Marisa Fong is a pioneering entrepreneur who transformed the recruitment industry in New Zealand. She co-founded Madison Recruitment and scaled it from a two-person startup into a 100-strong enterprise, all without a college degree. In this episode, she explains:◽️How being underestimated became her biggest edge◽️Sales-first strategies that built a national business◽️Why recurring revenue is non-negotiable◽️What psychological safety really looks like at work◽️The mindset shift every first-time founder needsEpisode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutF Timestamp00:00 – Intro02:39 – How Marisa Fong’s Mother Shaped Her Work Ethic and Leadership04:21 – Why Marisa Fong Chose Entrepreneurship Over University08:28 – How Marisa Fong’s Husband Became a Stay-at-Home Dad and Broke Stereotypes09:44 – Starting a Business With the Right Partner: Tips for Founders14:32 – Why Purpose and Values Matter in Long-Term Business Growth17:42 – How Marisa Fong Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Aotearoa19:22 – Why Specialization Beats One-Stop Shops in Modern Recruitment24:45 – How to Pitch Your Startup to Investors in a Competitive Market25:58 – AD28:07 – Mentorship vs Coaching: What Early-Stage Founders Really Need31:06 – Marketing to Female Founders: Solving Overwhelm with Done-For-You Solutions32:53 – Timeless Marketing Principles: How to Look Big and Build Trust34:35 – Investing in Brand and Perception: Why Professionalism Matters36:46 – Physical Offices vs. Remote Work: What Works for Recruitment Today37:39 – Would You Start a Recruitment Company Again? Adapting to AI and Tech39:47 – End-to-End AI Recruitment: The Future of Hiring and Workflow Automation42:36 – Common Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Should Avoid in NZ45:15 – How to Stay Resilient Through Business Highs and Lows48:00 – The Power of Listening and Leading With Empathy50:26 – Marisa’s Personal Growth Journey as a Business Leader53:14 – Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Founders in NZ56:02 – Business Beyond Profit: Giving Back and Creating Impact59:11 – How Founders Can Align Vision With Daily Execution1:01:04 – Business Basics: How to Understand Your Costs, Profit, and Cash Flow1:04:47 – Why Marisa Fong Chose to Exit a Thriving Business1:07:22 – Final Advice From Marisa Fong to the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs1:10:03 – Where to Follow Marisa Fong and Learn More About Her WorkFollow Marisa:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marisafong Follow Me https://www.instagram.com/notesfromtheexecutivepodcast/Listen on: Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8vSpotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX Episode Sponsor:Academy Ex - https://shorturl.at/JLutF#femaleentrepreneur #scaleyourbusiness #salesmindset #nzculture #founderstory #noclientsproblem #psychologicalsafety #cashflowtips #recurringrevenuebusiness #buildwithoutinvestors #nichemarketingstrategies #cofounderadvice #aiinrecruitment #newzealandentrepreneurs #marisafong #businesswithoutadegree #kiwis #businessleadership #businessowner #businesstips

Scott Wilson is a New Zealand-based digital marketing strategist and expert and the founder of Digital Influence, a Christchurch-based marketing agency in New Zealand.

Episode Sponsor:

⁠ @academyex ⁠ https://shorturl.at/JLutF

He explains:

◽️ How sending this item helped grab attention of high-ticket clients every time

◽️ Why most digital agencies are selling you the wrong thing, and how to spot it

◽️ What’s possibly going to be hot in marketing in 2-3 years time

◽️ What it takes to build a digital marketing company from scratch

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

00:30 – Why In-Person Marketing Still Works in 2025

01:25 – How to Know If Your Business Idea Will Work

03:34 – How to Find a Gap in the Digital Marketing Industry

06:50 – How Scott Got Clients by Hosting Free Seminars

07:54 – Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Be Perfect Before Starting

