What happens when being "one credit short" becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary journey?
Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with Liahna Smith, a 23-year-old wahine toa from Taranaki who's redefining what career success looks like. Currently working with Pūhoro STEM Academy (on secondment from Why Ora), Liahna shares her raw and real journey from feeling "not ready" to becoming a voice for Māori rangatahi across five secondary schools.
In this episode, we explore:
Topics covered: Career development, Māori education, STEM pathways, mental health awareness, grief and loss, sports psychology, youth mentorship, cultural identity, professional growth, asking for help, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, finding purpose
Perfect for: Young professionals, educators, career changers, parents, coaches, anyone navigating uncertainty, Māori and Indigenous professionals, STEM advocates, youth workers
Recorded during Mental Health Awareness Week, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take opportunities even when you don't feel "ready."
Baskets of Knowledge brings you real conversations with real people doing extraordinary mahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.
🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 💬 Share with someone who needs to hear this ⭐ Leave us a review- it helps others find these important conversations
#Podcast #CareerAdvice #NewZealand #MāoriCulture #STEMeducation #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #Taranaki #Leadership
When Kodrean Eashae couldn’t find space for his voice, he built one.
In this episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we explore how Voice of Aroha became a home for refugee and migrant stories in Aotearoa. Kodrean shares his journey from feeling unheard to creating a platform that now uplifts hundreds of young people across New Zealand.
Expect deep reflection, practical insights, and an emotional reminder that leadership begins with community.
Listen if you’re curious about:
Refugee leadership in Aotearoa
Representation in storytelling
Building communities through aroha
Leaving a legacy as a “good ancestor”
Follow, share, and rate the podcast, your support helps amplify these voices.
#VoiceOfAroha #KodreanEashae #RefugeeVoices #CommunityLeadership #BasketsOfKnowledge #Podcast #Aotearoa
This week on Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Kiyara Glasgow, a 19-year-old student whose journey will shift how you see homelessness forever.
From sleeping in cars and park benches at 13, to earning a scholarship and studying at AUT, Kiyara’s story is a powerful reminder that our circumstances don’t define uz our choices do.
She opens up about:
Life as a homeless teenager in Aotearoa
How education became her lifeline
The power of mentorship and human kindness
Why we all need to start asking, “Are you okay?”
A conversation that will stay with you long after you’ve listened.
Tune in now on Spotify or YouTube — and don’t forget to follow Baskets of Knowledge for more stories that move, challenge, and inspire.
23 years ago, Di Crawford-Errington was a solo mum working two jobs, struggling to keep a roof over her daughters’ heads. Today, she’s built and sold businesses, leads an industry, and been recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting.... twice.
But this conversation isn’t about titles or accolades.
It’s about the real human story behind them.
In this week's episode of Baskets of Knowledge, Di opens up about the choices, challenges, and changes that shaped her life and how they can shape yours too.
- She talks about the fear and faith it took to start a business while raising two kids.
- She shares how burnout, loss, and grief forced her to redefine success.
- And she speaks with raw honesty about the pivotal choice we all face, whether to keep living for everyone else… or finally choose ourselves.
This isn’t a story of a single breakthrough moment.
It’s a story of countless small decisions, made in fear, courage, and love, that led to a life of meaning, purpose, and possibility.
Key Takeaways from Di’s Journey:
1. Every moment is a choice. You can’t control what happens, but you can control how you respond and those choices shape your future.
2. You don’t have to do it alone. Support doesn’t make you weaker; it makes you unstoppable.
3. Grief is universal. Feel it fully. Honor it. But don’t stay stuck in it. Healing is a choice too.
4. You are not selfish for choosing yourself. Prioritising your own health, energy, and joy is the most selfless thing you can do for those you love.
5. Stay curious. Keep asking questions. The moment you stop, growth stops too.
This episode is a deeply human reminder that success isn’t just about building businesses, it’s about building a life that matters.
Listen now on Spotify or YouTube and hear the full conversation: how Di rebuilt her life, redefined her purpose, and reclaimed her power.
