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Discover the extraordinary journey of Mitchell Pham, a revered figure in New Zealand's tech landscape, as he shares his incredible story of resilience, innovation, and community impact. From escaping a struggling economy in Vietnam to becoming a trailblazing co-founder of CodeHQ, Mitchell's narrative is one of triumph over adversity. As a trustee for the Asia New Zealand Foundation and entrepreneur in residence at the University of Auckland Business School, Mitchell offers an unparalleled perspective on bridging the gap between technology and business.

Through the lens of his personal experiences, Mitchell opens up about the challenges he faced as a refugee and the transformative moments that shaped his career. An influential lecturer sparked his passion for technology, leading to a rewarding journey with CodeHQ, where he has been instrumental in accelerating digital development across various industries. His story is not only about professional achievements but also about his mission to connect people, organizations, and ideas, highlighting his unique ability to make a lasting impact.

Mitchell's dedication extends beyond the tech world, as he passionately works to reunite refugee families through the Auckland Refugee Family Trust. His emotional recount of missing his university graduation due to family separation reveals a deep personal motivation that continues to drive his efforts. From being stateless to receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit, Mitchell's journey is a powerful testament to resilience and determination, promising listeners an inspiring and heartfelt exploration of success, community, and the power of human connection.

You can connect with Mitchell on LinkedIn.

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Andrea Blair (or Andy to her mates), a powerhouse in sustainable development and geothermal energy, joins us for a riveting discussion that promises to leave you inspired and informed. Recognised by Forbes as one of the five female founders championing a sustainable future, Andy's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and relentless drive. From her roots in Taupō in New Zealand to her transformative roles as past president of the International Geothermal Association and a board member of Global Woman, Andy opens up about the experiences and values that have shaped her remarkable career. Andy is now the CoFounder of Upflow.

Journey with us as Andy recounts her path from a curious science enthusiast to a prominent figure in the geothermal industry. Discover how her early career in forestry, followed by a pivot to tourism and a stint as the CEO of a skydiving operation, showcased her ability to thrive in male-dominated sectors. She candidly discusses challenges like imposter syndrome and the grit required to push through, exemplified by her training for the gruelling Coast to Coast race in New Zealand. Andy’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.

We also explore the immense potential of geothermal energy and its ethical appeal. Andy shares her insights on embracing indigenous knowledge, the hurdles of securing investment for climate tech, and the necessity of courageous leadership to promote gender equality and sustainable development. This episode is packed with visionary ideas and personal anecdotes that highlight the interconnectedness of global impact and personal values. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that underscores the importance of authenticity and the moral responsibility to lead by example.

You can connect with Andy on LinkedIn and check out Upflow.

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Hadleigh Ford, founder and CEO of SwipedOn, shares his adventurous transformation from maritime to tech CEO in our latest episode. Discover the captivating journey of how a young New Zealander became one of the youngest harbour pilots and went on to work on some of the most luxurious vessels in the world.

Learn from the real-world challenges and triumphs Hadleigh. Hear about the early days filled with financial missteps and the critical role of customer feedback in pivoting to success. He also delves into the strategic decisions that shaped their growth, including outsourcing development, as well as the pivotal moment of bringing on a co-founder to enhance operational efficiency.

Lastly, Hadleigh opens up about SwipedOn's unexpected acquisition by a UK-listed company. He shares the pros and cons of being part of a public company and offers invaluable advice on perseverance, early customer engagement, and balancing work with personal life.

You can connect with Hadleigh here and go and check out SwipedOn.