Growing Kiwis with Claire Williamson

Claire Williamson
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The Growing Kiwis is a podcast for ambitious people who are committed to growth in business, money, health, mindset, and life. The podcast explores what it really looks like to pursue a high-performance life in New Zealand. The wins, the challenges, the lessons, and the consistent actions that compound over time. Growth is the central theme, whether that’s growing businesses, investments, people, community, impact, or ourselves.

  1. 1d ago

    We are not here for long — Jonathan Brown on business exits, grief and living deliberately

    Episode summaryJonathan Brown, known as JB, co-founded BCD Group, a planning and engineering consultancy that grew to 125 staff and five offices across New Zealand before he exited in his late 30s. After a series of profound personal losses, Jonathan retrained as a qualified counsellor and life coach, and now runs Big Picture Coaching and Counselling, working with everyone from kids navigating school pressure to business owners who have hit their wall. He also coaches at St John's College and is developing outdoor experiences in the hills for clients who need space to think. This is a rich, deeply human conversation about deliberateness, freedom, grief, the second mountain, and what it looks like to build something that actually fits who you are. Content noteThis episode includes open and honest conversation about grief, death by suicide and sudden loss. If you are navigating any of these things, you are not alone. You can call or text 1737 at any time, free, to speak with a trained counsellor. In this episodeHow JB went from town planner in London to co-founding BCD Group and what drove that growthWhat made BCD different, youth, energy, promotion on merit and a culture built on purposeThe shareholder agreement lessons he would give any pair of mates starting a businessHis staged exit from BCD and how they future-proofed it from the startThe series of losses that caused him to stop and reassess everythingWhy he retrained as a counsellor and life coach and what he brings to it that a classroom cannot teachWorking with kids, teenagers, and burnt-out business owners, and what they all have in commonHis plan to take clients into the hills for immersive outdoor sessionsHow a rural upbringing, multi-sport and a deep awareness of mortality shape the way he lives nowBeing very selective about the relationships he puts his time and energy intoHis secret sauce: I have just always known we are not here for long ChaptersTimestamps are based on the raw recording, nudge them once the intro is trimmed in the edit. 00:04 Welcome and introduction, WAM and meeting JB00:45 Who is JB today, values, family and the outdoors03:06 What Big Picture Coaching and Counselling actually does05:22 Starting BCD Group with Blair and building something fast09:02 Recruiting young, promoting on merit and growing from the inside13:00 Going into business with mates and why the shareholders agreement is everything18:40 The staged exit and how they had future-proofed shares from the start20:07 Why he decided to pivot, and the losses that came first27:08 Navigating grief, exercise, outdoors and what helped28:21 Practical frameworks for sitting with people who are grieving29:31 Setting up Big Picture, four days a week, Fridays for life31:28 The outdoor immersive sessions he is about to launch32:07 The rural upbringing, freedom and a five-kid sheep and beef farm south of Raglan36:32 Adventure, multi-sport, Coast to Coast and why structure keeps him focused39:17 Quiet confidence and where it came from41:28 Intentional friendships and why less is more43:44 Separation, relationships and being more yourself the second time around47:34 Beliefs about the world, helping people detach from what others think49:27 What values to give kids before they leave home51:37 Secret sauce: we are not here for long53:43 Habits, winning the morning and coaching the kids on Saturdays About JonathanJonathan Brown, known as JB, is the founder of Big Picture Coaching and Counselling in Hamilton, working with kids, teenagers and business owners across counselling, life coaching and leadership support. He co-founded BCD Group, a planning and engineering consultancy that grew to 125 staff and five offices nationally, and exited in his late 30s following a period of profound personal loss. JB retrained as a qualified counsellor and life coach four years ago and works four days a week, spending Fridays with family. He is a multi-sport athlete, a dad to Bella and Johnny, and a partner to Adele. LinksJonathan runs Big Picture Coaching and Counselling.

