What if your next music festival experience could transport you through stunning landscapes while immersing you in the sounds of nature? Join us for a captivating conversation with Justine Cormack, the director of the At World's Edge Music Festival, as she shares the magic behind integrating musical performances with the breathtaking beauty of Quee…

What happens when rapid growth outpaces infrastructure in one of New Zealand's most vibrant districts? Join us for an eye-opening discussion with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewis, who brings his insights on the nine fast track applications for Queenstown Lakes and their potential impacts on local development. As we navigate the complexities of aligning these …

Send us a text In this episode, I spoke with Julia Zhou, co-founder of Tidal Impact, and President of the Sigma Squared Society. Julia shared her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to co-founding Tidal Impact with a focus on shifting businesses from merely reducing harm to creating a meaningful impact. We explored how startups can…

Send us a text Ever feel like your team has the potential to be great, but you’re stuck in slow motion? I’ve been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my story of leading a tech company that was bursting with talent but got bogged down by endless discussions, bureaucratic red tape, and a mountain of old tech debt. It was frustrating to watch our …

Ever wonder how Queenstown is preparing for a sustainable tourism future post-COVID? Join us as we sit down with Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, to uncover the meticulous creation of a destination management plan aimed at balancing growth with sustainability. Gain valuable insights into how the community's extensive input over…

Send us a text I sat down with Christian Chegne and Avery Schwartz, co-founders of Coral Tribe NFT and ReFi Hub. They are using blockchain to push forward regenerative finance and make a big impact on sustainability. They shared how they raised $1 million from their Coral Tribe NFT and used part of the proceeds to fund five major impact environment…

Ever wondered what it takes to transform a modest, volunteer-driven sports program into a powerhouse of high-performance excellence? Join us as we unravel the remarkable journey of New Zealand's adaptive snow sports program with insights from adaptive snow sports expert Jane Stevens and Paralympic skiing champion Adam Hall. Adam sheds light on how …

Have you ever wondered what happens if you die without a will? Discover the crucial importance of having a will, regardless of your age or financial status, in our insightful conversation with Steve Brent from RVG Law in Queenstown. Steve explains the legal challenges and financial burdens that can arise when someone passes away intestate, and prov…

How did Roost evolve from a humble garage startup to a multi-award-winning mortgage brokerage? Join us as Mark Pullar and Toby Stanley reveal the inspiring journey behind Roost's success. Hear Mark recount the early days of launching the business in 2017 fueled by his passion for property and wealth creation, leading to an impressive expansion to a…

Curious about how one event can inject millions into a local economy? Our latest episode of The Outlet promises to deliver insights as we chat with Quentin Nolan about the phenomenal economic impact of the Snow Machine festival on Queenstown. Attracting around seven and a half thousand attendees, mainly from Australia, Snow Machine is not just a ce…

Send us a text In the latest episode of the Growth Leap Podcast, I had a great chat with Sharath Kuruganty. Sharath’s a serial maker, a successful SaaS founder, and a key player in various online communities. He’s the brain behind projects like Guest Lab, an AI research assistant that helps podcast hosts streamline guest research. You’ve probably s…

Can structural changes at the governmental and business levels truly drive decarbonization and promote sustainable behaviors? Join us as we tackle these questions with Monique Kelly, who provides an exclusive inside look at the upcoming WAO Summit from October 29th to November 2nd. Discover the streamlined five-day program that focuses on food and …

Send us a text Most OKR frameworks focus on what you want to accomplish, but not how. They’re great for setting strategy and direction, but they don’t help you identify the tactical tasks that will get those things done. The real stumbling block ain’t the strategies or the OKRs, it’s how they align with daily tasks. That’s where most OKR frameworks…

What if you could turn your biggest challenges into your greatest strengths? Join us on the Outlet podcast as we sit down with Dominic Hoey, a remarkable author and poet who defied the odds to craft a successful writing career. Dominic's story is one of perseverance and creativity, transforming his early struggles with reading and special education…

Can personal tragedy be transformed into compelling comedy? Join us as for our chat with with comedian Ed Byrne, who masterfully turns heartbreak into humor. Ed shares his evolution from university days of hosting karaoke and pub quizzes to becoming a professional comedian. He opens up about how his stint in student politics unexpectedly influenced…

What challenges does one face when shattering gender barriers in sports officiating? Join us for our conversation with Amy Eason, the pioneering referee who made headlines as the first woman to officiate a Central Otago Premier Men's Rugby Game. Amy shares her journey from her earliest memories of rugby to transitioning from a player to a referee a…

Ever wondered how the tourism sector is bouncing back post-COVID? Join us for a compelling conversation with David Beeche, CEO of RealNZ, as he shares his unique journey from major events to leading RealNZ with a background in law, accounting, and marketing. You'll learn about the sector's ongoing challenges, like labor shortages and housing issues…