What does it take to completely rewrite your story?
For Pat Wulf, the answer was courage, belief, and a decision to run uphill.
In this week’s episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Pat, the founder and owner of Wulf Security, a thriving, nationwide security company, to unpack his remarkable transformation from working long shifts in a factory to building a business that has employed over 100 people over the last 10 years with and creates opportunities for Pacific communities.
Pat’s story begins in Samoa and continues in Auckland, where, like many Pacific families, the expectation was simple: get a job, help pay the rent, and survive.
For years, that was his life. A single dad living with his uncle, clocking in and out of factory work, just trying to make ends meet.
But everything changed when two pivotal moments collided:
- The responsibility of being a role model to his two young sons
- Meeting Andrea, the woman who saw potential in him before he saw it himself
With her encouragement, Pat stopped doubting himself. He swapped self-limiting beliefs for bold action, starting his own security company while still working factory shifts. During the day, he wore steel-cap boots. At night, a suit and tie, pitching to clients and building the dream.
Fast forward nearly 10 years, and Wulf Security has become one of the most recognised names in the industry, known not just for its pink uniforms (a deliberate choice to de-escalate situations and challenge stereotypes), but for creating meaningful employment for Pacific people and changing lives along the way.
Pat’s journey is proof that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll end up.
It’s a reminder that success isn’t about luck, it’s about creating your own luck through action, awareness, and courage.
Key Lessons from Pat’s Story:
Mindset is everything: Breaking generational cycles starts with believing there’s more to life than “just getting a job.”
One person’s belief can change everything: Sometimes, all it takes is one person to see your potential when you can’t see it yourself.
Action beats perfection: You don’t need a business degree to start, you just need to take the first step.
Give back as you grow: True success is about lifting others with you.
Be different on purpose: From pink uniforms to focusing on hiring more women, Pat proves that running uphill creates meaningful impact.
This episode isn’t just about business, it’s about hope, resilience, and rewriting the narrative.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or someone stuck in a job you hate, Pat’s story will remind you that you’re one decision away from a completely different life.
What happens when life brings you to your knees?
At just 20 years old, Sarah Robb lost her father. Six years later, while overseas, she received a call that changed her world again, her mother had suffered a brain aneurysm. By 26, she had lost both parents.
The grief was overwhelming. There were days she couldn’t get out of bed, days of numbing pain through old habits. But instead of letting loss break her, Sarah made a choice:
“What you’re not changing, you’re ultimately choosing. And your choice is the most powerful tool you have.”
That one insight reshaped everything.
Today, Sarah is the founder of Spring with Sarah, a speaker and coach who teaches resilience, the power of mindset, and how to embrace presence in a world that never slows down.
In this conversation, Sarah opens up about:
🌱 How loss became the catalyst for her personal growth
🌱 The meaning behind Spring with Sarah and the blossoms that gave her hope during her mum’s final days
🌱 Why flowers, nature, and slowing down became part of her healing journey
🌱 The discipline behind posting daily on social media, even when no one’s watching, and how consistency took her from 3,000 to 80,000 followers
🌱 Why knowledge isn’t power, applied knowledge is
Key Learnings from Sarah’s Journey:
Choice is everything, every day, every moment, you decide whether to heal or stay stuck.
Consistency beats motivation, results come from showing up, not waiting to “feel ready.”
Presence saves lives, slowing down, breathing, noticing the small things can lift the heaviest clouds of grief.
Celebrate the gain, not the gap, growth comes from reflecting on how far you’ve come, not chasing what you lack.
This episode of Baskets of Knowledge is raw, real, and uplifting. If you’ve ever struggled with grief, mindset, or the discipline to keep going, Sarah’s story will get you to think about the way you make a choice.
Listen now on Spotify or YouTube and let her words remind you that even in the darkest seasons, spring will always return.
What happens when you take comedy, curiosity, and courage… and bring them to the streets?