  2. Jul 8

    From a flat paddock to a thriving community with Brit Stembridge

    Brit Stembridge is the founder of Tomtit Farm, a certified organic market garden and flower farm in Matangi, Waikato. After years in academic research, Brit walked away from a PhD path to start growing food on a flat paddock, building Tomtit Farm into a thriving community supported agriculture business through nothing but seeds, soil and showing up. This episode covers the courage to swap a safe academic career for farming, the COVID surge that proved the business model overnight, and the hard decision to let go of the vegetable boxes that built her identity in order to grow into teaching and community. It is warm, grounded and full of practical wisdom on building a business that fits your actual life. In this episodeWhy Brit walked away from a PhD path to start growing vegetables on a flat paddockHow COVID grew her veggie box subscriptions from eight to eighty almost overnightThe moment pick your own flowers changed how Brit thought about connection to the landWhy she had to let go of the vegetable boxes that built her identity in order to growHow becoming a new mum forced her to rebuild her business around rest, not hustleThe story behind Return to the Mudder, her six month soil health workshop seriesWhy Brit believes community is the antidote to the loneliness of farmingHer honest take on seasonality, local food systems, and why organic does not have to mean expensive ChaptersTimestamps are based on the raw recording, nudge them once the intro is trimmed in the edit. 00:51 Welcome and introduction01:55 Growing up on a generational family farm in the Wairarapa07:28 Studying nutrition at Otago and falling into academic research08:33 The crossroads between a PhD and a different path09:21 The radio story that planted the seed for Tomtit Farm10:45 Approaching her family and diving into growing food13:09 Where the Tomtit Farm name came from15:21 Starting small with a farm gate and veggie box model16:04 COVID and the overnight growth from eight to eighty boxes18:23 Bringing pick your own flowers to the farm21:57 Becoming a new mum while running a full CSA24:25 Giving herself a winter rest season and what it unlocked26:08 Building Return to the Mudder, a six month workshop series29:44 The hard decision to let go of the vegetable boxes39:49 Why time outdoors is non negotiable for her mental health39:58 New Zealand's local food systems and what we are getting right52:04 Secret sauce, being a natural connector55:11 Two simple actions to get closer to your food and community59:06 Final reflections on vulnerability and sharing the journey About BritBrit Stembridge is the founder of Tomtit Farm, a certified organic market garden and flower farm in Matangi, on the outskirts of Hamilton. Brit grew up on a generational sheep, beef and venison farm in the Wairarapa and later the Waikato, before studying nutrition and science at Otago University and working in maternal and infant health research. She founded Tomtit Farm in 2019, growing it from a small farm gate operation into a thriving community supported agriculture business spanning vegetables, pick your own flowers, seedlings and a six month soil health workshop series. Brit runs the farm alongside her husband James and her parents, and is mum to a young son, Kia. LinksTomtit Farm website Tomtit Farm on Instagram

  3. Jul 1

    From fast horses to fashion labels - Annmarie Hughes on building two businesses in one world

    Annmarie Hughes is an equine dentist and the founder of Aspin and Co, a New Zealand owned luxury equestrian apparel brand she launched while on maternity leave. Originally from North Wales, Annmarie built a career in equine dentistry in the Waikato before spotting a gap in the market between cheap throwaway riding gear and expensive European imports. This episode covers the courage to launch a business with a newborn on your hip, why getting comfortable being uncomfortable is the entrepreneur's real superpower, and the surprisingly simple secret to building a loyal community around a niche brand. It is fast, funny, full of side quests, and genuinely useful for anyone juggling more than one identity at once. In this episodeWhy Annmarie launched a new business on maternity leave instead of restingHow she spotted a gap in the equestrian apparel market that nobody else had filledThe best advice she ever received about failing fast and not taking it personallyWhy a batch of glittery brown jodhpurs taught her to trust her customers over her own tasteHow sponsoring riders built an entire community around the Aspin and Co brandThe juggle of running two businesses, equine dentistry and a fashion label, alongside being a mumWhy she believes self awareness is the single biggest predictor of entrepreneurial successWhere AI fits into her business, and the one place she will never let it take over ChaptersTimestamps are based on the raw recording, nudge them once the intro is trimmed in the edit. 01:03 Welcome and introduction02:11 From North Wales to equine dentistry in the Waikato04:46 Launching Aspin and Co on maternity leave05:47 Spotting the gap in the equestrian apparel market07:03 Growing the range from jodhpurs to head to toe apparel08:35 Building an online community during COVID10:51 The best advice on getting comfortable being uncomfortable12:01 The glittery jodhpur disaster that became a bestseller13:43 From hand drawings to CAD to manufacturing18:08 Sponsoring riders and building brand identity through values21:15 Late nights, newborns and the reality of building a business23:13 What makes a good entrepreneur, self awareness and failing well29:05 The man in the arena, celebrating failure as growth32:19 Manifestation, hard work and believing in what you are building34:21 Secret sauce, taking action fast and trusting yourself43:38 Using AI for customer service while protecting the brand's human side46:53 The customer who was too intimidated to walk into the stand52:09 Final reflections on redefining success About AnnmarieAnnmarie Hughes is an equine dentist and the founder of Aspin and Co, a New Zealand owned and operated luxury equestrian apparel brand. Originally from North Wales, she trained in equine dentistry in the UK before moving to New Zealand, eventually settling in the Waikato. She launched Aspin and Co while on maternity leave with her daughter Nina, growing the brand from a single style of jodhpurs into a full range spanning clothing, footwear and even veterinary hoof care products. Annmarie balances running two businesses with raising Nina alongside her husband. LinksAspin and Co website Aspin and Co on Instagram Enjoyed this episodeIf this one resonated, follow Growing Kiwis wherever you listen, and share it with someone who is building something of their own. We would love to hear your biggest takeaway, so come and say hi over on Instagram.