What makes Alice Robinson so fast on the slopes? Tune in as we unlock the secrets behind her phenomenal skiing season. Alice shares valuable insights into her return to top form and the pivotal roles played by her team and supportive crew. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the technical nuances that contribute to her speed, including how she ha…

Curious about the future of Queenstown and how local policies might shape it? Join Brent Harbour, on The Outlet as he sits down with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers to uncover the key issues affecting our community. Mayor Lewers opens up about the challenges of advocating for a local visitor levy, the complexities of local government funding, and how these …

Send us a text On this episode of the Growth Leap Podcast, I chat with Christian Hoppe, co-founder of Forwrd Agency. This digital marketing agency has cracked the code for driving revenue for sustainable e-commerce brands with YouTube ads. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and advertising, Christian shares how he discovered the …

Want to explore 150 hectares of playful, wide-open terrain at Soho Basin? Join us as Laura Hedley, General Manager of Cardrona and Treble Cone Experiences, gives us an exclusive sneak peek into the newest skiing hotspot set to open next year. Laura also walks us through the extensive work being done at Cardrona and Treble Cone to ensure a seamless …

What would you do if you were suddenly engulfed by a wall of snow? Ken Wylie recounts the fateful day he faced this terrifying scenario, surviving an avalanche that struck 20 years ago. Listen as Ken takes us through a series of critical oversights including a missed morning meeting and volatile snowpack conditions that culminated in disaster. His …

How did a young girl from Invercargill become a legendary figure in Queenstown's tourism industry? Meet Fae Robertson, whose 65-year-long career began with an audacious move to Queenstown in 1957. Fae shares her journey from a convent school to a rougher local one and reveals how a travel apprenticeship ignited her lifelong passion for tourism. Des…

Send us a text In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Kwan, co-founder and CEO of eWebinar. eWebinar is a platform that automates webinars using prerecorded videos. Melissa is a three-time bootstrap founder, digital nomad, and host of the Profit Led Podcast. As an entrepreneur, she's driven by her desire to create a business t…

Embark on a journey to the heart of Queenstown's majestic landscapes with Mark Williams of the Queenstown Trails Trust. Mark unveils the Trust's endeavors to weave an intricate tapestry of trails that promise to elevate your outdoor adventures while nurturing the environment and fostering community spirit. Discover the transformative power of conne…

Send us a text David Pereira is CEO of Omoco and a seasoned product leader with 15 years of experience, primarily in the digital product development sphere. David shares his journey from a software engineer to a leading role in product management, and now as the CEO and CPO of Omoco, a company innovating in the maritime industry with a user-friendl…

Embark on a journey to the heart of outdoor storytelling as we chat with Mark Sedon, the visionary behind the New Zealand Mountain Film and Book Festival. From its modest inception in 2002 to its present-day status as a must-attend event for adventure aficionados, Mark recounts the festival's climb to success. It's a tale of passion transforming in…

Feel the chill in the air and the thrill of victory with the regions very own freestyle skiing and snowboarding twins, Cam and Fin, as they recount the adrenaline-pumping moments from the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Korea. These medal-winning siblings bring the spirit of competition and sheer love for their sports to life, sharing not just the co…

Discover the intricate dance of the New Zealand property market as Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, guides us through the twists and turns of Central Otago, the Lakes District, and the West Coast regions. With her expert insight, we're peeling back the layers on why Queenstown real estate is an outlier in buoyancy, even as we grapple with high …

Unlock the future of Queenstown with a front-row seat to our conversation with QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers. In a landscape where the visitor levy debate rages on and the innovative GST sharing scheme promises a financial revamp, we dissect the policies poised to redefine the region. Amidst the anticipation, skepticism lingers—will the practical executio…

Send us a text I had the pleasure of speaking with Kjael Skaalerud, seasoned sales executive, investor, and President of Skaling Ventures. He has found success in acquiring and growing micro SaaS companies. Kjael's contrarian approach focuses on small, profitable, and enduring businesses rather than chasing larger, venture-backed companies that oft…

When the lights dim and the projector whirs to life, there's an indescribable magic that envelops you—it's a feeling Calum MacLeod knows all too well. Our latest episode takes you on a whimsical ride through Wanaka's Cinema Paradiso, a place where community and film intertwine to create something truly extraordinary. As Calum recounts his voyage fr…

Otago Regional Councillor Alexa Forbes steers us through the complexities of land transport policies and their climatic crossroads. Our latest conversation unpacks the draft government policy statement's inclination towards road building and its ramifications on sustainable transport and local economies. Alexa, with a keen eye on the future, lays o…

Send us a text In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Brandi Susewitz, the founder and CEO of Reseat, a groundbreaking marketplace that aims to solve the pressing issue of office furniture waste. Brandi's journey from industry expert to tech entrepreneur is a testament to her passion for sustainability and her commitment to driving p…

