CREATIVE EXPRESSION w/ Brenden Rolston

ActionHQ
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  • Business
  • Biweekly

Creative expression and business intelligence enthusiast Brenden Rolston of ActionHQ talks with entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, seekers, and leaders in non-profit organisations; people who are driven by curiosity, creativity, and purpose and who are making a difference in their own way. Brenden’s curiosity runs deep, he believes that creativity dwells inside all of us and arises in any and every profession. Join Brenden as he connects and speaks to people from all walks of life about personal adventures to professional growth… …creativity is the birthplace of all possibility.

Episodes

  1. Jun 28

    Culture, values, inclusion & strategic communication | Priya Bates

    Priya Bates is President of Inner Strength Communication, a consultancy focused on helping organisations build strength from the inside out.  At the heart of Priya's work is a simple belief: people are at the centre of every organisation, and strong cultures don't happen by accident. They are intentionally designed, consistently reinforced, and embedded into the everyday moments that matter.  In this conversation, we explore the connection between mission, vision, values, strategy, and the front-line behaviours that ultimately define organisational success. Priya shares why culture is built through ongoing conversations rather than one-off campaigns, and how leaders can reinforce values through policies, processes, recognition, recruitment, and everyday decision-making.  We also discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion, moving beyond performative initiatives to create meaningful representation and belonging. Priya explains why listening to employee voices, building feedback loops, and understanding the communities we serve isn't just the right thing to do — it's simply smart business.  From mergers and organisational change to employee engagement and strategic leadership, Priya demonstrates how communication becomes a business superpower when it connects people, purpose, and performance.  This is a conversation about intentionality — creating cultures where people understand what good looks like, feel connected to a shared purpose, and consistently deliver on t Culture, values, inclusion & strategic communication | Priya Bates   he promises an organisation makes.  Follow Priya:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyabates/  Inner Strength Communication: http://www.innerstrengthcommunication.com  Book: Building a Culture of Inclusivity: Effective Internal Communication for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (co-authored with Advita Patel)  Amazon: Building a Culture of Inclusivity  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co    Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  2. May 25

    Purpose-led organisations, impact investing & rethinking the charity model | Steven Moe

    Steven Moe is a Partner at Parry Field Lawyers, host of The Seeds podcast, and editor of the new book Changing Paradigms — a collection of 25 essays challenging how charities, philanthropy, governance, and purpose-led organisations operate in the modern world.   In this conversation, we explore the big questions facing the purpose sector: Are traditional charity models still fit for the future? How do we move beyond dependency on donations? What happens when purpose-driven organisations begin thinking more entrepreneurially, collaboratively, and long-term?  Steven shares insights from contributors across governance, economics, philanthropy, impact investing, AI, Māori and Pacific leadership, and community innovation. We discuss youth representation in leadership, civic engagement, social cohesion, impact measurement, and why some organisations may need to rethink not just how they operate — but whether their model still serves the mission they were created for.  We also unpack the rise of impact investing, the role of technology and AI in the sector, and the growing shift from transactional charity toward systems thinking and collective responsibility.  At its heart, this is a conversation about challenging inherited thinking — and asking what a more courageous, sustainable, and future-focused purpose sector could look like.  Learn more:  Parry Field Lawyers: https://www.parryfield.com/  Download Changing Paradigms: https://www.parryfield.com/changing-paradigms/  Follow the Seeds podcast: https://www.parryfield.com/seeds-podcast/  Follow Steven Moe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-moe-0b3b008a/  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  3. May 13

    Futurism, AI, words matter, and preparing for what’s next | Dave Wild

    Dave Wild is a futurist, strategist, and expert in helping organisations think differently about what comes next.  In this conversation, we explore what it really means to think like a futurist — not predicting the future but learning how to see possibility before others do.  Dave shares why every person is, in some way, already a futurist, and how language, perspective, and experimentation shape the futures we create. We discuss AI, human emotion, probabilistic thinking, and why the most important skill in a rapidly changing world may not be intelligence — but the ability to pause, reflect, and ask better questions (of ourselves and those around us).  Together, we unpack ideas around technological transformation, hidden opportunity, organisational change, and the growing responsibility leaders have to guide others through uncertainty. Dave also explores the difference between deterministic systems and generative AI, why “words matter,” and how future thinking requires both curiosity and courage.  At its core, this is a conversation about perspective — learning to clear the windscreen, see further ahead, and recognise that the future is not something that simply happens to us, but something we actively shape.  Follow Dave Wild:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wild/  Futurist Dave Wild: https://www.dave-wild.com/  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  4. Apr 13