09:23 – Best Video Script for Personal Branding and Trust

10:26 – The Simplest Video Script That Works Every Time

12:31 – Why Spending on Ads Early Helps Your Business

13:52 – The Core Formula for Consistent Marketing Results

15:15 – Creating Your Ideal Customer Avatar (Colin & Claire)

17:43 – Turning Customer Pain Points Into Content

20:30 – Don’t Build a Fancy Website First – Do This Instead

21:42 – Shy Entrepreneurs? Join Toastmasters to Build Confidence

24:47 – Teach Only What You’ve Done to Build Authority

27:25 – How Conversations at Events Can Turn Into Clients

28:59 - AD

30:09 – Red Flags: How to Spot Bad Clients Early

32:17 – Signs a Client Isn’t Ready or a Good Fit

33:25 – How to Qualify Clients Who Want to Win

35:42 – How to Price a Strategy Session at $499

36:44 – What Happens in a High-Value Strategy Session

41:51 – Genius Direct Mail: Sending Hammers to Get Clients

44:16 – Why the Hammer Campaign Worked So Well

45:21 – Using Reciprocity to Increase Your Marketing ROI

47:39 – Why Face-to-Face Events Will Dominate in 2025

49:19 – Building a Product Ladder: Free to High-Ticket Offers

51:47 – Why the Word ‘Audit’ Doesn’t Work in Sales Offers

53:33 – What’s Inside a 45-Page Marketing Strategy Report

55:57 – Hiring Mistakes: Lessons from My First Employee

58:08 – Biggest Mistakes I Made as a Marketing Founder

1:02:03 – If I Lost Everything, Here’s How I’d Rebuild

1:04:00 – Start With This: Talk to the Market First

Follow Scott:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwilson10x/

Follow me:

linkin.bio/minaamso

Listen on:

Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8v

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX

Watch episodes:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV02UOsnqLn4F2Ekrg_xUFvnl-tStCh14&si=C0j5h87OrmIcStUK

Episode Sponsor:

@academyex https://shorturl.at/JLutF

#entrepreneurmindset #scaleyourbusiness #marketingstrategy2025

#digitalmarketingtips #founderstory #businessgrowthhacks #clientacquisition

#startupadvice #highperformancebusiness #growyourbrand #marketingforservicebusiness #marketingfunnel #leadconversiontips #trustedmarketingadvice #buildabusiness #zeroresultsbigmistake #marketingcaseexample #noclientsproblem #digitalmarketingagencylife #salesandmarketingstrategy#valuefirstmarketing

Frances Valintine is a leader and disrupter in tech and education. She's changed learning for over 100,000 people through AcademyEX and The Mind Lab in New Zealand.She's an award winning futurist and innovator with a focus on digital technology, she helps mid-career professionals adjust to technological changes in their careers and businesses.

She's helped deliver postgraduate qualifications to over 8,000 Kiwis and trained more than 100,000 people through short courses and online programs.She explains ◽️ Why AI is bigger than the internet ◽️ Why if you're 40+ you need to gear up◽️ How to shift from analogue business model to a digital business model◽️ The #1 Mindset Shift for Learning New Skills in Your 40sEpisode Sponsor: @academyex MasterClass - https://shorturl.at/JLutFTimestamps: 00:00 – Intro01:31 – Quick Message From the Host02:05 – Representing New Zealand on Global Tech Delegations03:14 – What Legacy Really Means to a Visionary Educator04:44 – How a Shy Farm Girl Became a Global Education Disruptor06:32 – What It’s Like to See the Future Before Others Do07:03 – How to Spot Trends Before They Happen: Francis’ Research Method08:26 – Lifetime Achievement Awards Too Soon? Reflections on Success09:30 – How to Handle Rejection and Pushback as a Pioneer10:36 – Does Imposter Syndrome Hit Women in Tech Harder?12:34 – The #1 Mindset Shift for Learning New Skills in Your 40s15:00 – How Francis Avoids Distraction and Stays Focused16:42 – The Power of Grounding Relationships and Personal Cheerleaders18:34 – The Origin Story of AcademyEX & The Mind Lab20:46 – Why Education Must Adapt to the Digital World23:40 – AI Is Bigger Than the Internet: What That Means for You26:18 – Why You Need to Learn AI or Risk Becoming Obsolete29:21 – What to Do If You’re 40+ and Feeling Stuck in Your Career32:14 – How to Reinvent Yourself in Midlife: The “You’re Not Done Yet” Mindset32:55 – How to Choose the Right Type of Learning for You36:31 - AD37:24 – From Media Design School to Building Lifelong Learning Institutions41:24 – Post-Covid Learning: Rebuilding Human Connection Through Education42:11 – How Learning Communities Solve the Loneliness Crisis46:50 – Finding New Purpose and People After 40 Through Collaborative Learning46:56 – Why Midlife Is the Most Powerful Time to Learn and Grow48:29 – How Collaborative Classrooms Drive Real-World Innovation50:00 – Why Shared Learning Experiences Stick Better Than Solo Study52:30 – Frances Will Personally Teach the AI Masterclass at AcademyEX53:02 – How to Future-Proof Your Business With AI & Disruptive Tech55:00 – Digital vs Analog Business: What’s Holding You Back?57:51 – Why Most Small Businesses Are Falling Behind Digitally59:32 – Hard-Earned Entrepreneurial Lessons for Business Resilience1:00:55 – Final Thoughts and Farewell From FrancesFollow Frances:MasterClass Aug 16 - https://shorturl.at/JLutFPersonal Website: www.francesvalintine.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francesvalintineEpisode Sponsor:​ ⁨ @academyex MasterClass - https://shorturl.at/JLutF

Justin Flitter is an AI expert. As the founder of AI New Zealand, he’s helped thousands of entrepreneurs, marketers, and corporate teams adopt AI tools that automate workflows, increase productivity, and scale operations.

Episode Sponsor:

www.podcastguest.co.nz

00:00 – Intro

01:41 – How Justin Flitter became a leading AI advocate in NZ

02:32 – Do I need to learn AI if I’m not in tech?

03:40 – What is an AI agent and how does it work in business?

05:38 – Real-life examples of AI automating tasks for NZ companies

07:36 – What data does AI need to be effective in small business?

09:53 – AI adoption in New Zealand compared to global trends

10:20 – Best AI tools for small business productivity in NZ

12:29 – Is AI worth it for startups and young entrepreneurs?

14:00 – Why using AI is essential to remain competitive in 2025

15:07 – How complete beginners can start using ChatGPT today

17:12 – Top AI tools: ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, NotebookLM

21:25 – Ethical AI: Why Anthropic Claude is considered safest

23:45 – How Google Gemini outperforms others with larger context windows

26:01 – AI voice search vs Google SEO: How discovery is changing

28:09 – How to get your NZ business found in AI search results

30:11 – Does podcasting help you rank in ChatGPT or Perplexity?

31:51 – Key SEO tips for ranking your website in AI-powered search

33:14 – Why Reddit threads boost AI discoverability

33:56 – Podcast guesting strategy for building AI search visibility

36:41 – Can AI access YouTube videos and podcast audio?

38:03 – Live demo: ChatGPT voice mode in real-world use

40:44 – How to make money online using ChatGPT in 2025

42:48 – Best AI tools for content creation in a digital agency

45:10 – Automating workflows with AI agents and custom GPTs

47:15 – How AI saves 90% of time with smart business automation

47:55 – The future of AI in New Zealand jobs and the workplace

52:26 – What jobs will AI replace or reduce in next 2–5 years?