In this episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we’re joined by Jasky Singh, better known as @sikant the street interviewer who has redefined how we connect with strangers. With a community of more than 140,000 followers across his socials, Jasky has built one of the most engaging and unfiltered interview platforms in Australia, if not the world. His short, raw, and often hilarious videos capture something rare in today’s fast-paced, polished world: authentic human connection.
From a young Indian migrant studying engineering to an entrepreneur and now a viral street interviewer, Jasky’s story is one of following curiosity, taking bold shots, and trusting yourself even when the world expects otherwise. We dive into:
- How a shy engineering student became a fearless public conversationalist
- The art of using humour, silence, and body language to disarm and connect instantly
- Balancing entrepreneurial success with creativity and family life
- The power of communication in an AI-driven world
- Why embracing identity and culture is key to resilience
This episode isn’t just about street interviews. It’s about what it means to truly connect as humans, in the messy, funny, imperfect, and beautiful ways that only real conversations can reveal.
Whether you’ve laughed at his viral videos or never heard of him until now, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about communication, confidence, and the courage it takes to just show up as yourself.
Key Takeaway:
Communication isn’t about the perfect script, it’s about presence, curiosity, and courage. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is simply start the conversation.
Listen now and discover the person behind @sikant the man bringing humanity back to the streets, one unscripted conversation at a time.
"When we are born, we look like our parents. When we die, we look like our choices."
That quote framed one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on Baskets of Knowledge, with our guest, Amit Khanna.
Amit’s life hasn’t been a straight line. It’s a story of resilience, loss, and rebirth.
Once labeled the “dumb student”, Amit carried that identity through his childhood and early teens. He believed it. because the world around him reinforced it. Comparison crushed his confidence.
But one defining moment changed everything. After being publicly dismissed by a professor, Amit made a choice, not to fight with fists, but to fight with effort. He studied with intensity, passed an exam most failed, and realised: “I’m not dumb. I’ve just never directed my effort in the right way.”
That single moment sparked a lifetime of growth.
Since then, Amit has:
- Lived and worked across seven countries.
- Transitioned from physics and IT into leadership and communication.
- Built a career helping corporate leaders navigate office politics, manage upwards and downwards, and communicate with impact.
But behind the achievements is a man who faced profound loss. Losing his father at 15, his mother later to illness, and carrying financial struggles that forced him into work as a teenager, Amit learned that at every crossroad, you only have two choices:
1. Give up.
2. Continue.
He chose to continue. And more importantly, he chose to live fully, to not just exist, but to create impact.
Key Learnings from Amit’s journey:
Labels don’t define you, your choices do.
Comparison can be dangerous. but it can also drive you.
Communication is the ultimate career advantage.
Authenticity creates trust.
The middle matters.
This too shall pass.
This episode is for anyone who has ever felt underestimated, labelled, or stuck in the middle.
It’s for anyone who wants to rise above office politics, sharpen their communication, and lead with authenticity.
It’s for you. if you’re ready to remember that your current situation is never your final situation.
Social Media Links & Thank You gift from Amit Khanna:
As a gift to all out listeners you get a Free download of Amits Best selling book - Corporate Circus for all the listeners
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
This week we sat down with the incredible Georgie Chambers, a person whose journey is as courageous as it is inspiring.
Georgie opened up about her transformation from living in the shadows of insecurity, body image struggles, and an eating disorder… to becoming a coach, leader, and community builder who empowers others to choose themselves and step into courage every day.
One of the pivotal moments in her life came during her yoga teacher training, a pause that forced her to sit with herself, make hard decisions, and completely reset her path. Since then, Georgie has chosen herself over and over again, whether through leaving relationships, embracing cold water therapy for suicide awareness, or building communities where people truly connect beyond the surface level.
What struck us most is Georgie’s reminder that:
Life is about courage. Every day requires us to make choices – and every choice shapes who we become.
Her story is raw, real, and full of lessons that anyone, whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or simply figuring out your next step, can take to heart.
Some power moments from our conversation include
Choose yourself: even when it feels terrifying, it’s the most empowering decision you can make.