In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour speaks with Benje Patterson, New Zealand's leading Regional economist, and Sharon Fifield, Chief Executive of the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce. They share insights on the sustainability of Queenstown Lakes rapid growth and its impact on businesses, on the back of a business confidence survey. They delv…

Send us a text In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Matt Wolach, a seasoned SaaS sales coachand entrepreneur. With roles as CEO of ToroWave and Chief Revenue Officer at RingBot, alongside his B2B sales coaching at Xsellus, Matt brings a wealth of experience in dramatically scaling SaaS businesses. His insights into shortening sales …

In this Podcast, Brent Harbour speaks with Guyon Espiner, the seasoned RNZ presenter and journalist, as he shares his insights from the 'Breakfast with Papers' panel at Aspiring Conversations. They tackle the concerning trends of news outlets like Newshub facing closure, the troubling rhetoric of 'fake news,' and the unnerving rise of AI and deepfa…

Have you ever pondered the moment when humanity must truly confront the impact of climate change? James Shaw, the seasoned voice on environmental action and former Climate Change Minister, joins Brent Harbour, on The Outlet for an eye-opening discussion that transcends the basic environmental conversation. They delve into the collaborative dance be…

Grappling with the complexities of financial management in local government, QLDC Mayor Glyn Lewers joins Brent Harbour for a discussion about the fiscal hurdles and strategies in play within the Council. As ratepayers' concerns weigh heavy on his mind, Glyn talks about the Council's approach to balancing the budget amid Three Waters reforms and in…

Michael Glading is the Tournament Director of the New Zealand Open. We talk about his remarkable journey from caddying for Bob Charles to steering one of golf's most storied events. We explore the secrets behind the tournament's resilience, particularly during the recent pandemic, and Millbrook Resort's pivotal role in this enduring success. https:…

Send us a text I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Luis Valente, the CEO and co-founder of iLoF, for an enlightening conversation about his journey in the deep tech world and the pioneering work iLoF is doing in personalized medicine. Luis, who has been honored in the Forbes 30 under 30 list, shared the story behind iLoF, a company at…

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown. Clare Irons, chairperson of Impact 100 Wakatipu, joins Brent Harbour to unveil the influence of unified charitable giving. With a tally of $698,500 granted to local causes since 2020, Claire's conversation is a testament that when women come together, their financial contributions become a powerhouse o…

The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this podcast Amanda Robinson, co-founder of the Lightfoot Initiative, takes us on a tour of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge. As someone who's traded the automotive thrills of a 'bogan', for the cycling buzz of London's streets and Queenstown's scenic routes, Amanda imparts a wealth of knowledge on the joys and envi…

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, we discover two great events for Queenstown. First Brent catches up with Anna and Jo, to talk about the Chinese New Year Festivities at Ayrburn Precinct, including the Ayrburn Noodle Markets Feb 10th and 24th, and 15 days of celebration. Plus they discuss the rich traditions of Chinese …

Send us a text Double Your Revenue in 90 Days with Strategy Sprints CEO, Simon Severino Imagine doubling your revenue in just 90 days—sounds too good to be true? Our guess doesn't believe so. In fact, he has done that repeatedly with his clients. Simon Severino is CEO of Strategy Sprints, a seasoned B2B advisor who developed a simple approach to gr…

Welcome to The Outlet Podcast: The Talk of Queenstown Brent Harbour chats with Queenstown's Mayor Glyn Lewers. With a year and a half at the helm, Glyn has led Queenstown through a few challenges at the end of last year. We find out about concerns from residents and council members, what to expect from the new government and the complexities of Pro…

Send us a text Would you turn down a great Sales Executive job to start your own startup? That’s exactly what our guest did. We're launching our new podcast season with the driven and generous Frank Sondors, co-founder and CEO of Salesforge, an AI-powered app that enables salespeople send personalized cold emails at scale. Frank believes sales tech…

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour, talks to Suzanne Prentice, the Southland based Trustee of the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter Trust, and, Graeme Gale, Managing Director of Helicopters Otago Ltd, that delivers the Otago Southland Rescue Helicopter service. We chat about the rescue helicopters oper…

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this episode, host Brent Harbour talks to mountaineer Lydia Bradey, who in 1988 became the first woman in the world to climb Mt Everest without supplementary oxygen. She is a passionate mountaineer, an international mountain and ski guide, and a professional inspirational speaker. They talk about her…

Welcome to The Outlet, The Talk of Queenstown In this Podcast, host Brent Harbour talks to Benje Patterson, who's released his labour market report for Queenstown Lakes District. They talk about the implications of some of the reports findings, commuting trends between Central Otago and Queenstown-Lakes District, and what the next steps are. https:…