She Took On Menopause Myths—And Changed the Conversation for Women Everywhere
In this episode, I sit down with Niki Bezzant—award-winning writer, speaker, and women’s health advocate—whose work is transforming the way we talk about menopause and midlife. After decades in journalism, Niki found herself frustrated by the silence, stigma, and misinformation surrounding this crucial stage in a woman’s life. So she decided to change it.
We dive into her personal and professional journey: from building one of New Zealand’s most respected health and food publications to researching and writing the groundbreaking book This Changes Everything: The Honest Guide to Menopause and Perimenopause. Niki opens up about the science, the stories, and the systemic issues that keep women in the dark—and what needs to change.
This conversation is essential listening for women navigating perimenopause or menopause, and for anyone who loves, works with, or leads them. It’s practical, myth-busting, and packed with real-life advice for reclaiming this life stage as a time of power and possibility.
00:00 - The Perimenopause Rebellion
01:20 - Why menopause needs a PR makeover
04:10 - How Niki’s journalism career led her to women’s health advocacy
07:45 - Breaking the taboo: the lack of menopause education
11:15 - Perimenopause symptoms women aren’t told about
15:00 - The role of hormones in mental health at midlife
19:40 - Workplace culture and the menopause gap
23:50 - Why we need a new narrative for midlife women
28:00 - The research behind This Changes Everything
33:15 - Hormone therapy: separating fact from fear
37:20 - How to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system
41:50 - Building a supportive menopause community
46:00 - Niki’s advice to women stepping into this new chapter
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikibezzant/
Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikibezzant/
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikibezzant/
Guest Twitter/X: https://x.com/nikibezzant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
She Left Corporate To Teach Women AI—And Discovered It Was Never About the Tech
In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Jeffs—founder of SheisAI and a fierce advocate for women stepping into the AI revolution with confidence and creativity. From navigating a career in corporate leadership to building a platform that demystifies artificial intelligence for women entrepreneurs, Amanda’s journey is proof that the most powerful transformations often begin with a leap into the unknown.
We dive deep into how she went from working in male-dominated industries to creating a global learning community, why women can’t afford to sit out the AI conversation, and how embracing tech can also mean reclaiming your voice, your authority, and your place at the table.
This conversation is both a practical roadmap for women wanting to integrate AI into their businesses and a powerful reminder that your value is never just in what you know—but in how you use it.
In This Episode We Discuss:Episode Resources:
00:00 Episode Trailer
01:30 Amanda’s leap from corporate to AI entrepreneurship
04:20 The gender gap in AI—and why it matters now more than ever
08:15 Demystifying AI for non-tech women
11:45 How fear of technology holds women back in business
15:00 Practical AI tools to save time, money, and energy
20:10 Why mindset is just as important as skillset in tech adoption
24:40 Building SheisAI into a global learning platform
29:00 Stories of women transforming their businesses with AI
33:50 The biggest myths about AI (and the truth behind them)
38:20 The intersection of creativity, confidence, and technology
42:00 Amanda’s advice to women ready to embrace AI now
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Guest LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeffs/
Guest Instgram:https://www.instagram.com/amandajeffsnz/?hl=en
Guest Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/sheisaiofficial
Host Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
She Built a Startup Empire… Then Burned Out, Got Cancer, and Had to Rebuild Everything
In this episode, I sit down with Marian Johnson—startup ecosystem builder, founder champion, and former CEO of Ministry of Awesome—who spent years at the forefront of New Zealand’s innovation scene… until her body forced her to stop.
We dive into the untold truth behind building a mission-led movement, the funding gap women founders are still up against, and what happens when success demands more than you can sustainably give. After facing a crushing wave of burnout and a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Marian had to walk away from everything she helped build—just to find herself again.
This conversation is a raw and deeply honest exploration of identity, ambition, and why true leadership sometimes looks like stepping down, not pushing through.
For every woman who’s ever carried too much for too long—this one’s for you.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:00 Building Electrify and why she walked away
04:00 The 2% stat: women’s access to capital
07:00 Why innovation is New Zealand’s future
10:00 Female leadership on the world stage
13:00 The myth of balance in high-growth spaces
17:00 Burnout, fear, and the emotional toll of leadership
21:00 Leading on grit—and breaking because of it
24:00 Getting the cancer diagnosis that stopped everything
26:00 The pressure to stay in “high function” mode
28:00 What actually helped her recover
31:00 Letting go of control and urgency
35:00 Role modeling from a place of wholeness
38:00 Rewriting the startup founder narrative
41:00 Advice for early-stage women entrepreneurs
45:00 The one thing she needed to hear earlier
Episode Resources:
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianejohnson/
Follow Us On:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440f
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
What does it look like to walk away from a life that looks good on the outside but is quietly destroying you from within? Rochelle Moffitt knows. After leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, losing her footing in the traditional workforce, and navigating the chaos of a blended family with six kids, Rochelle started again — this time, on her terms.
In this explosive and deeply human conversation, Rochelle opens up about how she built a brand with no website, launched one of New Zealand’s most exciting business events, and redefined what it means to be bankable as a woman in business. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, sat in a pile of highlighters trying to figure it out, or felt the pull toward something more — this one’s for you.
00:00 – Why she walked away from the life everyone else wanted
04:01 – What people don’t know about starting from nothing
10:45 – The truth about believing in yourself when no one’s watching
18:01 – How she went from ‘hobby business’ to building a legacy
23:01 – What being “bankable” really means for women in business
30:01 – How she launched NZ’s boldest business event with no roadmap
36:01 – Why your name is the most powerful currency you own
42:01 – How to build a personal brand that actually stands out
46:01 – What to do when you’re not ready… but know you need to start
Guest Website: https://www.tickledpink.agency/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochelle.was.here/?hl=en
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440f
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Key MomentsFollow Us On:
In this raw and powerful conversation, Yaela sits down with Wilhelmina Shrimpton to uncover the unfiltered truth behind creative entrepreneurship. This isn’t about highlight reels. It’s about the tough moments, the emotional toll, and what it really means to keep going when everything feels like it’s falling apart. If you’re a woman building something on your own terms, this one’s for you.
💬 Key Moments & Timestamps
00:00 – 03:12 | Introduction and first impressions
Yaela and Wilhelmina connect over shared truths and what it means to show up fully.
03:13 – 08:47 | When the dream felt like a nightmare
Wilhelmina shares the moment everything crashed and why that breakdown became a breakthrough.
08:48 – 15:30 | Letting go of the perfection myth
Real talk about releasing pressure, redefining success, and trusting the messy middle.
15:31 – 22:05 | Burnout and the beauty in breaking down
The truth about hitting the wall, choosing to pivot, and building back better.
22:06 – 29:40 | Finding freedom through limits
Why restrictions sparked more creativity and clarity than chasing "limitless" ever did.
29:41 – 36:15 | Love, loss and leading yourself through it
Wilhelmina opens up about how personal grief shaped her work and her leadership.
36:16 – 42:50 | From shadow to spotlight
The internal shift that helped her own her space and show up in full power.
42:51 – 48:30 | Words of advice for the female founder in the middle of the storm
Grounded guidance for navigating your own version of chaos with strength and softness.
Guest Website: https://www.wilsandco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilshrimpton/
Follow Us On:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440f
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Welcome to the relaunch of The Powerhouse Diaries, a raw, rebellious, soul-stirring journey into what happens when women burn the rulebook and build something even better.
If you've ever asked yourself “How the hell did I end up here... and what now?” … this is your invitation.
🎙️ End of a Season: The PowerHouse Diaries Episode 20
What a journey it’s been!
Episode 20 marks the season finale of The PowerHouse Diaries, and it’s not just any episode, it’s a celebration.
This special highlight reel revisits the unforgettable voices and stories that made Season One a firestorm of courage, vulnerability, and truth. From bold career pivots to deeply personal reflections, these powerhouse women have shown us what it really takes to rise, fall, and rise again.
This episode is your backstage pass to the raw, the real, and the revolutionary moments that shaped this season.
So let’s rewind, reflect, and honor these conversations that lit up our diaries.
00:37 - Aline Forseca
01:00 - Sarah Kennedy
02:13 - Emma Peters
03:15 - Krishna Botica
05:45 - Sarah Anticich
06:23 - Anna Paterson
07:04 - Caitlin Taylor
07:59 - Trish Peng
09:32 - Janine Grainger
10:55 - Sera Cruickshank
12:06 - Cathy Pope
13:58 - Natasha Bourke
15:38 - Gaelle Thieme
17:05 - Marissa Lewis
18:16 - Marisa Fong
To every listener who tuned in, laughed, cried, and reflected this season was for you.
These weren’t just stories; they were lived moments of courage, heartbreak, and triumph.
I hope you carry that same fire into whatever bold step you take next.
Until Season Two, keep writing your own PowerHouse Diary.
✨ Featured Voices in This Episode💌 A Note from Me
Janine Grainger is living proof that bold vision, grit, and conviction can change the game. From high school dropout to co-founder of one of New Zealand’s largest crypto platforms, Janine built Easy Crypto from a wild idea into a multimillion-dollar empire—and then walked away on her own terms. In this episode, she unpacks what it takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, navigate burnout, and trust your gut in the face of massive uncertainty. This conversation is equal parts entrepreneurial insight and deeply personal growth.
About our guest:
Janine Grainger is a fintech founder, speaker, and advocate for financial literacy and inclusion. As the co-founder and former CEO of Easy Crypto, Janine led the company through record-breaking funding rounds, global expansion, and massive industry shifts—all while championing equity, access, and ethical innovation. With a background in traditional banking and a passion for democratizing finance, she now focuses on empowering others to take control of their financial futures.
Follow Our Guest:
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Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - From crypto empire to exit: Janine’s story behind the sale
05:45 - Starting a fintech business with her brother from a hammock
10:00 - The regulatory firestorm and building a bankless business
15:10 - Owning her voice in a male-dominated industry
20:00 - Why imposter syndrome doesn’t have to win
24:30 - Crypto 101: what every founder should understand about digital assets
29:00 - Burnout, identity loss, and life after your business
34:15 - The dark side of raising capital—and what she’d do differently
39:30 - Redefining success after external validation fades
43:00 - Janine’s one message to the woman she was when it all began
Dr. Sarah Anticich is on a mission to make peak performance more human. As a clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience, Sarah blends science with compassion to help high performers—especially women—thrive without burning out. In this episode, she breaks down why nervous system regulation is non-negotiable, how we can rewire deep-rooted beliefs, and what it really takes to sustain success without self-destruction.
About our guest:
Dr. Sarah Anticich is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and co-founder of Grow Daily. With a background spanning trauma recovery, corporate wellbeing, and peak performance, she brings a science-backed yet radically relatable lens to mental health and resilience. From running large-scale corporate programs to helping individuals develop everyday psychological skills, Sarah’s work centers on compassionate self-regulation, mindset mastery, and nervous system balance.
Follow Our Guest:
Guest LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/dr-sarah-anticich-b06936151
Follow Us On:
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - Why peak performance starts with basic human needs
06:30 - Awareness vs. overthinking: what actually helps us regulate
11:00 - The “three bubbles” model for understanding burnout
15:45 - How to decode what your body is really telling you
20:00 - Nervous system hacks that change everything
24:30 - How limiting beliefs create a threat response loop
28:00 - Rewiring unhelpful thought patterns without therapy speak
33:10 - The power of acknowledge, validate, respond
38:00 - Why women struggle to express their needs—and how to reclaim them
43:30 - Compassion is not weakness: the neurobiology of softening
48:30 - The one non-negotiable practice Sarah uses to stay grounded
Krishna Botica’s story is a masterclass in bold reinvention. After building an iconic hospitality career in New Zealand, Krishna is pivoting everything—career, location, and life path—to chase the dreams she once thought were impossible. In this episode, she shares the messy, powerful reality of change, why fear is never a reason not to act, and how letting go can lead to your greatest adventures.
About our guest:
Krishna Botica is a celebrated entrepreneur, hospitality leader, and transformational coach. Known for co-founding Café Hanoi, Ghost Street, and Saan, Krishna has spent decades shaping New Zealand’s dining landscape. Now, she’s stepping into a bold new chapter—relocating to Europe to embrace uncertainty and creativity on her own terms. Krishna is passionate about leadership, resilience, and building a life fueled by authenticity, not expectation.
Follow Our Guest:
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Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - Krishna’s bold life pivot: selling it all to start again
06:00 - Breaking free from financial security as the main driver
12:00 - The risk aversion trap—and how to break through it
18:00 - COVID, crisis, and building a restaurant from recycled scraps
24:00 - Burnout, grief, and the brutal realities of leadership
30:00 - Reclaiming compassion and authenticity in business
36:00 - How grief radically reshaped Krishna’s approach to life
42:00 - The connection superpower—and why leadership must evolve
48:00 - Letting go of alcohol, scarcity, and outdated narratives
53:00 - Redefining success: why mistakes are a natural part of the adventure
Join Yaela Raber in this solo episode of The Powerhouse Diaries as she dives deep into one of the most uncomfortable yet crucial aspects of business: sales. From childhood stories to hard-hitting coaching moments, Yaela shares the real reason so many entrepreneurs freeze when it’s time to sell — and how to shift from fear to flow. Learn how the A.S.S.H.O.L.E. sales strategy was born (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) and why selling is not just an option — it’s your obligation when your work is medicine. If you've ever held back from making offers because of fear, doubt, or “ick,” this conversation will challenge you to step up, speak out, and serve at a higher level.
Follow the Host:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaela.raber/
Follow the Show:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
00:01 - If you’re not selling, you don’t have a business
02:13 - The childhood flea market moment that revealed fearless selling
05:33 - Why Yaela froze when it came time to sell herself
07:02 - The coaching call that changed everything: “You’re being a dick”
08:12 - The mindset shift: It’s not about you — it’s about the medicine
10:03 - How to see your offer as a cure for your clients’ pain
14:10 - Breaking down the A.S.S.H.O.L.E. Sales Strategy
16:00 - ASK: Why listening always comes before pitching
16:05 - SEE: The power of being seen and validated
17:22 - SOLUTION: Offer from service, not desperation
18:12 - HOLD: Create space for real decision-making
20:03 - OBJECTIONS: Why it’s never really about the money
21:52 - LET GO: Detach from the outcome and hold your power
25:08 - ELEVATE: Speak to the cost of inaction, not just the return
27:41 - A final call to stop getting in your own way and start being of service
Mela Lush is rewriting the rules for women in the workforce. What started as a personal challenge—navigating solo motherhood, a broken system, and impossible expectations—became a full-blown movement. In this episode, Mela shares how she built Jobs for Mums from her living room into a national platform that’s already impacted over 10,000 families and helped shift the conversation around motherhood, equity, and identity. Expect raw truth, hard-won lessons, and the empowering reminder that systemic change starts with one bold choice.
About our guest:
Mela Lush is the founder of Jobs for Mums, a social enterprise helping parents—especially mothers—access flexible, meaningful employment. With a background in marketing and leadership, Mela’s mission is to dismantle the outdated systems that penalize parenthood and make work, well… work, for everyone. Her platform is now a catalyst for economic growth, gender equity, and deeply personal transformation.
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Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - Mela’s truth: Losing herself in motherhood, finding herself in work
05:10 - The motherhood penalty and systemic challenges for working parents
08:30 - How Jobs for Mums was built from the couch (with babies in tow)
14:00 - From side hustle to media coverage and a 3M-person livestream
18:45 - Why the system was never built for us—and why it’s time to rebuild
22:30 - Burnout, identity, and redefining what “success” really means
28:00 - Imposter syndrome, visibility, and daring to lead rooms you feared
34:50 - Rest, micro-moments, and the myth of “doing it all”
40:05 - Critical thinking, social pressure, and the power of showing up
45:15 - Why asking for help is the next level of leadership
49:30 - Mela’s biggest lesson: Trust yourself more than you fear the unknown
Noa Sheer’s perspective on negotiation is a masterclass in power, empathy, and value. In this episode, Noa reveals why everything in life is a negotiation—and how most of us are doing it wrong. From helping construction companies negotiate multimillion-dollar contracts to guiding women to stop undercutting their worth, she breaks down how to shift from power plays to purpose-led persuasion. Whether you're pricing your services, hiring a team, or renegotiating your boundaries, this episode will change how you show up at the table.