    Healing, decolonisation, and remembering through body, mind & spirit | Tul´ix | Qoya | Yoga | Samar Ocean Wolf Ciprian

    Samar Ocean Wolf Ciprian is a practitioner, teacher, and guide whose work sits at the intersection of body, mind, spirit, and land.  She holds a deep connection to the earth, its rhythms, its intelligence, and the understanding that we are not separate from the living world, but part of it. At the core of Samar’s work is a belief that healing happens in community, and that as humans, we carry an innate capacity to return to wholeness.  Samar teaches Qoya, a movement-based practice developed by Rochelle Schiek, and trains teachers through the lens of compassionate decolonisation, creating spaces where outdated beliefs can be released and deeper healing can emerge.  In this conversation, Samar shares her own lineage and ancestry, and how this shapes her relationship to land, identity, and healing. Together, we explore what it means to face our shadows, to unlearn inherited patterns, and to reconnect with a more grounded and human way of being.  Please note this conversation was recorded prior to the recent attacks by Israel and the US on Iran.  Follow Samar:  Instagram:  https://www.samaroceanwolfciprian  https://www.instagram.com/tulixindigenousarts  Tul’ix Indigenous Arts, Qoya,Yoga Retreats & Facilitator Trainings:   https://www.samaroceanwolfciprian.com/  https://www.tulixindigenousarts.com/  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  5. Mar 8

    Anxiety, resilience, practical tools & breaking stigma | Maria Thorndyke

    Today we´re talking about something that touches every one of us at some point in our lives - mental health. This conversation is about understanding what mental health actually is, reconising it in ourselves, and learning practical tools to navigate it with courage and compassion. Maria is on a mission to normalise mental health and remove the intergenerational and cultural stigma that has kept too many people silent. With 25 years of experience in the clinical and health sector, her training spans person-centered counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and clinical casework supervision. Maria is the Clinical Director at Hearts & Minds, a community mental health charity, and a Member of the International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists. In this episode, Maria shares her own story, explains wht anxiety really is, and offers practical tools - including breathing and grounding techniques - that anyone can use when stress begins to rise. At its core, this is a conversation about resilience, compassion and the truth that mental health is part of being human. Follow Maria:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-thorndyke-7a752626/  Hearts & Minds Mental Health Charity: https://heartsandminds.org.nz/  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  6. Feb 26

    Storytelling, Measurement & AI in the Modern Workplace | Mark Dollins

    Mark Dollins is President of North Star Communications Consulting and co-author of the second edition of Engaging Employees Through Strategic Communication.  His career spans from ABC News to leading employee communications at PepsiCo, supporting more than 300,000 employees across 200 countries.  In this conversation, we explore why internal communications deserves a seat at the executive table — not as a support function, but as a strategic partner in culture, performance, and change. Mark shares insights on the art of storytelling, the science of measurement, and how to prove communication’s impact in complex organisations.  We also discuss the growing influence of AI in workplace communications — and why human judgement and credibility still matter most.  Follow Mark:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markddollins/  North Star Communications Consulting:   Learn more: hhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/north-star-communications-consulting  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  7. Jan 27

    Revenue Operations, SaaS, and the rise of a new career | Toby Sharp

    Toby Sharp works in Revenue Operations, a rapidly emerging role within modern SaaS businesses that sits at the intersection of sales, marketing, systems, data, and technology.  Toby shares his pathway into Rev Ops and what drew him to a role that few people encounter through traditional education routes. We explore his early experiences, the influence of curiosity and problem-solving on his career, and how a willingness to learn by doing, opened opportunities inside a fast-growing New Zealand SaaS company.  He unpacks what Revenue Operations actually looks like in practice, how SaaS businesses scale globally, and why roles like Rev Ops are becoming increasingly important as technology and AI reshape the way organisations operate. We also discuss the realities of building a career in a high-growth tech environment, including international exposure through work in Canada and engaging with the North American market.  At its heart, this is a conversation about modern careers, non-traditional pathways, and the value of curiosity, creativity, and hard work in navigating the future of work.  Follow Toby:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-sharp  Comply Pro:   Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/company/comply-pro  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  8. Jan 12

