Designing the Dream, Then Dismantling It
This is what happens when ambition meets awakening.
Yaela Raber sits down with Mia Feasey, founder of Siren Design Group, to talk about what success really costs when you’ve spent your life chasing it.
Mia built one of the most celebrated design studios in Asia Pacific, leading teams, winning awards, and creating spaces that shaped culture. From the outside it looked perfect. Inside, it was a slow collapse of identity, ego, and exhaustion.
In this raw and unguarded conversation, Mia opens up about the reckoning that followed the burnout that forced her to rebuild from soul instead of status. She shares how she learned to lead without losing herself, why she dismantled the version of success she once worshipped, and what happens when you finally stop performing and start becoming.
This episode isn’t about walking away. It’s about walking home.
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In This Episode We Discuss
00:00 Episode trailer
01:10 The rise of Siren Design and the architecture of ambition
06:00 When achievement becomes addiction
12:30 Burnout, identity, and the ego that built the empire
18:45 The power and pain of letting go
25:00 Motherhood, leadership, and the cost of proving yourself
31:15 Rebuilding from alignment instead of exhaustion
37:20 What success looks like when peace becomes the goal
43:40 Creativity after collapse
48:00 How to design a life that finally fits
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Episode Resources
Guest Website: https://sirendesigngroup.com
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miafeasey
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miafeasey
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She Cracked the CFO Code: Candice Tait on Money Mastery, Mindset & Freedom
In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Candice Tait a seasoned Chief Financial Officer turned founder, investor, and financial empowerment mentor who’s on a mission to help women reclaim their power through financial fluency.
From working in London’s high-stakes tech scene as a CFO surrounded by men to building a purpose-driven career in New Zealand, Candice opens up about breaking glass ceilings, redefining safety, and creating what she calls the “F*** You Fund” a savings system designed to give women true freedom of choice.
This conversation dismantles money myths, explores how trauma and safety shape our financial behaviors, and reveals why understanding your numbers is the most radical act of empowerment a woman can take.
We Discuss:
In This Episode
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:10 - From London finance executive to female founder in New Zealand
05:45 - Cracking the code of the male-dominated world of tech and private equity
09:00 - Sexism in the boardroom and learning to play the game differently
13:20 - The pivotal lessons from 14 company exits and multi-million-dollar acquisitions
17:00 - The “F*** You Fund”: what it is and why every woman needs one
20:30 - Turning scarcity into empowerment through intentional money management
23:10 - Rewriting your attachment style to money
27:00 - Why financial literacy is the second language every founder must speak
30:20 - How to pay yourself properly as a founder (and when to start)
33:50 - Why numbers tell your story and how to make them work for you
38:10 - Overcoming shame and rewriting your financial narrative
42:00 - Using business strategy and profit & loss as your power tools
46:10 - How to bridge feminine intuition with financial confidence
50:00 - The money myths that need to die and how to build true wealth on your terms
Episode Resources:
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_tait/
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-tait-38602226/
Follow Us On:
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaela.raber/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousediaries/
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From Breaking Point to Breakthrough: Jody Boshoff on Reinventing Success and Building a Business With Integrity
In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Jody Boshoff founder of Launch PR, communications strategist, and storyteller to unpack the raw truth behind starting over when life and business fall apart.
From navigating motherhood and burnout to rebuilding her life from scratch after losing everything, Jody’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and radical self-belief. She shares how she turned crisis into creativity, walked away from corporate PR, and built an agency that thrives on transparency, results, and human connection.
This episode is for every woman who’s ever hit rock bottom and wondered if she could start again. Jody proves you can and come back stronger than ever.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:15 - From corporate comms to chaos: when everything collapsed at once
05:20 - Bathing the kids in a bucket and the moment everything changed
09:00 - Rebuilding from the ground up and redefining success
12:45 - Why “having it all” nearly broke her
16:10 - Building Launch PR: doing business differently
20:30 - The ethics of storytelling and getting results with integrity
24:00 - From invisibility to leadership: reclaiming her voice
28:45 - The truth about burnout and balance
33:20 - Using failure as fuel for reinvention
36:40 - What it really means to be a powerhouse woman
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://launchpr.co.nz/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodyboshoff/
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyboshoff/
Uri Hasson TED Talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/uri_hasson_this_is_your_brain_on_communication
Uri Hasson TED Talk Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDhlOovaGrI
Follow Us On:
Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaela.raber/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousediaries/
Spotify: The Powerhouse Diaries
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She Went to Sleep a Newlywed and Woke Up a Viral Sensation
In this raw and wildly inspiring episode, Yaela Raber sits down with Jony Lee, creative strategist, content powerhouse, and storyteller at The Attention Seeker whose life changed overnight after a deeply personal act of love went viral.