About our guest:
Noa Sheer is a negotiation expert, consultant, and founder of Sheer Negotiation. With a background in law, academia, and human rights, she bridges theory and practice to help individuals and companies achieve outstanding outcomes. Noa works with top-tier organizations globally and is especially passionate about equipping women with the tools to negotiate with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Follow our Guest On:
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheernegotiations/
Guest Linkedin: https://linkin.bio/sheernegotiations/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/noa-sheer/
Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheernegotiations
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheerNegotiations
Follow Us On:
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - Noa’s journey from human rights to high-stakes negotiation
05:00 - Why most people misunderstand what negotiation really is
10:15 - Challenging stereotypes around what a “good negotiator” looks like
14:30 - The orange story: A simple metaphor that changes everything
21:00 - Women, pricing, and the cost of being underestimated
28:50 - How to shift from price to value-based negotiation
34:20 - The secret to uncovering what your counterpart really wants
41:00 - Why trust-building is the real power move
47:15 - Frameworks that make negotiating feel natural (even if you're new)
53:20 - Tools to prepare for your next big business conversation
1:00:05 - What every woman in business needs to hear before her next negotiation
Sera Cruickshank’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and entrepreneurial grit. From stepping into a struggling diamond business and turning it into a multi-million dollar brand to navigating personal upheavals, including divorce and unexpected media scrutiny, Sera shares the unfiltered reality of building a powerhouse life. In this episode, she opens up about making bold decisions, trusting her intuition, and redefining success on her own terms.
About our guest:
Sera Cruickshank is an entrepreneur and CEO known for revitalizing The Diamond Shop, a legacy jewelry brand in New Zealand. With a background in marketing and branding, she transformed the business by pioneering online sales and embracing industry innovations. Beyond business, Sera is a mother, a leader, and an advocate for owning your story—no matter how unconventional it may be.
Follow Our Guest:
Guest Website: https://thediamondshop.co.nz/
Guest Instagram Shop: https://www.instagram.com/thediamondshop
Follow Us On:
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:01 - Sera’s unconventional journey into the diamond industry
08:25 - Taking over a business in the middle of a global crisis
14:40 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
21:15 - Navigating major life upheavals and trusting intuition
32:30 - Public scrutiny, media backlash, and owning your narrative
40:15 - Lessons in resilience and personal transformation
50:10 - Redefining success and what’s next for Sera
In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber takes you behind the curated social media feeds and into the raw, unfiltered realities of entrepreneurship.
Speaking candidly about her own experience with burnout, executive depression, and the pressure of maintaining the image of success, Yaela shines a light on the darker side of building a business—one that often goes unspoken. This episode is a must-listen for ambitious female founders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are tired of the unrealistic narratives and craving honest conversations about what it really takes to thrive.
Yaela shares her journey of rediscovering her worth beyond business success, breaking free from the societal conditioning that ties identity to achievement. She opens up about the messy middle of entrepreneurship and why embracing authenticity is the key to sustainable leadership.
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your worth, feeling alone in your struggles, or searching for the permission to lead in your own way—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Walk away with powerful insights on redefining success, reconnecting to your vision, and leading from a place of integrity and inner knowing.
Follow Us On:
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:12 - Why This Solo Episode Matters
03:40 - The Burnout That Changed Everything
06:18 - Executive Depression & Feeling Numb
09:29 - The Impact of Curated Success Stories
12:03 - Why We Need More Authentic Female Leadership
15:44 - Reclaiming Your Power as a Female Founder
18:12 - Letting Go of External Validation
21:40 - Your Worth Is Not Tied to Your Business
24:33 - The Truth About Success in Entrepreneurship
27:18 - Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
30:05 - What’s Coming Next for The Powerhouse Diaries
Gaelle takes us behind the scenes of creating her waterless beauty brand, Dust&Glow, sharing the challenges of crafting a product that not only works but aligns with her core values—eliminating water, plastic, and harmful ingredients. She opens up about the hurdles of finding like-minded manufacturers and staying true to her mission amidst skepticism and setbacks. Gaelle also discusses the urgent need for innovation in the beauty industry, particularly around packaging and sustainability, and stresses the importance of self-care to drive meaningful change. As the conversation wraps, Gaëlle reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave—one built on positive impact and resilience.
