OneUp Project

After 5.5 years, 400 episodes, and a journey that started with a Kiwisaver convo during my PwC internship... I’m officially wrapping up The OneUp Project.This episode is a reflective goodbye — sharing the real reason I’m ending the pod, the unexpected lessons it taught me, and why pressing pause can be a power move. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just joined, this one’s from the heart. Thank you for growing with me 💛 🔑What we discussed: Why I started The OneUp Project and how it shaped my 20sNavigating creative burnout and knowing when it’s time to step awayLessons that stuck from 5+ years of conversations with incredible humansThe mindset shifts that changed my life – financially, personally, and emotionallyWhy trusting people, taking risks, and staying curious will take you further than anything elseEmbracing uncertainty and letting go of the sunk cost fallacyWhat’s next, and how I’m learning to live into this new season fullyKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

This one’s a little different. I’ve been sitting on some thoughts about where the world’s heading from one of the world's biggest brands possible downfall to the rise of AI influencers and why less might actually become the new luxury.Some of these takes might age terrible and others might just be spot on. Either way, it’s a fun, thought-provoking ride into the next decade!!What we discuss:Why one of the worlds largest tech companies might lose its crown and who could take the throneThe shift from more to less — why minimalism might become premium againHow freelancing and contract work are becoming the new 9–5How your personal brand is becoming your job application and how to work on itThe future of education — and why it may become deeply personal and more expensiveMeet your new marketing manager...Some philosophical reflections on whether we’re headed in the right direction — or just surviving in a system that’s shifting too fastKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

This book snapped me out of my reading slump and might just snap you out of the modern health spiral!! After finishing Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means, I had to share the five most powerful insights that made me rethink everything from my food to my lightbulbs (seriously lol). This isn’t another wellness trend; it’s a wake-up call to how our modern lifestyles are sabotaging our cells, and what we can do about it. If you're tired, foggy, inflamed, or just confused by health advice online, this one's for you. What We Covered:Why "bad energy" is at the root of most chronic symptoms—like acne, fatigue, depression, IBS, and moreThe surprising ways our modern lifestyle is disrupting our cells—and how to fix itThe toxic incentives built into the healthcare and food industriesSix key principles of “good energy eating” that actually make senseMovement, mindfulness, and the metabolic magic of walking throughout the dayCold water, saunas, and the underrated science behind ancient ritualsA refreshing take on why health is just as spiritual as it is biologicalKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

In this solo ep, I take you behind the scenes of how I’m reviewing and resetting my money plan after getting a new job and moving to one of the most expensive cities in the world — London. From budgeting with purpose to rethinking my investment strategy and student loan decisions, this episode is perfect for anyone navigating life shifts, job changes, or just needing a money plan refresh.What we discuss:Why your financial plan has to evolve with your lifestyleMy updated income + cost of living situation in LondonHow I used budgeting tools to realign my values and lifestyleThe mindset shift from “survival mode” to “future-focused”Investment rebalancing, tax moves, and simplifying platformsNavigating student loan interest (ouch – 4.9%) and choosing prioritiesThe UK vs NZ retirement saving system — what I’ve learned so farHow often I review my money and why it feels empoweringThe guilt-free magic of having a system that works in the backgroundKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

After moving to a new city and starting from scratch, I am sharing my raw truth of what it's actually like to build friendships in your late 20s and beyond. Just practical tips, personal insights and a refreshing reminder that connection is still possible (and fun!) if you're willing to put yourself out there.What we discuss:Why making friends as an adult is so hard — and how to stop taking rejection personallyThe role of vulnerability in creating authentic connectionWhere to find aligned people (yes, even if you're not a raging extrovert)How to use TikTok, Bumble BFF & your personal brand to expand your circleWhy overseas friendships can feel deeper and how to bring that mindset homeReframing social pressure: not every hangout has to be deep or perfectThe secret ingredient? Doing things you actually enjoyKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

I finally did it — I GOT A JOB. After months of searching in one of the toughest markets we've seen in years, I’m walking you through exactly what I did to land a role I’m excited about (and how I didn’t settle just to survive). From the raw reality of endless applications (you know the vibe) to the practical steps that moved the needle, this is everything I wish I’d heard at the start of my job hunt!What we discussed:What the job market is actually like right now (stats + stories)The truth behind 50+ applications and only a few real leadsHow a Notion portfolio and LinkedIn overhaul changed the gameThe difference between sending a CV and building a presenceStrategic vs. scattergun applications — what worked bestThe income goal I set and how I stuck to it (even when it felt risky)How building community sped up the process — and kept me saneKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