Courage is in the everyday: from tough conversations to getting out of bed, every act requires bravery.
Failure is not the end: it’s proof you’re trying. The only real failure is giving up.
Community matters: growth happens when we’re surrounded by people who lift us up.
Don’t die wondering: life is too short not to take the leap.
You don’t want to miss this one. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or YouTube, search Baskets of Knowledge Podcast and join us in filling your basket with Georgie’s wisdom.
Connect with Georgie here to be part of her world @georgie_chambers
What’s one courageous choice you’ve made recently? Drop it in the comments.. we’d love to hear your story.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
On the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sat down with Vicki Tyler, a powerhouse in leadership, coaching, and human development , to unpack her incredible journey of resilience, self-discovery, and growth.
Vicki’s story is deeply human. She spoke about her early years, the challenges of navigating identity and belonging, and how those experiences shaped her drive to create spaces where people feel seen and valued. What stood out most was her belief that leadership is not about authority, but about the ability to listen, and become a catalyst to empower and guide others to step into their full potential.
One of the most powerful insights Vicki shared was about the "edge" where growth opportunities lie. She named her company The Grow Zone which represents that uncomfortable space where "what" happens meets "our response" to it, as that is where growth occurs. While most of us shy away from the edge because it feels risky, Vicki reminds us that it’s exactly where transformation begins.
Beyond her personal journey, Vicki is a strong advocate for women in leadership, helping women step into their voices, back themselves, and break through barriers in environments where confidence can so often be tested. Her work highlights that when women rise, entire communities benefit. Her current "195 Campaign" asks the same question to a woman in leadership, in every country in the world. With perspectives learned, she will use the findings to benefit young women in leadership around the globe.
In our conversation, she opened up about:
Why authenticity is the foundation of leadership – when you show up as yourself, you give others permission to do the same.
The ongoing work of balancing ambition with self-compassion.
This episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical insights for anyone on a journey of growth, whether you’re leading a team, a business, or yourself.
Tune in to the full conversation with Vicki Tyler on Baskets of Knowledge, now live on Spotify and YouTube.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
What happens when you stop adding… and start cutting?
In our latest Baskets of Knowledge episode, we speak with Sneha Villalva, a woman who has worn many hats; journalist, executive speechwriter, storyteller, and now, emerging speaker and soon-to-be author.
Her journey is anything but ordinary.
- She discovered her calling in the middle of a darkened dorm room, sick and reading a book that would change her life forever.
- She snuck into the Women’s World Cup for her very first front-page story.
- She’s given voice to leaders at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, all while quietly silencing her own.
- She’s navigated burnout, cultural pressures, and the grief of losing someone she loved far too soon.
And through it all, she uncovered a truth: the most powerful growth often comes from letting go.
That’s where The CUT comes in, a framework born from her life’s defining moments. We don’t reveal it here… you’ll need to listen to hear what it stands for and why it might be the exact shift you need right now.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How personal tragedy shaped Sneha’s outlook on time, priorities, and peace.
Why perfectionism could be silently holding you back.
The surprising link between words, self-talk, and the life you build.
How owning your voice can change not just your career, but your confidence.
Listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube to step inside Sneha’s story and discover what The CUT could mean for you.
This week, we sat down with Pratishtha Purohit, founder of EduventureNZ, corporate trainer, social impact advocate, and mum, to talk about her journey to New Zealand, the challenges she’s faced, and the generational ripple effect of her work.
Pratishtha’s story is one of courage, grit, and purpose:
- She moved to NZ after a life changing head injury left her partially deaf and without her sense of smell or taste.
- She carried the weight of her parents’ painful migrant exploitation experience and came determined to prove it could be different.
- She began her career here teaching second-chance Māori and Pasifika learners, eventually working across communities to bridge cultural understanding.
- She founded EduventureNZ to give international students and migrants the truth about life in NZ, no sugar coating, so they could be better prepared for the challenges ahead.
- She also runs Prana Inspire, helping solo mums from rural communities find pathways into high-paying, sustainable careers.