54:42 – Why AI will improve teachers’ and nurses’ daily workflows

55:44 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Justin Flitter

Follow Justin:

https://nz.linkedin.com/in/justinflitter

Follow me:

linkin.bio/minaamso

Listen on:

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/hlbGM

Apple podcast: https://shorturl.at/UkJ8v

#aitools #entrepreneurmindset #scaleyourbusiness #chatgptforbusiness #aiworkflow #businessautomation #solopreneurtools #digitalmarketingai #makepassiveincome #lowcodeai #futureofwork #voiceai #chatgptmarketing #aiagents #buildwithai #startupgrowth #aiadoption #aiinnewzealand #ai2025 #aiforentrepreneurs

Without Hash

AI tools for business, how to use AI at work, ChatGPT for beginners, AI for entrepreneurs, AI business productivity, AI voice search strategy, New Zealand AI trends, AI integration in small business, AI agents explained, AI workflow automation, using AI for meetings, AI for content creation, AI digital workforce, AI training tools, future of AI jobs, make money with ChatGPT, AI for startups, AI marketing automation, generative AI for business, how to be found on ChatGPT, SEO for AI search, how to use AI assistants, AI podcast guest tips,

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX
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Lisa O’Neill is a best-selling author and award-winning keynote speaker and author whose high-energy presentations have lit up conferences from New Zealand to Los Angeles. Known for turning ‘energy’ into a practical business resource, she’s a fixture on the Australian–NZ circuit and increasingly booked for international events.

00:31 Inro

02:11 Raised on Self-Belief: Childhood Lessons That Last

03:20 High Standards and Self-Mastery: Lisa’s Life Blueprint

04:59 Neurodivergence, School Hacks, and Playing the System

06:03 Why Wanting Is Power: Rediscover What You Really Want

08:23 How to Protect and Replenish Your Energy Every Day

09:30 Lisa’s Energy Code: Get It, Guard It, Give It

13:00 Burnout Recovery: Where to Start If You Feel Drained

15:30 What Season Are You In? How Life Phases Impact Focus

17:07 Time Management with ADHD: Hour-by-Hour Focus

18:31 The True Cost of Attention: Why Audience Presence Matters

19:25 How to tailor presentations to your audience’s real problems

22:35 Lisa as a Mother: Learning Through Parenting Adults

26:38 Finding Joy in Pets, Vintage Markets, and Creativity

28:51 Why Dressing Up Increases Confidence and Joy

30:54 Styling with Stripes: Body Acceptance and Bold Choices

33:30 From Fashion to Speaking: How Styling Fuels Confidence

35:50 Why Emotional Energy Drains Us (and How to Clear It)

39:46 Humor and Irreverence: Lisa’s Secret On and Off Stage

41:35 When Ego Gets in the Way: Lessons from the Stage

43:43 Blunt Mentoring: The Power of Honest Disruption

45:48 Disruption Is the Shortcut to Growth

48:15 Energy: The Book That Will Rewire Your Daily Life

50:22 Final Advice: Do One Thing Today That Boosts Your Energy

Follow Lisa:

https://www.lisaoneill.co.nz/

Follow me:

linkin.bio/minaamso

Listen on:

Apple podcast:https://shorturl.at/OxCT1

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/YW7bX

Episode Sponsor:

www.podcastguest.co.nz

#betheceoofyourlife #energymanagementforentrepreneurs #resetafterburnout

#burnoutrecoveryforbusinessowners #businesswithenergy #mindsetshiftsforhighperformer #stoppeoplepleasing #maincharacterenergy #scaleyourbusinesswithoutburnout #structureyourweekforenergy #balancebusinessandlife #entrepreneurburnouttips #emotionalenergymastery #intentionallivingforwomen #energyhacksforentrepreneurs #leadershipstrategies2025