This year, my word is unstoppable — not in a hustle culture kind of way, but in a grounded, focused, and honest way. In this solo episode, I unpack the four shifts that are helping me push through self-doubt, overthinking and ego to show up fully in 2025. If you're trying to get out of your own way and into your power, this one’s for you.What we discuss:The simple mental switch that changed everything around 'being present'How to break the addiction to overthinking and endless self-analysisWhy letting go of ego (and being okay with inconvenience) is the biggest cheat codeWhat it really means to trust the long game without spiraling over the futureHow rejection, embarrassment, and self-worth are more connected than you thinkKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

Let’s be real - money mistakes aren’t just inevitable, they’re often the moments that teach us the most. I am going to reflect on five major financial missteps I would NEVER repeat, why they happened, and what I have learned since.If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle with your money, this episode is for you. What we discuss:The one thing that changed everything about how I handle financial emergenciesWhy debt isn't just about numbers, it's about mindset and identityHow to actually align spending with your values (and how often to reassess)Why “ignorance is bliss” doesn’t apply to your budgetThe mindset shift that helped me stop playing small with money decisionsKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

Ever wonder how some people seem fearless when chasing their dreams? In this follow-up to last week’s deep dive on why fear is actually good for us, I’m sharing exactly how you can remove fear’s grip and start taking more risks, WITHOUT overwhelming yourself. Taking risks is a skill, just like riding a bike, today I’ll walk you through how to practice it.What we discussed:Why fear is not your enemy (and how to use it to your advantage)How taking risks is like building a muscle and how to startThe one thing you must know before you take any riskSimple ways to build confidence without overwhelming yourselfWhy getting comfortable with failure is essential for successHow to tell the difference between fear and real dangerPractical tips to help you move through fear instead of getting stuck in itKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

Do it scared! Do it anyway! Today I reflect on the pivotal moments in my life where fear showed up loud and clear… and why that was a good thing. From leaving a corporate accounting career and carving a new path, to solo travelling for the first time, to navigating cultural unknowns, to uprooting my life and moving to London - these moments of fear taught me how to be adaptable, empathetic and relentlessly curious.What we discuss:The powerful distinction between fear and dangerThe emotional chaos of major life changes (and what they teach us)Why gut feelings deserve your attentionHow cultural differences can shape our perception of safetyWhat survival mode does to your creativity and decision-makingThe unexpected freedom that comes with being uncomfortableLearning to trust yourself—one leap at a timeWhy small risks can lead to massive growthKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

What makes someone a leader people actually want to follow?In today’s conversation, I sit down with Tash Pieterse - founder, leadership coach and host of the Lead with Less podcast, to unpack the uncomfortable truths about modern leadership. After over a decade inside the HR world, Tash saw the cracks in how we define leadership and decided to build something better. Her mission? To develop Legendary Leaders. This conversation challenged my own assumptions and made me reflect on the kind of leader I want to be, not just at work, but in life.What we discuss:The six key traits of a “Legendary Leader”Why vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a superpower in leadershipWhat it really means to be people-first without sacrificing resultsCommon traps even the best leaders fall into and how to avoid themA surprising take on who’s getting leadership right (and wrong) todayA practical, no-BS first step for anyone new to leadership and career developmentEpisode Tash mentioned on transparency and authenticity in leadership is here.Keen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

Year 5 of "what have I learnt from investing in the share market"! Each year has new lessons that influence my investing style and strategy. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned investor, this episode will help you continue your journey in the share market with confidence.See all the past years episodes below! Things we discuss in this episode:Investing something is better than nothing.. or is it?How much money is in my investment portfolioMy personal investing strategyHow I have changed my investments over the last year Why I choose to invest What my investing goals are for 2025Earlier episodes..What I have learnt about investing after 1 yearWhat I have learnt about investing after 2 yearsWhat I have learnt about investing after 3 yearsWhat I have learnt about investing after 4 yearsKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.

What separates a good business from a truly great one? In this episode, I sit down with Bugra Altuntas, the writer and creator behind Founder Marketer, one of my favourite newsletters on business and marketing.Bugra has spent HOURS studying the patterns behind transformational companies, and he’s also a hotel owner, bringing a unique perspective on both digital and physical businesses.Don't forget to subscribe to Founder Marketer & access incredible pieces like this one on M-PESA!What we discuss;✅ The biggest factors behind successful businesses—past, present, and future✅ Why founder obsession and niche expertise create cult-like customer loyalty✅ Painkiller vs. vitamin products—and why solving urgent problems wins every time✅ The unexpected lessons Bugra has learned from running a physical business✅ The future of business and marketing—what founders should be paying attention toKeen to learn more about personal growth, career and money? Find me on Instagram or Tik Tok Thank you for listening, it means so much to me. Please leave a comment, rating or review if you’re enjoying and we will chat in the next episode. Need help creating a CV? Here's one of the best FREE CV creators. Want to get in touch directly? sarah@theoneupproject.nz Disclaimer: All opinions are my own, please seek professional financial advice.