The Way Forward

What does it actually take to go from 25 people to 4,000 without losing the plot? We sit down with Mahesh to unpack the gritty, unvarnished truths behind hypergrowth at Canva, the real timelines for B2B vs B2C, and why customer obsession—not headcount, perks, or flashy decks—decides whether a company wins.Mahesh walks us through his unconventional path: international recruitment hustle, Tokyo deal-making, an MBA wake-up call during the GFC, a startup built on persistence (and a pack of cookies that landed Uber), and the front-row seat to Canva’s scale. We dig into founder intentionality with concrete stories—like personally resetting every desk before a Monday reorg—and how details like this shape culture, momentum, and trust. From there, we break down leadership debt, the trap of “culture fit” shortcuts, and how real people ops becomes commercial when it drives customer value rather than internal rituals.We also explore the practical playbook for navigating AI transitions, pivots, and global expansion. You’ll hear why B2B can reach product-market fit faster, why B2C demands longer stamina and better storytelling, and how to keep teams aligned when the path stretches from months to years. We talk incentives with clarity, over-communication as a leadership duty, and the humility required to lead across cultures—translating policies and values with local partners rather than forcing templates from headquarters. Finally, Mahesh shares Phase One’s framework: US-first when possible, customer and problem obsessed, founder clarity on personal “why,” and investor literacy as its own craft.If you care about building resilient teams, shipping loved products, and scaling beyond your home market, this conversation gives you the tools and the mindset to do it. Listen, share it with your team, and if it hits home, subscribe Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

We trace Chantelle Hilleard's path from HR coordination to international leadership, then drill into what actually drives engagement, retention, and performance in startups, scaleups, and post-acquisition environments. The focus stays on learning cultures, purpose alignment, and commercial fluency that lift both people and results.• early HR lessons that scale across industries• hiring at pace and building people systems from scratch• HR’s shift from admin support to strategic partner• cross-functional learning frameworks and mentoring• balancing breadth with core skill development• defining employee experience through autonomy and voice• manager one-to-ones, active listening, and EI in practice• leading across cultures and regional nuances• handling layoffs with transparency and purpose• retention via employee voice and moments that matter• purpose workshops that align roles to mission• post-acquisition culture audits and integration• leveling, titles, and clear career architecture• skills-based, nonlinear careers and internal mobility• growth vs profit and teaching commercial acumenLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

We trace Amie's journey and unpack how HR becomes a growth engine when it focuses on customer value, capability, and outcomes over process. Pace, alignment, and brave decisions guide hiring, hybrid work, and scaling across markets.• startup vs corporate pace and purpose• hiring for mindset and lifecycle ownership• capability planning vs headcount budgeting• BAU resourcing vs future strategic investment• aligning every function to the customer voice• HR’s role in commercial outcomes and metrics• globalisation with macro why and local how• preserving culture while scaling• office-first with flexibility and space design• disrupting HR complacency and making tough callsCheck out picwa.io if you're interested in learning how to outperform traditional recruitment methods.Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

HR expert Lisa shares her journey from corporate leadership to founding her own HR consultancy, now supporting other HR professionals through coaching and her HRHQ platform.• Moving from leadership to HR requires a mindset shift from control to influence• HR professionals often can't control decisions but can shape thinking behind them• Using the CHOP framework (Context, History, Obligations, People) helps prepare for difficult employee conversations• Performance Improvement Plans should be absolute last resorts after informal discussions• Focus on addressing root causes of performance issues rather than just symptoms• "Culture fit" in recruitment often means "this person makes me uncomfortable"• "Culture add" embraces diversity and different perspectives that drive innovation• The future of HR lies in strategic functions that better utilise technology• Post-pandemic HR has shifted from transactional to transformational within organisationsCheck out picwa.io if you're interested in learning how to outperform traditional recruitment methods.Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Stephanie shares her journey through the HR profession and reveals why most companies take a flawed approach to employee engagement by relying too heavily on surveys and generic initiatives rather than recognising that engagement happens one person at a time.• HR isn't solely responsible for employee engagement—managers play a crucial role in creating environments where employees can thrive• Organisations often focus on benefits and programs (the "roof") while neglecting individual needs (the "foundation") and team dynamics (the "middle layer")• Employee engagement requires understanding what drives each person, their aspirations, frustrations, and communication preferences• Psychological safety—the ability to speak up, make mistakes, take risks, and debate healthily—is essential for team engagement• People stay at organisations for different reasons—as "hostages" (stuck due to circumstances), "cruisers" (without major aspirations), or "enthusiasts" (engaged high-performers)• Addressing underperformance requires curiosity and early intervention rather than waiting until problems become entrenched• Organisations must invest time in understanding their people now, especially top performers who may seek development elsewhereAs we're deep into 2025, pay attention to your top performers and find out what they want to develop—they're the ones who can take things off your plate so you can grow your business.Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Discover the remarkable transformation of an office environment as Priya shares the journey from a "club" to a space of inclusion and gratitude. We also dive into  how companies can adapt to remote work, foster flexibility and well-being even through challenging times. Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Navigating remote work can be challenging, but Lauren from Matomo offers practical advice on maintaining productivity and effective communication across different time zones. Discover strategies to keep your remote team dynamic, including clear documentation, proactive communication, and setting healthy boundaries to prevent burnout. We also explore the essentials of decision-making and collaboration tools that uphold company values while ensuring a secure and productive remote work environment. Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