About our guest:
Gaelle Thieme is a Senior Marketing Consultant based in Auckland, with over 13 years of experience in FMCG and beauty industries across New Zealand, France, and the USA. She has a proven track record of driving brand growth and delivering strategic and tactical projects for both corporate and SME environments. Gaelle is passionate about innovation, with a strong background in product development, spanning industries such as FMCG, beauty, natural skincare, and food. Her unique ability to see the big picture while being hands-on in managing complex projects and teams has been a key to her success. Gaelle specializes in product development, category innovation, consumer and market insights, brand strategy, and project management. Currently, she is focused on her own start-up, Dust&Glow, a waterless beauty brand, and is not taking on new work in the beauty industry.
Follow Our Guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaelle-thieme/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:47 - Beauty with a conscience
04:41 - 80% water in shampoo
06:14 - "Who have I become?" moment
13:37 - When vision meets rejection
16:30 - To create the product is easy, support isn’t
20:16 - Rewiring my “more, more, more” mindset
25:42 - Empty cup, no vision clarity
28:23 - Legacy? More about no regrets
31:56 - Plastic? Never an option
34:22 - The hard part? Unlearning it all
37:21 - Can't please everyone, that’s fine
43:30 - Advice for Women Trying to Make an Impact
In this episode, I hang out with Emma Peters, the powerhouse behind Aleph Beauty, and we get into all the juicy bits of her journey. She spills the tea on a brutal moment when her mentor told her to "put a bullet in it" with her online store—which, let's be real, stung—but it ended up being the kick she needed to find her true passion. We dive into how pregnancy turned her into a label-reading ninja, and why she decided to create makeup that’s as good for the planet as it is for your skin. Emma’s got stories about battling the beauty industry's dirty little secrets and why her brand is all about high performance without the guilt. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!
About our guest:
Emma Peters is the founder of Aleph Beauty, a New Zealand-made natural makeup brand born from her passion for health-conscious, sustainable beauty. As a professional makeup artist, Emma became increasingly aware of the potentially harmful ingredients in mainstream products. Frustrated by the lack of options that combined high performance with clean, vegan, cruelty-free formulas and sustainable packaging, she set out to create her own solution. Aleph Beauty embodies Emma’s vision of a minimalist, multi-functional makeup range that enhances natural beauty while prioritizing the health of people, the planet, and its animals.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://alephbeauty.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleph.beauty/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/alephbeauty
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
05:55 - Pregnant, needed an extractor fan
09:25 - Found NZSCC, met key people
14:25 - Retail store to Aleph
21:30 - Seasons of life and business
25:15 - Mistakes are just detours
27:43 - When everything crumbles
29:15 - What matters is right here
33:25 - Organic products in plastic? No!
37:09 - People say, "You look rested!
39:40 - Mitochondria = cell powerhouse
42:34 - Stay on track, pivot when needed
45:11 - Focus on creativity, not contraction
47:03 - Biggest mess-up moment
Anna Paterson, founder of Everlasting, shares her emotional journey of building a nonprofit that empowers women through affordable clothing and styling services. From starting in her garage to managing a growing organization, Anna reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, including learning how to lead a team and managing the weight of societal expectations. She talks openly about the moments of self-doubt, the mental toll of running a charity, and how important it is to take care of yourself in the process. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of self-worth, resilience, and the power of clothing to transform lives—reminding us all that success is about more than just achieving goals; it’s about how we grow through the journey.