Key Learnings from this Episode:
Listen now on Spotify or YouTube for a raw, inspiring, and thought-provoking conversation that will change how you see migration, belonging, and the ripple effect of our actions.
He did it. Four marathons in one day. But the real story? It wasn’t about fitness.
On this week’s episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we welcome back Scott Casey-Woolridge, one month and one day after his huge challenge: a marathon ski, row, bike and run… all in a single day.
We spoke to him before the event. He was excited, focused, and ready.
Now, on the other side of it?
We talk about the raw truth, the comedown, the emotion, and the deeper impact this challenge had on him.
Yes, he pushed through pain, physical pain, mental fatigue, even slipping mid-run in the pouring rain.
But the part that stuck with us the most?
That quiet moment. Hugging his dad at the finish line. The journey that wasn’t just 42km x 4 but years of personal growth, healing, and owning his identity.
This wasn’t just about finishing a challenge.
It was about choosing to show up.
For himself. For others. For the version of him he wanted to become.
He raised over $7,300 for mental health support. But what he really raised was a conversation — one about purpose, community, and resilience.
This conversation is full of insight, honesty, and emotion.
If you’ve ever felt like giving up… if you’ve ever had that voice in your head say “just stop”… this is for you.
Here are a few takeaways that stuck with us:
If Scott’s story moved you, let him know.
And if you’re sitting on your own version of “what’s next,” this might be the sign you needed.
Drop a comment, share it forward, and take one small step toward your own challenge.
We’re all more capable than we realise.
It started with a student refusing to put their phone away.
Chris Valli was a teacher, father, husband, and community man. On paper, everything looked “fine.” But beneath the surface, he was juggling too much, teaching by day, musical theatre by night, a strained marriage, and a growing sense of disconnect within himself.
And then, in one moment of exhaustion and reactivity, it all came crashing down.
A classroom incident.
An investigation.
Public headlines.
A lost job. A lost identity.
But that wasn’t the end.
In this raw and honest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, Chris opens up about his downward spiral, the toll of unacknowledged mental health, and what it means to slowly rebuild a life, not with perfection, but with purpose.
We explore what happens when you lose everything you thought defined you and the surprising tools that can help you find your way back. Things like:
Honest conversations
Creative expression
Connection with others
And yes, putting the phone down
This episode isn’t about blame. It’s about truth.
It’s about learning how to sit with discomfort long enough to hear what your life is trying to tell you.
Key Lessons from Chris:
Burnout doesn’t scream, it whispers until you break.
Vulnerability isn’t a breakdown, it’s a breakthrough.
Cellphones are more than distractions. they’re often emotional shields.
You can’t pour from an empty cup, look after your wellbeing first.
Your story is still yours, even if others try to rewrite it.
Now, Chris is telling his story on his terms, with courage, clarity, and the hope that it might reach someone else who's quietly falling apart.
His upcoming book Put the Phone Away isn’t about screens, it’s about presence.
It's about what happens when you're forced to stop scrolling, stop performing, and start healing.
Today, Chris is a writer, a partner, a father.
But more importantly, he's someone who's done the work to face himself.
If you've ever felt like you're just holding it together… this episode is for you.
And maybe, just for a moment, "Put the Phone Down"
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
What does courage look like when life throws you into unimaginable grief?
How do you keep showing up when the future you built disappears overnight?
In this weeks episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we speak with Roslyn English OAM, community leader, musician, cancer survivor, and proud recipient of the Order of Australia Medal.
At the youthful age of 80, Roslyn is still learning, growing, and giving back.
But behind her accolades is a story of raw, heart-wrenching resilience.
Roslyn shares how she created her metaphorical “Bucket of Courage”, a concept born from heartbreak that now inspires her keynote speaking.