At just 20 years old, Jony shaved her head during her wedding to honor her terminally ill mother. She went to bed a newlywed and woke up with 100,000 followers and the internet’s brutal spotlight. What followed was a crash course in grief, identity, and the strange duality of social media fame.
Now one of New Zealand’s most magnetic voices in digital storytelling, Jony shares how she turned pain into purpose, learned to “speak from scars, not wounds,” and built a career helping brands tell human-centered stories that actually matter.
This episode is for every creative, founder, and woman who’s ever wondered what it means to be seen and what it costs.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode trailer
01:45 - The wedding day that changed everything
05:10 - Shaving her head for her dying mother
08:30 - Grief, humor, and love colliding in one unforgettable moment
12:20 - Going viral overnight 100,000 followers in a single night
17:00 - Dealing with internet hate and reclaiming her own story
21:45 - The birth of The Attention Seeker and finding her creative calling
26:20 - How storytelling became her healing process
31:00 - “Speak from a scar, not a wound” how to share authentically online
35:45 - The dark side of parasocial fame and finding real connection
39:20 - The human truth behind every viral moment
43:00 - Why vulnerability isn’t a performance
46:30 - Breaking the fear of judgment and posting anyway
50:10 - From content to sales: redefining success on her own terms
55:20 - Storytelling as the heart of every powerful brand
01:00:30 - Owning your story and why that’s your obligation, not an option
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://www.theattentionseeker.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonymlee/
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jony-lee-the-attention-seeker/
Follow Us On:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousediaries/
She Built an App That Broke the Internet While Recovering From Surgery
In this electrifying episode, Yaela Raber sits down with Nicole Retter, co-founder of PAM, the revolutionary app easing the invisible mental load carried by parents particularly mothers. What began as a duct-taped prototype created by a burnt-out mum has become one of the fastest-growing tools for families worldwide.
Nicole opens up about the day PAM went viral while she was in the hospital recovering from surgery, the chaos of scaling overnight, and the deep personal burnout that almost broke her. Together, she and Yaela unpack the dark side of high-achieving entrepreneurship, the addiction to productivity, and how Nicole rebuilt both her health and her leadership by finally slowing down.
This is a brutally honest conversation about motherhood, mental load, ADHD, and the hidden emotional toll of building something that matters and how reclaiming your own wellbeing is the ultimate act of power.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:22 When the app “broke the internet” overnight
03:50 The mental load parents carry and why PAM had to exist
06:30 Solving a problem 20 years overdue
07:56 ADHD, motherhood, and building a product for your past self
10:15 From burnout to body breakdown: the wake-up call
12:22 The scariest moment and the lesson it forced
14:50 The addiction to doing more and how it’s rewarded
17:00 Finding the line between obsession and burnout
19:42 Relearning to rest the hardest skill
21:20 Setting boundaries as a founder and mother
23:03 The guilt of “doing it wrong” and finding grace again
25:19 Recognizing the “have to” mindset as a warning sign
27:20 The myth of productivity and redefining success
30:10 The burnout loop: never feeling “enough”
33:42 Childhood patterns and the high-achiever trap
35:44 Reconnecting to the body after years of disconnection
38:12 Building PAM: from wine nights to beta testing
42:15 Turning messy steps into massive impact
46:10 Data, safety, and protecting what matters most
50:20 The lesson from her biggest business mistake
54:00 Full-circle moments: from wanting kids to building PAM for parents
56:00 The real measure of impact and the power of following intuition
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://nicoleretter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleretter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-retter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.retter/
Follow Us On:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
From Bored to Boss: How Georgia Patten Turned Restlessness Into a MovementIn this episode, I sit down with Georgia Patten entrepreneur, podcast host, and the voice behind Bored to Boss. What started as a feeling of disconnection and frustration with the “safe path” became the catalyst for Georgia to step into entrepreneurship, build a personal brand, and create a platform that empowers young women to chase what really lights them up.We dive into Georgia’s journey of turning boredom into fuel, building a business from scratch, and the mindset shifts that helped her trade expectations for alignment. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever looked around at their life and thought, surely, there’s more than this.In This Episode We Discuss:00:00 - Episode Trailer01:15 - The moment Georgia realized she was bored with the “safe” path05:30 - How boredom can be a signal for growth and change09:40 - Launching *Bored to Boss* and creating a podcast for young women14:00 - Lessons from building a brand in real time18:30 - The role of social media in growing a movement23:00 - How to move from idea to action (without overthinking)27:45 - Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome32:00 - Why aligned community matters more than metrics36:15 - Turning creativity into consistency40:00 - Georgia’s advice for anyone ready to stop waiting and start buildingEpisode Resources:Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgia.patten/?hl=enGuest Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bored.george/?hl=enGuest Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boredtobosspodcast/?hl=enGuest Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50vTQvbEfenwLx4SvfXm6g?si=e8bca594ab6440aeFollow Us On:Apple Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-powerhouse-diaries/id1791081472Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ExGnkttIzhK8NMjyWLINw?si=184cc0b3c89d440fInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
From Pastor to Building Empire: Natalie Williams on Trauma, Real Estate, and Building Generational Wealth
In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Williams speaker, coach, and founder of Wealth Creators whose journey has been anything but ordinary. From her early years as a pastor and suicide prevention advocate in New Zealand to becoming a luxury real estate entrepreneur in Dubai, Natalie’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition.