Samantha Nichols is the Sales Director of a specialist medical equipment company called Sheffmed NZ, an exclusive first-time interview with this family-run business, going behind the scenes to find out their quiet success.Sheffmed NZ is a medical and surgical equipment company that just celebrated 25 years, a quarter of a century! Their business story has never been told on screen and it's pretty inspiring!00:00 - Intro02:04 - How Samantha Started in Accounting and Sales05:15 - Challenges of Running a Close Family Business08:30 - Why Versatility Matters in Small Business Success11:12 - How to Deliver Outstanding Customer Service in a Niche Market14:50 - Importance of Quality Products in Building Brand Trust18:27 - The Role of Marketing Strategy in Business Growth21:33 - How Education Shapes Entrepreneurial Thinking24:46 - Managing Sales and Operations as a Female Business Leader28:05 - How to Negotiate Better in Family-Owned Businesses31:20 - Dealing with Tariffs and Trade Barriers in Local Markets35:02 - Samantha’s Advice for Women Entering Family Business38:40 - Lessons Learned from Generational Business Ownership42:18 - Future Business Goals and Expanding Market Reach45:55 - How to Build Strong Business Relationships in New Zealand49:34 - Final Thoughts on Business Resilience and Vision52:20 - Thank You and Outro from Samantha NichollsEpisode Sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nzFollow Samanthahttps://sheffmed.co.nz/Follow me: linkin.bio/minaamsoWatch:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8ieDujoPF0

Debra Chantry-Taylor is one of only three certified EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) implementers in New Zealand and part of a global network serving over 220,000 businesses in 80 countries. With more than 20 years of experience, Debra has guided leadership teams to:

• Increase annual revenue by an average of 25% within 12 months

• Reduce unproductive meeting time by 20% in the first 90 days

• Resolve complex stakeholder conflicts—such as an 11-shareholder meeting—in under two hours.

In this podcast episode, Debra breaks down the six core EOS components that create clarity, accountability, and sustainable growth.

Episode Sponsor

www.podcastguest.co.nz

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

02:03 – Why the perfect meeting TikTok video went viral

03:01 – Achieving a perfect 10-out-of-10 meeting score every time

04:50 – Addressing the elephant in the room in multi-shareholder meetings

06:26 – Why entrepreneurs feel stuck even with a clear vision

07:11 – How to articulate and share your business vision with the team

07:55 – Turning business overwhelm into genuine time freedom

10:24 – How clarity becomes the turning point for near-collapse companies

11:39 – Global EOS adoption statistics and New Zealand implementer overview

14:30 – Essential EOS framework: six components to scale sustainably

15:56 – Defining your vision using the Vision Traction Organiser tool

17:21 – Getting the right people in the right seats with GWC criteria

19:18 – Building a weekly scorecard for data-driven performance tracking

28:14 – Using the Issues Solving Track to uncover and solve root causes

34:01 – Simplifying core processes for scalable and trainable operations

37:49 – Balancing visionary leadership with effective process management

40:23 – Avoiding family-time regrets: Deborah Chantry Taylor’s personal why

43:02 – Lessons from entrepreneurial failures: mergers and event space pivots

47:23 – How EOS implementation boosted client revenue by 23 % and profit by 53 %

49:49 – Why bringing in the right person early accelerates business growth

52:15 – Where to find Deborah Chantry Taylor’s coaching and EOS resources

Follow Debra

https://debrachanrytaylor.com

https://bbbl.pub/OrgCheckUp

Follow Mina

https://linkin.bio/minaamso

Watch

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesFromTheExecutivePodcast

Episode Sponsor:www.podcastguest.co.nz

Sam Stubbs is a former investment banker, now rebel architect of one of New Zealand's boldest financial revolutions. Co-founded Simplicity, a nonprofit KiwiSaver fund managing $8.25 billion NZD, aiming to fund $12 billion to build thousands of homes in the next decade.

Follow Sam Stubbs:

https://simplicity.kiwi

Follow Me:

linkin.bio/minaamso

Watch more episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NotesFromTheExecutivePodcast

Listen on:

Apple podcast – https://shorturl.at/UkJ8v

Spotify – https://shorturl.at/YW7bX