This episode is not just about loss. It’s about:
Key Learnings from this Episode:
🔸 Grief is love with nowhere to go and we all experience it in different forms
🔸 Don’t underestimate small wins sometimes, surviving the next hour is the win
🔸 Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s choosing to show up anyway
🔸 Community and creativity can be powerful tools for healing
🔸 You are never too old to learn something new or start again
Whether you're navigating loss, supporting someone who is, or needing a reminder that courage lives in you too, this episode is for you.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
What does it take to go from standing outside the principal’s office for failing school exams… to becoming the founding director of two of New Zealand’s most innovative restaurants… and now, a transformative coach reshaping lives?
In this deeply moving and powerful episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sit down with Chandni Sahrawat , entrepreneur, advocate, and coach to unpack a life story that will stay with you.
- From surviving societal pressure and a cry for help in her teenage years…
- To arriving alone in New Zealand with no accommodation, no support, and no plan B…
- To reshaping how Aotearoa views Indian food, migrant rights, and female entrepreneurship…
Chand’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and radical authenticity.
Whether you know her through her leadership at Cassia, Sidart, or her new chapter in transformational coaching, this episode will make you rethink what success really looks like and why work-life balance is a myth.
Key Learnings:
✅ Your past doesn’t define your future even if you’ve hit rock bottom
✅ There’s power in starting from the bottom (yes, she started as a hostess in her own restaurant)
✅ True leadership means being in the trenches with your team
✅ Burnout is real and recognising it early is a superpower
✅ You don’t need to “have it all figured out” to take the next step
But perhaps the most important takeaway?
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to do something meaningful.
Chand reminds us that we all have potential even if we can’t see it yet. And that the right mentor, the right moment, or the right mindset shift can change your life.
#BasketsOfKnowledge #ChandniSahrawat #PodcastNZ #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #MigrantVoices
What if period equity wasn’t just a cause but a business model?
What if advertising could fund free period products without putting the burden back on women?
That’s exactly what Aditi Gorasia is doing with Ads on Pads, a social enterprise changing the game. In this episode, Aditi shares the deeply personal story behind her mission to eliminate period poverty in Aotearoa and beyond.
From handing out free pads as a Women’s Welfare Officer at the University of Auckland…
To launching a startup where brands advertise on period product packaging to fund access for those who need it most…
To pitching to global brands, standing firm on values, and saying no to ads that don’t empower…
She’s building a business that’s commercially smart, values-led, and impact-first.
We cover:
Why profit and purpose must co-exist
The challenges of being a young, Indian woman founder in a male-dominated startup space
The power of lived experience in shaping ethical entrepreneurship
And why sometimes not putting pads in the bathroom turned out to be the greatest gift of all, the chance to hear real stories
Aditi doesn’t just talk equity. She lives it. Whether it’s saying no to alcohol and diet pill sponsors, or choosing people over profit in her earliest deals, her leadership is bold and brave.
Some key learnings include
Tune in to the full episode now on Spotify & YouTube
Know someone who needs to hear this? Share it.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
"If you can, you will."
The mindset behind doing the impossible.
On the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we sat down with someone who doesn’t just talk about growth—he lives it.
Meet Scott Casey-Woolridge: recent university graduate, CrossFit coach, and the man behind a physical and mental challenge that will stretch what you believe is possible.
Last year, Scott rowed over 465km across 30 days. This year? He’s taking on four back-to-back marathons in a single day, ski, row, bike, and run, all while fundraising for I AM HOPE, a youth mental health charity in Aotearoa.
But this conversation goes deeper than distance.
We spoke about:
How physical endurance events like Misogi (Japanese-rooted concept: “do one thing a year so hard it shapes the rest of your year”) helped Scott reframe his life.
The brutal honesty of his mental health journey, including navigating generational trauma and anxiety.
Why self-talk is the real battle, and how his dad’s words — “You’ve always got 20% more in the tank”, became his internal compass.
The power of shifting from arrogance to humility, from expectation to action.
Scott’s story is about choosing your hard, on purpose. It's about how showing up for one painful kilometre teaches you to show up for yourself in the messy, mundane moments of life.
This episode isn’t just inspiration, it’s activation.
Whether you're someone who’s already pushing the edge or someone trying to find your footing, Scott’s story will meet you where you are.