  4. Jun 24

    A journey through authenticity with Rose Kennedy

    In this episode of the Growing Kiwis Podcast, we sit down with Rose Kennedy, founder of Rose's Dining Table, to talk about creativity, authenticity, motherhood, and building a business that reflects your values. Rose shares the journey behind creating a brand that has become known for bringing people together around the table, creating meaningful experiences, and celebrating genuine connection. We dive into the courage it takes to do things differently, the importance of staying aligned with your values, and how motherhood has influenced both her personal growth and business journey. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that success doesn't have to fit a traditional mould. By embracing who you are, leaning into your creativity, and staying true to what matters most, you can build a life and business that feels deeply fulfilling. In This Episode:The story behind Rose's Dining Table and how it all began Why authenticity has been a driving force in Rose's journey The role creativity plays in business and everyday life Building a brand and community with purpose The realities of entrepreneurship behind the scenes Lessons motherhood has taught her about balance and growth Staying connected to your values through different seasons of life Redefining what success looks like Connect with Rose:Follow Rose's journey and learn more about her incredible work through Rose's Dining Table.

  5. Jun 17

    From the workroom to the numbers with Abby Van Schreven

    Content Warning: In this episode, Abby shares a deeply personal experience involving her fathers suicide and loss. The conversation is approached with sensitivity and compassion, but we wanted to make listeners aware in case this topic feels difficult or triggering. EPISODE SUMMARY Abby Van Schreven spent 14 years building the fashion label Maaike before closing it and starting again, this time helping other creative business owners get to grips with the numbers and the business side so they can build something sustainable. Her new venture, Waffle Advisory, comes from everything she learned the hard way. This is a rich, honest conversation about getting clear on why you are really in business, learning that everything is learnable, and building a life and a business that are genuinely yours. Abby also shares a profound personal loss and how it shaped the way she lives now, with warmth, perspective and a lot of heart. IN THIS EPISODE - Getting to the core of why you are really in business - From a fashion label to advising creative founders - An early life in hospitality, and the lessons that stuck - Building Maaike, going global, and learning on the fly - Becoming a mum, identity, and the myth of having it all - Money stories, and unlearning what holds you back - Perspective, loss, and what really matters - Surrounding yourself with people who get it WHAT WE COVER Timestamps are not in the raw transcript, so slot these in from the final edit. - Who Abby is: creative, foodie, grower, and someone who craves deep connection - Helping founders align what they are building with what they actually want - Why she started Waffle Advisory after years in fashion - A teenage start in hospitality, and learning above the line and below the line - Growing up in Waimate, independence, and pushing back on being told what to do - The MICA story: Fashion Week, retail, export and early Shopify - Becoming a mum, survival mode, and rethinking identity - Money stories, perfectionism, and what she has unlearned - A turning point and a profound loss, handled with care - What gives her meaning, and keeping joy in the everyday - Finding her people in the Waikato, and being honest about the hard parts - Her unreasonable advantage: she can talk to anyone, about anything ABOUT ABBY Abby Van Schreven is the founder of Waffle Advisory, where she helps creative business owners understand the finance and business side so they can grow something sustainable. She co-founded and ran the fashion label Maaike for 14 years, navigating retail, e-commerce, export and manufacturing, and now brings those hard-won lessons to other founders. A creative, a foodie and a grower who loves the ocean and nature, she lives in Cambridge with her partner James and their son Mateo. LINKS Waffle Advisory