We dive into the trauma and transformation that shaped her path, including losing her father, facing depression, and learning to turn pain into power. Natalie shares how she built a multi-million-dollar real estate business in one of the world’s most competitive markets, why financial literacy and wealth creation are essential for women, and the mindset shifts that allow anyone to step into their next level.
This conversation is packed with practical insights, raw truth, and a powerful reminder that you are the architect of your own life.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - From pastor to entrepreneur: Natalie’s unlikely beginning
05:00 - Losing her father, depression, and the power of forgiveness
10:00 - Building resilience through grief and trauma
14:00 - Creating a national suicide prevention tour
18:00 - Transitioning into PR, coaching, and real estate
22:00 - Pitching and winning the biggest property deal in New Zealand
28:00 - Moving to Dubai: why a one-way ticket changed everything
33:00 - The truth about financial freedom, wealth, and contribution
38:00 - Money mindset: shifting from scarcity to abundance
42:00 - Female founders, tall poppy syndrome, and building global empires
48:00 - Why pain can be your greatest teacher
53:00 - Final reflections: success, sacrifice, and legacy
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://nataliewilliams.komi.io/
Guest Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/nataliewilliams.coach/?hl=en
Guest Instagram (Wealth Creators): https://www.instagram.com/wealthcreators.ae/?hl=en
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-williams
Follow Us On:
Apple Podcast: The Powerhouse Diaries
Spotify: The Powerhouse Diaries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
She Built One of New Zealand’s Most Iconic Restaurants And Redefined What It Means to Lead
In this episode, I sit down with Judith Tabron, legendary restauranteur and hospitality leader, whose story is one of grit, innovation, and fearless reinvention. From building and running the iconic Soul Bar & Bistro for over two decades to reimagining what life and leadership look like beyond it, Judith has consistently led from the front in one of the toughest industries in the world.
We dive into how she navigated the relentless pressures of hospitality, what it really means to scale and sustain a brand over decades, and the personal toll that comes with being “always on.” Judith shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and legacy and why she believes the next chapter of her life is her boldest yet.
This conversation is a rare behind-the-scenes look at an industry icon, packed with wisdom for any founder, leader, or creative building something meant to last.
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:20 - Building Soul Bar & Bistro from vision to institution
06:30 - The relentless grind of hospitality and leadership
11:00 - Lessons in resilience: navigating setbacks and comebacks
15:20 - The realities of being a woman leader in a male-dominated space
20:00 - Sustaining success over two decades
24:45 - The personal cost of being “always on”
30:10 - Leadership lessons from hospitality that apply everywhere
35:00 - Reinvention: what comes after building an empire
40:15 - Judith’s advice to the next generation of women leaders
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judetabron/?hl=en
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-tabron-3a318830
Apple Podcast: The Powerhouse Diaries
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
In This Episode We Discuss:Episode Resources:Follow Us On:
She Walked Away From the “Perfect Life” to Reclaim Her Truth
Choiwee Moon built the white picket fence dream - marriage, children, career, and all the boxes checked. But beneath the surface, she was unraveling. Choosing to leave it all behind meant being cast as the villain in other people’s stories, but it was the only way to finally discover her own.
In this powerful conversation, Choiwee shares what it means to burn down the illusion of perfection, heal deep-rooted trauma, and reclaim pleasure, intuition, and embodied leadership as tools for life and business.
This episode is raw, real, and full of wisdom for every woman who’s ever wondered: what if the life I built isn’t the life I’m meant to live?