The candidate experience can make or break your recruitment process. This episode highlights the value of informal, off-site meetings and comprehensive follow-ups to truly understand a candidate's personality and cultural fit. Chris shares his insights on headhunting techniques, emphasising personalised outreach and the essential collaboration with hiring managers to refine the search process. Join us as we explore the role of cultural recruitment, concise communication, and genuine follow-up practices that can help you attract and retain top talent.Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Our guest today is Siân Govind, Director of Global Talent at Auror and Founder of BeHeard. We shine a spotlight on the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the tech sector, especially within New Zealand. Siân delves into the nuances of creating genuinely inclusive workplaces and explains Auror's robust DEI framework, which prioritizes listening, learning, unlearning, and actioning to build a truly diverse workforce. The insights shared will challenge you to move beyond token diversity initiatives and build equitable systems that genuinely engage and retain employees from underrepresented groups.Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Our guest today is Lynne Miller, GM of Strategic Delivery at Fonterra. We dive into the pressing need to align educational pathways with industry demands in New Zealand. Our guest shares valuable perspectives on how strategic workforce planning and proactive career advising can bridge critical gaps in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare, offering a roadmap to a more balanced and sustainable future for New Zealand’s workforce.As we explore the future of work, the undervaluation of the teaching profession comes into sharp focus, raising the question of systemic changes needed to elevate it. We also tackle the integration of AI and automation in the workforce, highlighting practical strategies for small and medium enterprises to harness these technologies. Learn from real-life applications and research findings that reveal the transformative potential of AI to boost productivity, reimagine work structures, and prepare for the future. Tune in to gain practical advice and be inspired to embrace the evolving world of work.Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

We're in conversation with Loren Thomas, the Head Of People at TradeMe. In this episode we dive deep into employee engagement, mental health, and the art of bias-free hiring practices.  We also discuss actionable strategies for utilising tools like Officevibe for real-time feedback and long-term cultural shifts, making sure your team feels genuinely engaged and valued. From coaching leaders to fostering peer-to-peer learning and conducting fair interviews, this episode is packed with strategies to help you build a thriving and inclusive workplace. Looking to hire 40% faster? Check out PICWA.io Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