  6. Jun 10

    Grit and numbers: building a life, not just a business with Duncan Leask

    Episode summaryDuncan Leask is one of those people who just got stuck in and built something brilliant. In a little over five years he has grown Optiplumb into one of the Waikato's standout trades businesses, and in this episode he shares exactly how, and why none of it means much without the life around it. We talk about the obsession with numbers that underpins everything he does, the grit that goes back to a hospital bed at 18, why he hires the person and not the CV, and how he protects time for his wife and three kids without apology. It is an honest, warm conversation about building a business on your own terms, and a few unpopular opinions along the way. In this episodeWhy Duncan is a dad first and a business owner secondThe single most important thing he believes every business owner must understandHiring the best person before you even have the work, and why the person beats the role every timeThe accident at 18 that shaped his grit, and the word he refused to accept from his doctorThe 1 percent that separates good from greatSaying no to protect your energy, and the non-negotiables that keep him groundedWhy chasing perfect holds people backHis honest take on university, the trades, and the future of work in the age of AI ChaptersTimestamps are based on the raw recording, so nudge them once the intro is trimmed in the edit. 02:00 Who is Duncan the human: values, family, and grit03:30 The career journey, 20 years in the trade, and the mind-blowing moment in Perth05:00 Growing fast, hiring before the work, and flying by the seat of your pants07:00 Know your numbers: the foundation of everything08:00 How Duncan hires, and why attitude beats everything09:45 The trades are customer service: how people feel matters11:00 Building and protecting a culture, and winning through winter14:30 Leadership, trust, and doing what you say you will do16:45 Little Duncan: rural roots, independence, and being the first in business20:00 The accident, the hospital bed, and refusing to be just a number24:30 The power of the 1 percenters25:00 Consistency, mindset, and seeing it from the other person's side27:50 Saying no, protecting your energy, and managing your time30:30 Family non-negotiables and switching off34:30 Parenting, values, and the legacy he is building36:30 Energy, connection, and what AI can never replace40:30 His secret sauce: relating to anyone42:00 Constructive, not conflict, and why everyone just wants to be heard44:00 Fundamental beliefs: openness, perfectionism, and living life on your terms49:00 An honest take on university, the trades, and the ambitious middle51:00 The future: embrace the tech, but stay human About DuncanDuncan Leask is the founder and managing director of Optiplumb, a family-owned plumbing, gasfitting, drainlaying and backflow prevention company based in Hamilton and serving the wider Waikato. With more than 20 years in the trade across New Zealand and overseas, Duncan started Optiplumb just over five years ago and has grown it quickly on the back of strong values, sharp systems and a genuine love of people. He is a proud dad of three, a member of WAM, and living proof that you can build a serious business and a full life at the same time. LinksOptiplumb: https://www.optiplumb.co.nzDuncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncan-leask-75013b14bOptiplumb on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optiplumb Enjoyed this episodeIf this one resonated, follow Growing Kiwis wherever you listen, and share it with someone who is building something of their own. We would love to hear your biggest takeaway, so come and say hi over on Instagram.

  7. Jun 3

    Building trust through connection with Angela March

    In this episode of Growing Kiwis, we sit down with Angela March, founder of Brainchild, an award-winning PR and reputation agency helping businesses across New Zealand build trust, tell meaningful stories, and connect with the audiences that matter most. Angela shares her journey from a gap year in the UK to building a successful business in the Waikato, while balancing motherhood, leadership, and the challenges of growing both a family and a company. Together, we explore the power of reputation, the role of trust in business, and why authentic human connection remains at the heart of great communication. Angela also reflects on resilience, backing yourself, adapting to change, and how storytelling continues to shape the way brands build credibility and lasting relationships. "Great communication is about building trust, telling good stories, and connecting with people." - Angela March

  8. May 27

    Building community and connection with Ben Woodgates

    In this episode of the Growing Kiwis, Claire chats with Ben Woodgates, communications professional, community builder, and founder of Hello Hamilton. Ben shares his journey from growing up in Northland to building one of Hamilton’s most positive local communities, along with the experiences that shaped his passion for communication, connection and creating impact. Together, they explore community, courage, resilience, the future of media, and why saying yes to opportunities can completely change the direction of your life. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about growth, people, purpose and building a life that feels meaningful and fun along the way. Hello Hamilton

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The Growing Kiwis is a podcast for ambitious people who are committed to growth in business, money, health, mindset, and life. The podcast explores what it really looks like to pursue a high-performance life in New Zealand. The wins, the challenges, the lessons, and the consistent actions that compound over time. Growth is the central theme, whether that’s growing businesses, investments, people, community, impact, or ourselves.

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