.Drawing on his experience helping to launch Kiwibank and guiding Southern Cross Health through major strategic transformation, Nick offers hard-won insights into leadership, building intentional cultures, and creating high‑performing teams. He reflects on the importance of aligning personal purpose with professional success, leading with intention, and his vision for New Zealand’s high‑growth business future.The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Claudia Batten, a respected voice in technology and entrepreneurship. From her childhood in Karori to her pivotal role in selling her tech firm Massive to Microsoft for over $200 million, Claudia Batten shares her unconventional journey through business, law, and leadership; moving from a law career to the heart of the New York tech scene, co-founding industry-shaking companies, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and being comfortable with discomfort. Claudia opens up about the essential role of resilience, lifelong learning, and team alignment, the power of curiosity, and what it means to be a disruptive thinker in today’s world.Special thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

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.Book your Cyber Risk Reduction Review session now (limited availability)https://gorillatechnology.com/cyber-rrrSpecial thanks to our show partners One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

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.

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

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

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.

Host Paul Spain sits down with Simon Huesser, co-founder and director of Huski and soon to be launched Smoco. Hear how Simon and his wife Meika transformed a simple idea—keeping beer cold for longer—into an internationally recognised brand now sold in over 50 countries. Leveraging their backgrounds in marketing, design, and business to build Huski from scratch into a business that delivers award-winning products.Full of practical business lessons, anecdotes from Simon’s early career, and the realities of innovating and growing a global business from New Zealand, this conversation is sure to inspire budding entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.

In this episode, host Paul Spain sits down with Ben Kepes—entrepreneur, investor, board director, and co-founder of Cactus Outdoor—for a candid exploration of his journey in business and technology. Ben shares the squiggly line of his career, including founding one of New Zealand’s beloved outdoor brands. He offers honest insights into the challenges of co-founder relationships, the evolution of Cactus, navigating tough decisions like shifting manufacturing offshore, and the lessons learned from successes and failures alike. Ben also dives into his perspective on New Zealand’s tech landscape and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and staying true to your passions.

Host Paul Spain is joined by Matthew Hayter, Founder and Chief Product Officer at Projectworks—a New Zealand-born software platform that’s making waves in the professional services sector around the world. Projectworks has evolved from a humble side project into a rapidly growing global business, serving clients across New Zealand, Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and more. Matt shares his journey from small-town Gisborne beginnings to spearheading a company now valued at over $100 million and recently named High Tech Emerging Company of the Year at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards, with candid insights on navigating startup hurdles, growing an international team, transitioning leadership roles, and focusing on solving real problems for customers. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, or just love a great business story, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration.