In this episode, we sit down with Anton Matthews, entrepreneur, educator, and cultural advocate, to explore how he’s reshaping Aotearoa’s business landscape. From flipping DVDs in high school to running iconic hospitality brands like FUSH and Tātou Tātou, Anton shares his journey of embedding Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori into every facet of his ventures. We dive deep into his entrepreneurial spirit, his drive to normalise Māori culture in mainstream spaces, and the lessons he’s learned ...

In this episode, we chat with Lucy and Hannah, the dynamic co-founders of Contented, an AI-powered platform redefining how we capture, repurpose, and amplify conversations. From solo startup journeys and chance connections to late-night monkfish-fueled brainstorms, these two founders share how they went from consultancy to product development in just two years. They dive into how their backgrounds in ethical marketplaces and HR shaped their mission to build "boring AI" tech that priorit...

Ed Donaldson, Marketing Manager of Pegasus Bay Winery shares the remarkable story behind one of New Zealand’s most respected family-run wineries. From planting vines with his family in the 1980s to recently winning the top award at the Judgement of London with their Bel Canto Riesling, Ed outlines a journey built on authenticity, quality, and long-term relationships. He reflects on his unorthodox path from chef to marketer and his deep belief in storytelling over traditional marketing t...

This episode features a candid and inspiring conversation with Kelly Morrison, a seasoned marketing professional with a rich background in storytelling, retail, and business strategy. Kelly shares her unconventional career journey from early journalistic aspirations, to a student exchange in the Netherlands, and eventually carving out her own path in marketing. She discusses the importance of purpose-driven work, her experience owning a model agency, and her leadership in launching the ...

In this episode of Ruffells Ad Break we sit down with Lukas and Rit, two dynamic Wellington creatives who turned boredom into a booming business. What began as a spontaneous TikTok, filmed in a local dairy, evolved into a fully fledged content agency redefining how brands show up online. From running their family store and filming skits to now working with major clients and corporate campaigns, these two are riding the wave of digital storytelling with authenticity, humour and zero f*#ks. We...

In this refreshingly honest episode of Ruffells Ad Break we sit down with Lizzie Parker; brand leader, globetrotter, and unapologetic straight-shooter. From launching products in Thailand to reimagining NZ butter for the US market, Lizzie’s career is a blend of global experience, practical marketing grit, and hilarious honesty. She opens up about her unplanned Bitcoin windfall, her love for rural life, and how working in bars, boardrooms and for some of the biggest brands in Europe shaped her...

In this inspiring episode of Ruffells Ad Break, we sit down with Becky Turnbull—brand manager, Ironman competitor, and all-around powerhouse. Becky’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and rising through the ranks without a traditional playbook. From skipping university to working in local garages and bakeries, she’s now leading brand strategy for one of New Zealand’s top FMCG exporters. Becky opens up about balancing motherhood, marketing, and marathons—literally—sharing how ...

Mike Harrison; Londoner, Aucklander, now Christchurchian and General Manager of OMD New Zealand brings some real talk on the podcast this week! Discussing the future of Christchurch’s business and marketing community and how to succeed in new roles with his ‘rule of three’s, Mike is a truly epic mentor and leader in the industry. Adbreak will be here next week too! See you then. Based in Christchurch, Ruffells is a creative team that specialises in video production, marketin...

Mark ‘the marketer’ Godenho; engineer, broadcaster, creative director and now head marketer at TASKA prosthetics is with us this week! From a very diverse work background to a very niche market, Mark’s perspective on economic shifts in the industry and maintaining duality within international markets is fresh. Creative discipline, the importance of connecting with customers and whether digital marketing is actually just marketing? This episode of Adbreak is one to watch. Based in ...

Gareth O’Connor is in the house, on trend and on the podcast this week! Founder and Consultant of marketing strategy consultancy ‘Something Different’, Gareth is a weapon in the marketing industry and gives us incredible insight into how it has evolved over the past 20 years, and where it’s going in the next 20! Tune in to get the down-low on the importance of creativity in strategy, how to focus on customer solutions, and why every stage of the marketing process is equally valuable. W...

Danielle Esplin, BOSS marketer and legend at Pics Peanut Butter is our first guest for season three of AdBreak!! Talking high-school spirit awards and kiwi consumer behaviour, Danielle gives us a lesson on empathy, how to bridge the gap between marketing and sales and what to do about generational differences. This first episode is pretty darn solid. For more on how we work or how we can help your business do better, get in touch at ruffles.co.nz Catch you next week with another legenda...

In this episode we chat with Michelle Shirtcliffe, Co-Founder and CE of Publica. We talk about being data driven, creating your own luck and women in power Contact Michelle: / michelle-shirtcliffe https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

In this episode I have a chat with Ekant Veer, Professor of Marketing at UC. He talked about how human behaviour is rarely logical, a marketers job is to understand people and about glorifying being busy Contact Ekant: / ekantveer https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

I have a chat with Sophie Palmer, Client Director at Strategy Creative. We talk about communicating with clients, falling prey to your own campaigns and remembering that it's only advertising Contact Sophie: / sophie-palmer-413bb120 https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

In this episode I have a chat with Haydn Kerr, Executive Creative Director of Track and Tribal Aotearoa which are DDB companies. We talk briefs being as much for clients as they are for agency, the freedom to fail and creative people being valuable to a business Contact Hayden: / haydnkerr https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

Melissa Davies is the founder of Holdmine and an Independent Director. In this episode we talk about moments of opportunity, making impact and fuzzy goals Contact Melissa: / melissaadavies https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

In this episode we talk to Steve Dimakis, MD of OMD, based in Wellington. We spoke about people pleasing, mental health and how hard it is when you're chasing money Contact Steve: / stevedimakis https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

In this episode I have a chat with Chris Childerhouse, Creative Director and ideas machine. Chris told me about understanding the audience, having thick skin to survive the industry and what makes a good brief Contact Chris: / chrischilderhouse https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

In this episode I have a chat with Jimmy Farrant, media consultant at You media and contractor to NZME. We talk about how two channels done right is better than being everywhere poorly, clear lines of communication and how marketing success is reliant on the ground work being done right. Contact Jimmy: / jimmy-farrant https://www.ruffells.co.nz/

I have a chat with Super connector Gill Dal Din. We talk about the givers vs getters, how money follows value and how Christchurch could be doing better Contact Gill: / gilldaldin https://www.ruffells.co.nz/