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
01:00 - Becoming the “villain” to save herself
06:00 - Cracks in the perfect life and walking into the unknown
12:00 - Surviving judgment, shame, and motherhood through upheaval
18:00 - Discovering somatic practices and energy work
24:00 - Nervous system regulation as the missing link in personal growth
30:00 - Releasing shame around sexuality and feminine power
36:00 - Pleasure as a pathway to manifestation and abundance
42:00 - Redefining intimacy, self-trust, and conscious relationships
48:00 - Why honoring your body is the ultimate business strategy
54:00 - Final reflections: self-worth, sustainability, and liberation
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://www.mamachowholistichealing.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamachowwellness
Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Choiwee
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/choiwee-moon
Follow Us On:
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Spotify: The Powerhouse Diaries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
She Burned Her Business to the Ground, Then Built One That Finally Worked for Her Life
In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Oakley founder of People Associates, HR consultant, mediator, and unapologetic truth-teller whose story is equal parts survival and reinvention. From postpartum collapse, single motherhood, and rebuilding her life after betrayal, to navigating the darkest HR cases no one else wants to touch, Lisa’s journey is one of resilience, clarity, and choosing to design business and motherhood on her own terms.
We dive deep into the reality of what it takes to scale a people-focused business, the toxic myths around “doing it all,” and the radical honesty required to build company culture that actually works. Lisa doesn’t sugarcoat the hard stuff and that’s exactly why this conversation is essential for every woman founder.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:00 - Postpartum collapse, IVF struggles, and rebuilding after betrayal
05:30 - Learning resilience: from faith to finding her superpower
07:20 - Burning her business to the ground and starting again
10:00 - Building People Associates and scaling with quality over quantity
13:30 - Failing forward: mistakes, client chemistry, and letting go of control
15:00 - The Navy Seals of HR: sexual harassment and workplace crises
18:00 - Power imbalances, ethics, and the role of a mediator
22:00 - How to build skin like a rhino (without losing compassion)
25:00 - Motherhood, guilt, and rejecting outdated gender expectations
28:00 - Outsourcing, SOPs for life, and prioritizing what actually matters
30:00 - The HR myths founders get wrong
33:00 - Breaking down culture: inputs, outputs, and the leadership lever
36:00 - The biggest culture killers in any business
38:00 - Toxic employees, feedback cultures, and why avoidance destroys teams
41:00 - Practical models for feedback and conflict resolution
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://peopleassociates.nz/
Guest Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/lisamareeoakley/
Guest Instagram (People Associates): https://www.instagram.com/peopleassociates.nz/
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisamareeoakley/
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/
Host Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
She Built New Zealand’s First Crowdfunding Platform — And Changed the Game for Founders
In this episode of The Powerhouse Diaries, Yaela Raber sits down with Anna Guenther, co-founder of PledgeMe, New Zealand’s first crowdfunding platform, to explore the radical shifts happening in how entrepreneurs raise money, find community, and scale their vision.
From writing a master’s thesis on crowdfunding to building a platform that has helped thousands of founders, artists, and innovators raise millions, Anna shares the highs, lows, and pivotal lessons she’s learned along the way.
This is a conversation about resilience, equity, and rewriting the rules of funding—especially for women founders who have traditionally been shut out of investment opportunities. Anna also opens up about solo motherhood, building a business with heart, and why inviting people into your journey is the key to success.
In This Episode We Discuss:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
04:08 - The master’s thesis that sparked a movement
05:33 - Building PledgeMe and the first million raised
07:26 - When your payment provider declares crowdfunding “illegal”
09:00 - How transparency built trust in the early days
11:57 - From rewards-based crowdfunding to equity investment
13:43 - Why funding feels overwhelming—and how to simplify it
15:12 - The gender gap in venture capital
18:33 - How women are raising through crowdfunding
19:57 - The power of asking for help
21:10 - Outsourcing your knowing vs. trusting your gut
22:29 - Solo motherhood and recalibrating priorities
24:17 - Building community and friendships through business
25:39 - The proudest legacy of PledgeMe
27:14 - Success stories: from kitchen table to global exit
29:17 - Why now is still a great time to invest
30:30 - Crowdfunding as the modern co-op model
31:00 - Becoming a solo parent by choice
33:25 - “Women can do anything, but not everything”
37:25 - The $2M campaign that broke the platform
39:25 - Reframing asking for money as inviting people in
Episode Resources:
Guest Website: https://linktr.ee/pledgeme
Guest Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/whereisanna
Guest Instagram (PledgeMe): https://www.instagram.com/pledgeme
Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaguenther
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Website: https://www.drdanielkirkbride.com/
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
Follow Us On:
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.
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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.
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Guest LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/dr-sarah-anticich-b06936151
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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