What if you could transform your HR strategies to attract top talent, even in the toughest market conditions? Our guest Anna shares her personal journey into the world of human resources. She provides profound insights on the importance of a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and emphasises the necessity of continuous feedback and iteration to build an exceptional organisation and team. In this episode, we discuss how to craft employee experiences that are not only inclusive but also engaging, ensuring your recruitment and onboarding processes are always ahead of the curve.Looking to hire 40% faster? Check out PICWA.io Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Join Sarah Ritchie, Head of People & Culture at Journey Digital, as we dive into the impact of restructures on company culture and the process of rebuilding trust. Sarah offers insights on balancing business integrity with the tough decisions of restructuring. We explore the emotional toll, growth opportunities for affected employees, and the human side of HR and talent management.Finally, we examine proactive measures for success through employee investment, including career progression, continuous performance assessment, and Employee Assistance Programmes. The insights shared serve as a guiding light for HR professionals and business leaders alike. Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Liam Forde who is the founder and CEO of The Zone, which makes organisations more human through coaching and leadership development.Liam’s passion for people shines through in this episode as we talk about the importance of your values and how to embrace them in the workplace. We also hear Liam’s stories on optimising his time, keeping remote teams engaged and hiring, where he reveals simple yet effective tips for leaders to implement today.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:13 - Liam’s story behind starting the Zone - helping organisations be more human04:00 - Start with your values04:50 - Transitioning from a fixed to a growth mindset06:00 - Can you teach an old dog new tricks? How?08:52 - Advice on managing stress and making the most out of your time 14:13 - How to keep remote-first teams connected, engaged and more human20:33 - Prioritising between price, service and quality22:49 - Liam’s advice for a founder’s first five hires26:35 - What Liam would like to see more of in the startup space Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Tane van der Boon who co-founded mattress startup Winkl; MAUI63, a not-for-profit protecting marine life; and Inviol, an AI-driven workplace safety solution.Tane treats us to practical and realistic advice around bringing in a successful business model overseas, disrupting traditional industries, and the operations behind next-day delivery. We also hear Tane’s passion for protecting marine biology as he talks about MAUI63, before diving into his advice on using off the shelf tech and financial forecasting.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:23 - A crash course into Tane’s startup journey - from fixing computers at 15 to experienced founder 06:55 - Tane’s advice for bringing a successful business model overseas into NZ 09:54 - Advice for entrepreneurs using tech to disrupt a traditional business model13:27 - What strategies helped Winkl become a household brand name in 18 months?17:15 - Taking a peek at Winkl’s operations - how did they do next day delivery?20:05 - How MAUI63 is protecting the world’s rarest dolphin with technology23:26 - Why you should start small when building a piece of tech25:46 - Tane’s advice for cash flow and revenue forecasting 27:58 - What Tane would like to see more of in the startup space Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Toby Cox who is the CTO of Dovetail.Toby shares his advice for best practices for your MVP, how to identify a good fit when recruiting and building a strong engineering culture. We also hear his unique experiences in tech solutions and startups - from developing an app for Dreamworks, to being an Entrepreneur in Residence in the UK and to conducting due diligence on tech startups.Struggling to hire strong tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hire01:14 - Toby’s passion for computers, people and Ruby on Rails03:14 - Early days with Carnival.io04:55 - Challenges when working with large organisations07:54 - Three pieces of advice on MVPs for first-time founders09:15 - Toby’s experience as an Entrepreneur in Residence11:13 -  The pro of working within a corporate’s startup function and similarities in Dovetail12:58 - Work life balance and why you should give yourself head space16:11 - What Toby thinks about when doing due diligence on a startup17:41 - Recruitment process tips for technical jobs 21:10 - What is a common issue in startups that can’t be fixed?22:27 - Key advice for smaller tech startups25:33 - What Toby envisions for the AUS/NZ startup sceneLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Greg San Miguel who is the co-founder and CEO of RegTech scaleup Law of the Jungle. Greg takes us back to 1999 as he talks through his journey diving into startups as a litigator with no background in tech, starting a tech company during the .com crash and building a high-performing team. Greg also shares how he navigated product-market fit, outsourced teams and sales, sharing gold nuggets of advice for other startup founders. Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:40 - Greg’s early days as a litigator and passion for democratising law04:24 - The problem that inspired Law of the Jungle06:52 - How did the first few engineers come on board back in 1999?09:55 - Starting a tech startup just before the .com crash15:26 - What it’s like to work with outsourced teams17:55 - What was Greg’s key indicator of product-market fit?23:03 - Key factors of Law of the Jungle’s success26:36 - Pivoting the team culture30:13 - Building confidence and success in sales37:52 - Advice for first-time founders going from corporate to startups40:23 - What Greg would like to see more of in the startup spaceLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Trent Gunthorpe, the Chief Product Officer of payments company ASL.Trent tells us about his 20 years of experience in financial services as a part of GE Capital and then leading strategy and payments at American Express. We walk through his learnings from the GFC, high-pressure scenarios, thriving in foreign environments and negotiation. We also hear his thoughts on what fintech startups and SMBs could learn from corporates and even Web3. Looking to hire tech talent globally? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:30 - Trent’s values and his experience during the GFC03:13 - What Trent learned from working across several countries07:20 - Working in a high-pressure environment08:30 - What startups and SMBs could learn from corporates12:20 - Think about the long-term relationship when negotiating14:33 - How will blockchain and cryptocurrency impact the payments industry?17:48 - Why the relationships you build at work are more important than you think21:40 - What Trent would like to see more of from the fintech spaceLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Rob Vickery, the founder and Managing Partner of Hillfarance Venture Capital.In this episode, we get an insider’s look into how Rob evaluates startups and what he cares about as a VC. We also uncover the person behind the title, touching on Rob’s life outside of work, his experience with burnout, and how he sets boundaries to respect his time and mana.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:13 - Rob’s beginnings in the UK and successful venture firm in the US04:43 - Rob’s vision for the NZ tech startup space06:13 - How to become successful at enterprise sales08:55 - Who is Rob outside of the VC space?10:16 - Success and failures as a VC11:40 - How Hillfarance is 47% higher than the industry in representing women-owned companies 13:00 - Three common barriers for startups14:50 - How much should founders pay themselves? Should they?18:55 - How Rob evaluates a tech startup21:26 - Conversations with founders about pivoting 23:03  - How Rob approaches burnout as a VC25:13 - Tips for setting boundaries and respecting your time28:13 - What Rob would like to see more of in the startup space - seed investing and embracing failureLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we're in conversation with Ben Hutt, the CEO of Evergen. Ben tells us his roller-coaster journey growing an early-stage startup to a global marketplace, going public, then venturing into the renewable energy space with Evergen. This episode is packed with Ben's raw and honest look at the mistakes he's made leading an early-stage startup and also as a first-time publicly listed CEO. This episode is important for anyone that wants to grow their company, know what it’s really like to be publicly listed or get an insider’s look into the wins and challenges in the energy space.