NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

In this episode, host Paul Spain [https://www.paulspain.com/] sits down with Ben Kepes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkepes/]—entrepreneur, investor, board director, and co-founder of Cactus Outdoor [https://cactusoutdoor.co.nz/]—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 [https://www.paulspain.com/] sits down with Daniel Hopkirk [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hopkirk-77773213/], Founder and Managing Director of BcgCrave [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcgcrave/], an innovative agency born from the merger of Crave Global and BCG2. Daniel shares his journey working with international marketing campaigns for brands like Red Bull, Kerry Group, and Virgin Australia. He shares valuable lessons learned from building relationships, navigating global markets, and starting his own agency here in New Zealand. Daniel also dives into the art of scaling through strategic mergers, the importance of a brand’s “why,” and his approach to creating campaigns that truly matter. It’s an inspiring conversation packed with practical insights for business leaders, marketers, and anyone hungry for creative thinking in the NZ business landscape.

Host Paul Spain [https://www.paulspain.com/] is joined by Matthew Hayter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-hayter-9180037/], Founder and Chief Product Officer at Projectworks [https://www.projectworks.com/]—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.

Host Paul Spain [https://www.paulspain.com/] sits down with Kiwi innovator Sir Ian Taylor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-taylor-761a467/]. From his humble beginnings in rural New Zealand—where he vividly recalls the first time his family home was lit by electricity—to founding Animation Research Ltd and revolutionising sports broadcasting technology worldwide, Ian shares tales of pivotal life decisions, setbacks, lessons in leadership from the army, and how Māori values have shaped his business philosophy. Sir Ian’s story is a powerful reminder to follow your curiosity, look for opportunity in every challenge, and—above all—to get out of bed and seize the day.

Host Paul Spain [https://www.paulspain.com/] is joined by Rachel King [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkingltd/], founder of Quotient [https://www.quotient.nz/], to dive into the art (and necessity) of working at "human speed." With a background as a civil engineer and expertise in psychology, Rachel unpacks why our obsession with busyness doesn’t equal value, how digital overload and workplace pressures can drive burnout—and, most importantly, practical strategies for leaders and teams to prioritise meaningful work, set boundaries, and thrive without running on empty. Whether you’re a startup founder powering through long hours or part of a corporate team drowning in emails, this episode is packed with relatable stories, actionable tips, and a refreshing perspective on finding real fulfilment and impact at work.