    Leadership, Impact, and the Future of Our Tamariki | Matt Reid

    Matt Reid is the Chief Executive of Barnardos Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest children’s charity, leading more than 700 staff and over 100 home-based educators delivering services across the motu.  In this episode, Matt paints a clear and confronting picture of the state of child wellbeing in Aotearoa. We talk about family violence, poverty, psychological trauma, and the multi-layered challenges facing children and whānau, from short-term crisis to long-term, intergenerational harm.  Matt shares what it’s like leading a large charitable organisation through turbulent social and economic times, the role of measurement and accountability in creating real impact, and how government, corporates, communities, and families can play a part in building a safer, more sustainable future for our tamariki.  At its heart, this is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, resilience, and the power of kotahitanga — unity, togetherness, and collective action — to restore light and opportunity for the next generation.  Follow Matt:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-reid-fca-06420237/  Barnardos Aotearoa:   Learn more: https://barnardos.org.nz/about  Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  9. Jan 7

    Authenticity and the World’s Largest Haka | Emma Henderson

    Emma Henderson shares her journey from a tough start in life to her biggest fear as a mother, not $#*#ing up her kids, through to project managing the world’s largest haka.  She talks about finding authenticity, giving herself permission to cry, navigating marriage with her wife, and leading with heart. From sneakers in the boardroom to meaningful work done her way.  A conversation about courage, love, purpose, and doing cool shit while staying true to yourself.  Follow Emma:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-henderson-58649153/    Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  10. 12/14/2025

    Mindset coach to World Champions | David Niethe

    David “Big Dave” Niethe is a mental performance coach for elite athletes and global entrepreneurs. He’s worked alongside world-class performers including professional golfer Lydia Ko and UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya, supporting focus, clarity, and performance at the highest level.    In this episode, Dave shares practical insights from elite sport and shows how the same mindset tools used by world champions can be applied in everyday life.    Dave is also an elite athlete himself. A New Zealand Strongman competitor, seven-time undefeated New Zealand Push/Pull Powerlifting Champion, and author of The Winning Mindset.    Dave’s book The Winning Mindset.: https://taplink.cc/winningmindset?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio    Follow Big Dave:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-niethe-31041013/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdav02/?hl=en    Podcast sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co     Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative.expression.nz  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creative.expression.nz

  11. 11/26/2025

    This Mindset Shift Will Help You Build Your Dream Life | Paul O’Donohue

    A South Auckland Electrical Apprentice creates a Global Sales Consultancy firm. It started with one word. IMAGINE. The rest was mindset; finding comfort in discomfort. In this Q&A session with Paul O’Donohue I discover what it means to imagine, why purpose is more important than money, and how the right mindset keeps us in check.    For #Entreprenuirs #CEOs, #Sales Professionals and everyone who believes they can but are told they can’t.  Link to complete the Strategic Sales Audit: https://salesstar-enus.scoreapp.com?owner=2059634Follow Paul: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialpaulodonohue/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strategic-sales-partner/ Follow SalesStar: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sales_star_/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@strategic_sales

  12. 11/04/2025

    "Mana", "Tapu", identity, and belonging through "kaupapa" Māori | Clayton Rangitutia 

    Clayton shares his journey in the Māori health sector, leading with "kaupapa" Māori values that drive equitable outcomes for everyone.   Clayton speaks openly about "mana" and "tapu", what it means to be an urban Māori, and how lineage, place, and belonging give purpose to life. He also shares his personal experiences with mental health and how targeted cultural initiatives can uplift communities.  This "kōrero" is about identity, purpose, and the power of culture to heal both people and society.     Follow Clayton:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clayton-rangitutia-08930280/  Sponsor:  ActionHQ - https://www.actionhq.co   Follow Brenden:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenden-rolston-1337053a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendenrolston

    "Mana", "Tapu", identity, and belonging through "kaupapa" Māori | Clayton Rangitutia 
  • 12 Episodes

About

Creative expression and business intelligence enthusiast Brenden Rolston of ActionHQ talks with entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, seekers, and leaders in non-profit organisations; people who are driven by curiosity, creativity, and purpose and who are making a difference in their own way. Brenden’s curiosity runs deep, he believes that creativity dwells inside all of us and arises in any and every profession. Join Brenden as he connects and speaks to people from all walks of life about personal adventures to professional growth… …creativity is the birthplace of all possibility.

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