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:14 - Joining an early-stage startup and the mistakes made 6:19 - Scaling Search Party and the learnings from going public15:28 - Three things Ben would do differently looking back at Search Party20:14 - How Ben came across Evergen and joined them as CEO23:31 - How Evergen stays close to customers as an energy company26:32 - What it’ll take for the world to reach 90% renewable energy33:46 - What Ben would like to see more of from the NZ/AUS startup space - choosing your investors carefully Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Lauren Peate, the founder and CEO of Mutlitudes, which helps managers and CTOs use data to improve their team's culture and performance.Having worked around the world, Lauren’s experiences abroad fueled her passion for using technology and data for equity and inclusion as we chat about Multitudes. We explore the unique attributes she looks for when building an early-stage high-performing team, and how to scale teams without sacrificing on values. Our conversation takes many interesting turns as we dive into a range of topics, from keeping compensation fair in a rapidly changing market, to blockchain’s impact on data and analytics.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:01:30 - Lauren’s experience working around the world, from Nicaragua to Morocco8:51 - Why it’s important to think about ethics when using technology12:10 - Building a high-performance team14:50 - How Lauren takes care of her mental health as a founder16:56 - Attributes for an early-stage high-performance team21:30 - Two important considerations when scaling a high-performance team24:30 - How could you keep compensation fair when the market rates are changing so quickly? 28:08 - Over analysing vs under analysing - how leaders can balance this act30:05 - Where do you draw the line in terms of how long to spend on decisions?31:18 - How people can use data to improve their wellbeing and live more sustainably32:44 - Blockchain - a solution looking for problems35:35 - What Lauren would like to see more of from the tech space - acknowledging the digital divide and having braver conversations about our impact on peopleLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Michael Batko, the CEO of Startmate.After years in finance and consulting in his early days, Michael moved to Australia to work in a bar - and ended up at early-stage startup Mad Paws. We have the pleasure to hear Michael’s career journey in the startup space and the things he’s learnt along the way. If you’re interested in hearing his advice to founders and VCs alike–from the worst way to pivot to how to find a niche as a VC–this episode is for you.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome to The Way Forward00:20 - Sponsor shoutout 00:47 - Intro to today’s episode01:02 - Michael’s early days in early-stage startups5:47 - A learning about financial modeling - it’s all about the story6:43 - Hiring for attitude and not skill9:23 - Aligning your career with your life’s mission11:20 - Advice to early-stage founders above the age of 3013:47 - Traction vs product-market fit 15:25 - Disappointments 17:54 - What Michael looks for in startups from an investor perspective20:47 - The worst way to pivot22:38 - How Michael maintains his mental health24:40 - Advice for VCs 26:00 - A common misconception about going into VC28:11 - What VCs bring to the table (and it’s not just capital)31:27 - Signals and anti-signals of great founders33:21 - What Michael would like to see more of from the NZ/AUS startup spaceLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Seb Poole, the co-founder of med-tech startup Frankie Health, a Giant in residence for Blackbird and the former CPO/CTO for Hulii. Seb brings a wealth of experience on the operations and tech side of growing tech startups. Lucky for us, he’s sharing them through practical tips and tools and some straightforward advice. If you’re a CTO, engineer or someone interested in starting a tech startup, this episode is for you.Struggling to hire tech talent? We’ve got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome to The Way Forward00:47 - Intro to today’s episode1:30 - Seb’s first foray into the startup space with Grana 2:50 - Mistakes and lessons learnt at Grana 3:42 - How do you differentiate startups at Seed vs Series A?4:38 - What growing from 0 to 20 engineers looks like 6:37 - How smaller teams can replicate a QA process 9:40 - Tidying up multiple stacks and frameworks across teams10:43 - Journey with Frankie Health - Seb’s why, discovering product-market fit13:20 - Indicators of product-market fit14:45 - How do you make your product commercially viable? 17:19 - Using tech to beat traditional business models20:39 - What tech founders should focus on when building an MVP22:50 - Is UI important? 24:28 - How technical founders can do sales25:30  - Seb’s sales messaging advice 26:53  - Where there’s chaos there’s opportunity28:45 - Seb’s advice for taking care of your mental health30:42 - How startups founders can ask for help32:40 - Seb’s hopes for Australia’s startup space Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Sachee who was recently appointed the COO of CorePlan, helped with the growth of startups like UberEats and was the founder of Bugle. Sachee tells all, revealing his lessons from building a marketplace, quadrupling CorePlan’s revenue, and on a more personal note, burnout.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to The Way Forward00:20 - Sponsor shoutout 00:47 - Intro to Sachee1:23 - Sachee’s early career and scaling teams to becoming the best in the country2:54 - Lessons from starting a marketplace startup4:26 - Why marketplaces should quality check their supply 7:07 - How to differentiate your marketplace 9:07 - How to find your early-stage users11:16 - Pre-launch activities that will set you up for a successful launch12:58 - Community-driven marketing, featuring Thrive’s successful community15:20 - Getting a community going18:00 - How CorePlan quadrupled their revenue by doing less22:02 - It’s okay to start small24:53 - Why the mid-market is probably your best market for scale26:58 - How early-stage startups can react to (and benefit from) black swan events29:08 - Burnout - how booking a spontaneous holiday away isn’t the solution, and what Sachee does instead34:28 - Sachee’s hopes for the startup space in PerthStruggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Our first guest of Season 2 is Alexey Mitko, the former Finance Manager of Canva.com and Koala.com. He is now the current CFO for Eucalyptus and is powering the next generation of digital healthcare companies.Today we learn about building financial models for simple and complex startups, how to make your numbers align with your mission and why CFOs should put on a long-term lens rather than focus on the short-term. We also dive into 'getting ahead' hacks, that have served Alexey well during his career. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’ve got Flavio, who’s coached multiple startups within the New Zealand tech space. He's helped validate tech ideas, rocket-charge revenue operations, and build strong money + business models. Now if you don’t know what some of this means, then you must listen to this podcast, we go through it all, in this hour-long podcast that could potentially rocket-charge your startup. If you want to learn more about how Flavio helps the startup space rocket-charge their success then please view Selfstarters.co Struggling with hiring tech talent? Here's a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Tracey Taylor, the current CEO of Yellow. She has got a wealth of experience in the people space, managing the human side of a business. In this podcast, we talk about business, startups, and high performance from a human perspective. Regardless of where you are in your journey, I’m sure you’ll capture a couple of epiphanies and that they will help you pave the way forward. Struggling with hiring tech talent? Here's a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