Learn more about Scott’s mission and support his fundraiser through the link in the comments or here https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/scoots-2025-misogi
Connect with Scott here:
Email - Scott.casey.wooldridge@gmail.com
Insta - @scott.cw
Cell - 027 559 1570
Let’s keep normalising conversations about mental health, building resilience, and doing things that scare us, because that’s where growth begins.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
This week on Baskets of Knowledge, we had the privilege of speaking with Kartini Clarke, a law student, neurodiversity advocate, political changemaker, and powerful voice for young people in Aotearoa.
Kartini’s story is one of perseverance, identity, and the courage to challenge systems that weren’t built to support everyone.
Raised in rural New Zealand, Kartini faced bullying, cultural isolation, and an education system that didn’t recognise or support her neurodivergence. Despite a love for learning, school often became a place of anxiety and misunderstanding. It wasn’t until university that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD, a turning point that gave her the language, tools, and support to thrive.
She went from being told she wouldn’t go far, to running for Parliament at 18, working as a union organiser, and leading the Young Neurodiversity Champions, a movement working to make diagnosis and support accessible for all.
Kartini now partners with law schools and workplaces to build awareness around neurodiversity, challenging the outdated models that have excluded so many for far too long.
Her story is not just inspiring, it’s a wake-up call. For educators, employers, and leaders alike.
If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the mould, this conversation will resonate.
Key learnings from this episode:
One teacher can change the course of a student’s life. Positive or negative.
Neurodivergence is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, especially in girls and people of colour.
Changing your beliefs when new information emerges is not weakness, it’s growth.
You do not have to prove your worth to anyone.
What works for those at the margins often benefits everyone.
Kartini’s voice is one Aotearoa needs right now, clear, courageous, and unafraid to challenge the norm.
This is not just another podcast episode. It’s a conversation that will make you rethink how we support each other in schools, workplaces, and society.
Share your reflections in the comments, what stood out most from Kartini’s story?
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
In the latest episode of the Baskets of Knowledge podcast, we sat down with Joe Harawira, the CEO and co-founder of Wai Manuka, a unique beverage brand born in Whakatāne, New Zealand, and deeply rooted in Māori culture. Joe’s journey from the military to high-performance sport, and now to entrepreneurship, is a story of grit, purpose, and innovation.
Joe’s path to leadership wasn’t linear. He began his career in the New Zealand Army, where he learned the power of discipline and camaraderie. This military foundation shaped his mindset, teaching him the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of backing your team – lessons he later brought into his roles within the NRL and New Zealand Rugby, where he worked in athlete wellbeing and high-performance environments.
Wai Manuka was born from a simple but powerful idea, to create a globally recognised beverage that celebrates New Zealand’s natural bounty and Māori culture. It all started at a New Year’s Eve gathering where Joe, alongside his friends, decided to turn their shared vision into reality. Despite no background in the beverage industry, Joe and his co-founders leaned into their cultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually launching a product that now reaches markets as far as New York and Japan.
Joe’s work in high-performance sport, including roles at the NRL and New Zealand Rugby, taught him that true success isn’t just about physical strength but mental resilience and cultural connection. It’s about building strong, unified teams that support each other both on and off the field.
Key learnings from Joe:
1️⃣ Back yourself fully: Whether in the military, sport, or business, confidence comes from action and perseverance.
2️⃣ Community is everything: Success is amplified when it’s shared. Always honor where you come from.
3️⃣ Authenticity is a superpower: Lean into your culture and values. The world respects and recognises genuine brands.
4️⃣ Resilience is built over time: Every challenge you face, from imposter syndrome to business hurdles, shapes you into a stronger leader.
5️⃣ Legacy over fame: Focus on the long game and the impact you leave behind, not just short-term wins.
To get your own taste of Wai Manuka for your next occasion OR even just because you know a good thing when you see one head over to https://waimanuka.co.nz/
Listen to the full episode to hear more about Joe’s journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his vision for the future.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