About our guest:
Anna Paterson is the Founder and CEO of Everlasting, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women feel confident and empowered through their clothing. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Anna has spent years discovering her own worth and is now passionate about helping other women do the same. With over nine years of experience in the styling industry, she founded Everlasting with the vision of creating a space where women can feel fabulous in their clothes. All profits after costs are donated to related charities or reinvested into the organization to support its mission.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://shop.everlasting.org.nz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everlasting_recyclingwithlove/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everlastingnz
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
04:35 - Clothes give you power
06:13 - Put on your alter ego
10:16 - The guilt of donating: Is it really making a difference?
13:01 - Different visions, business vs. charity
15:54 - Giving back: clothing for women in need
20:49 - Kids' needs first, my own last
24:30 - Husband holds down the fort financially
28:48 - Feeling like a butcher, baker, candlestick maker
36:37 - Change approved: Brutiful is now a thing!
39:34 - Someone tests my boundaries when I need a break
42:38 - I’ve cried more since running this charity
49:33 - We carry the heart of everlasting
51:41 - Your legacy is how you make people feel
Join us for a candid conversation about the realities of entrepreneurship and the strength it takes to keep going. Trish opens up about her personal challenges, including a suspected molar pregnancy and the emotional toll it took while managing her business. She also reflects on her 11-year journey from working out of her parents' lounge to creating a globally recognized brand, sharing the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial path. From going viral on TikTok to managing the pressures of scaling her business, Trish emphasizes the importance of resilience, authenticity, and a strong support system.
About our guest:
Trish Peng is the founder and Creative Director of Trish Peng, New Zealand’s premier luxury bridal brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and modern twist on wedding gowns. Established in 2014, the brand started with bespoke designs for high-end clients and has since expanded globally, with stockists in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and the UAE. A self-taught fashion designer from Auckland, Trish has always had a passion for fashion, starting to sew at the age of 7. Her designs are renowned for their feminine, sophisticated aesthetic, offering brides the unique opportunity to create fully customizable gowns tailored to their individual style. Trish personally designs and handcrafts each gown for a select 20 custom brides annually.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://trishpeng.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trishpeng/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishpeng
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trishpeng
Follow Us On:
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
04:21 - I didn’t make any money
06:17 - It’s not if, it’s when I will succeed
10:00- Signed lease, hired people. Don’t know how to! Covid
16:30 - Honestly still don't know how to manage people
19:50 - End of last year hot mess for me
24:43 - I was mentally preparing for chemo
31:00 - I don’t care what bird you kill
40:00 - So many barriers
Ever felt like your business is your identity? Join us as Marisa shares her story from corporate life to building a multi-million dollar company and what it felt like to let it go! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of rapid business growth, maintaining company culture, and the emotional journey of selling Madison for an eight-figure sum. Marisa opens up about the identity crisis that comes with such a transition and the importance of finding the right investors who truly align with your vision, rather than forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit.
About our guest:
Marisa Fong is an entrepreneur, investor, and speaker dedicated to supporting women in achieving success on their own terms. In 1998, she co-founded Madison Recruitment, which became a benchmark in the NZ recruitment industry and was acquired in a multimillion-dollar deal in 2013. Since then, Marisa has founded multiple businesses across skincare, consulting, and manufacturing while building a diverse investment portfolio spanning Telco, HRTech, Biotech, and Fintech. Passionate about fostering positive business culture and empowering female founders, she actively mentors women and serves as Chair of Simplicity Foundation and Board Advisor to a private company.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://www.marisafong.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_b_fong/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marisa.Fong
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisafong/
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:32 - When leadership ignores critical business failures
04:53 - A Defining Moment at 12
09:04 - When to lead, when to check in
12:44 - Chasing Opportunities vs. Choosing the Right Ones
18:48 - Marisa’s Craziest Business Experience
22:18 - The Birth of Madison Recruitment
26:00 - The Tea Towel Roster
30:16 - Letting Go of Madison Recruitment
36:08 - Finding Yourself in a New Version of You
38:45 - Why the World Needs More Female Entrepreneurs
41:36 - Find Your Tribe
44:49 - Understanding Your Personal Version of Success
51:06 - Success is About Impact, Not Just Numbers