When we talk about tech startups, a CTO plays an incredibly crucial part in its success. In today’s conversation, we dive into what being a CTO entails and how you as a software engineer or even a founder could move into a CTO position.  Regardless of where you are in your startup journey, you’ll learn a thing or two about building + scaling a tech team and system. Struggling with hiring tech talent? Here's a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

A conversation about startups but from an investor's perspective. We demystify VC funding, dive into the impacts of an economic crisis on a startup, and discuss how to create a growth-driven culture. For all of you looking to start a venture, or in the midst of scaling one, you’ll definitely take a lot from this conversation here.Note: This is Part 1 Of 2. Struggling with hiring tech talent? Here's a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Mark Tanner, the COO of Qwilr. Qwilr was founded in 2014 by Mark & Daniel in NSW, Australia. We dive into Marks's journey, starting from McKinsey & Co, when the GFC happened, to his first gig at a Startup, then an amazing role at Google, and now finally to Qwilr.  You’ll learn how he jumped in and out of the startup world, what he learned within the enterprise world and how you can apply all his learnings to your journey. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Jason Paris, the CEO of Vodafone. His journey will inspire all of you because, without a degree or MBA, he’s been the CEO of MediaWorks, CMO of Spark, and is now CEO of Vodafone.  His path has had adversity and also a lot of hustle. We also touch on how tech startups today could better position themselves and also muscle through breaking new norms when solving problems using new technology. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Running a public listed company has its similarities to a startup but the KPI’s are much larger, the ship to navigate is much more complex and has its large employer size but the reason why I’m saying this is because I believe that a lot can be learned and applied from them within the startup space. So, Today we’re speaking with Sophie Moloney, the CEO of SKY TV and we’re going to get to learn about her journey, including her career in the UAE. Of course, with this all, we’re going to cover the advice she has for startups out there. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Dan Borthwick, The CTO of Mindset Health. Dan began his tech career in 1998 and has worked in multiple mobile game startups. Where he's worked on games such as Pet Society, The Sims, Need for Speed, and more. In addition to all this, he’s been the tech leg of many startups in the VR and MedTech space.  With a lot of experience building tech teams, in this podcast, we dive into the tech side of a startup, why it’s overlooked and sometimes undervalued, particularly at the early stages. Regardless of where you are in your startup, you’ll still take a lot of AHA! Moments that I’m sure will help you pave the WayForward. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

