NZ Business Podcast - Paul Spain

Phil Thomson: Auror (CEO and Co-Founder)

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.

Dawn Engelbrecht: CEO of Kitchen Studio

Paul Spain sits down with Dawn Engelbrecht, CEO of Kitchen Studio and a trailblazer in both business franchising and governance. Dawn Engelbrecht shares her inspiring journey from a small UK mining town to building an international childcare franchise empire, SKids, and leading business transformations in New Zealand. She opens up about the practical realities of franchising, navigating risk and regulation across countries, the importance of knowing your numbers, and what it takes to help franchisees succeed. Whether you’re interested in business growth, scaling franchises, or effective leadership, Dawn Engelbrecht’s insights on success, setbacks, and learning from experience will leave you inspired and informed. Special thanks to our show partners One New Zealand and Gorilla Technology.

Nick Astwick: CEO of Southern Cross Health Society

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.

Shane Smith: Co-Founder of Education Perfect

Host Paul Spain sits down with Shane Smith, co-founder of Education Perfect, as they dive into Shane's journey of co-founding a startup in his parents' garage with his brother Craig. The conversation traces how Education Perfect evolved from a simple vocabulary learning tool into an adaptive, curriculum-wide online platform now used by 1.8 million students across Australasia. Shane talks about the pivotal moments and challenges faced, from winning their first business competition and building trust with schools, to scaling a company with limited resources and ultimately achieving a major acquisition valued at over NZ$450 million. Shane shares insights on growing a high impact edtech business, working alongside his brother, navigating funding and commercialisation, and transforming educational outcomes with innovative technology. The New Zealand Business Podcast is brought to you by One NZ and Gorilla Technology.

Claudia Batten: Tech Entrepreneur, Advisor and Board Member

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 [https://one.nz/] and Gorilla Technology [https://gorillatechnology.com/].