If you want your startup to go global, then this podcast is for you. Serge was a part of the M-Com team that pioneered mobile payments from 2005 - 2011, he was involved with its global expansion (USA dominantly) and acquisition by NASDAQ listed: Fiserv. Today, Serge is a B2B SAAS investor and is involved with around 6 startups as we speak. He has a wealth of wisdom and in this podcast Q&A, I got to pick his mind. Regardless of where you are in your startup (Idea stage or scaling stage), you’ll capture a lot of epiphanies moments that’ll help you pave the WayForward. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Vanessa, the MD of Microsoft (New Zealand). Microsoft in the past years has pivoted a lot into becoming enablers for the next generation of tech and startups. Vanessa is extremely passionate about the startup space. And interestingly has had an incredible journey from being a receptionist at Wang to the MD of Microsoft New Zealand today. Her story inspires and fuels a new paradigm of thinking. In this podcast, we talk about her journey, sales and leadership advice that the startup space can embrace and use it to pave their way forward. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Nigel Fellowes-Freeman, the CEO of Kanopi, an insurance tech startup. We talk about how he went from being a Physiotherapist to a CEO of a Tech-Startup and within this, we discover loads of tips and tricks on how to start a startup, especially if you’re a non-technical founder. Most importantly, we speak about the entire process of taking your idea from an MVP to a fully funded startup and even touch the elements of scaling up. For those of you that are non-technical founders, this will truly unlock greater possibilities and give you the tools to overcome the challenges that will come with building your tech startup. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

Today we’re in conversation with Alex McNaughten, he’s helped multiple NZ and Australian Tech Startups increase their sales and conversion rates. This episode is full of overlooked tips & tricks that’ll help your startup unlock higher conversions and of course, more sales. We go through: How to bring methods and consistency into your sales strategy How to use a Playbook to easily onboard new SDRs and Sales Staff Common misconceptions startups have about sales and how to fix them. There's more...Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io 

From aspiring rockstar to Goldman Sachs and then successful tech entrepreneur. We’re in conversation with Tim Warren, the co-founder, and CEO of Ambit.ai. We're going to learn about how his journey started as a drummer and then progressed through the most unusual and inspirational twists to where he is today. Struggling to hire tech talent? We've got a long-term solution: https://picwa.io/hireLearn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io