Episodes
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In our last Baskets of Knowledge episode for 2024, we sat down with the incredible Sam Landers, a young man from rural Taranaki, who’s rewriting the rulebook on what’s possible.
From missing out on medical school the first time around to running 200km for charity, refereeing rugby finals, and embracing imposter syndrome, Sam’s story is one of grit, growth, and purpose.
Sam’s achievements aren’t just about personal wins, they’re about lifting others along the way. Whether it’s raising funds for the Cancer Society or inspiring others to believe, “If you put your mind to it, you can do it,” Sam embodies the spirit of paying it forward.
What to expect in the episode:
How setbacks became stepping stones toward his dreams. The wild stories behind his physical feats, like running 67km in one night. How he handles the pressure of studying medicine while chasing big goals. His unique mantra: “Don’t strive to make your presence known; but instead your absence felt"Trust us you don’t want to miss this one. Sam’s humility, drive, and authenticity will leave you inspired to tackle your own challenges head-on.
Ready to add something amazing to your basket of knowledge?
Tag anyone who needs this dose of inspiration!
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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In the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we had the privilege of speaking with Nimeesha Odedra. Her story takes us from the challenges of migration to the triumph of building a business with her mother, showing us what’s possible when we refuse to give up.
Key takeaways this week:
The Migrant Experience: As a migrant woman in New Zealand, Nimeesha faced the double burden of systemic biases against her gender and her cultural background. Despite being highly qualified, she was constantly overlooked for promotions. Her story sheds light on the silent battles many face in workplaces where unconscious biases linger. Yet, instead of giving in, she turned her frustration into purpose by pursuing a PhD to explore these inequities and amplify the voices of other migrant women.
The Power of Sharing Stories: One of Nimeesha’s key findings during her PhD research was the transformative power of storytelling. She discovered that when women shared their struggles and triumphs, it not only validated their experiences but also sparked their healing and renewed their confidence. Sharing your story isn’t just about being heard; it’s about reclaiming your strength and inspiring others to do the same.
Building a Legacy with Sobhna's: What began as her mother’s hobby, making curry paste for farmers’ markets, has grown into a thriving business. With Nimeesha’s determination and her mom’s passion, Sobhna's is now sold in over 100 Woolworths stores across New Zealand.
You Are Not Alone: Perhaps the most empowering lesson from Nimeesha’s journey is this: you’re never alone in your struggles. Whether it’s in business, personal growth, or life’s challenges, there’s always someone who understands. But finding that connection requires taking the brave step of putting yourself out there. Vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s the bridge to growth and belonging.
After you listen, reflect on this: What’s one challenge you’ve turned into an opportunity?
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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Missing episodes?
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What drives someone to create meaningful change from the age of 5? Meet Tara Shepherd—a trailblazer, advocate, and environmental leader whose journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Tara’s story begins with her experiences at Ronald McDonald House, where she saw firsthand the importance of community and compassion. At just five years old, she began advocating for others, and that passion has only grown over the years. From standing up for student accessibility to tackling major environmental challenges, Tara has dedicated her life to making a difference.
Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:
Advocacy Starts Early: Tara’s first steps into activism involved raising awareness for Ronald McDonald House. Today, she’s a champion for students with disabilities, pushing for real change in education systems.
Action in the Face of Adversity: When she was 19, Tara was pivotal during a Westport flood crisis, leading waste management efforts that cleared 1,000+ tons of debris in six days. Her leadership earned respect, regardless of age. -
In this week’s episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we’re thrilled to feature Priya, a person that continues to blow our mind through her simple yet empowering content. Priya transformed her life by stepping away from the traditional “success checklist” to define purpose on her own terms. Raised with conservative expectations, Priya followed the typical path of education, career, and family but found herself asking, “Is this it?” Her story is a testament to the power of redefining success from within.
In this episode, we dive deep into:
Perspective as Power
Priya shows us how a shift in perspective, seeing life from new angles, can open up possibilities and unlock our potential. Her journey of questioning assumptions is a blueprint for anyone feeling stuck.Redefining Success
Freeing herself from external expectations, Priya stopped living for others and began to pursue her passions. This step toward authenticity gave her the freedom to find genuine happiness and purpose.Small Habits, Big Transformation
Through daily journaling, movement, and consistent small actions, Priya reconnected with herself, showing us that transformation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, meaningful habits are key to lasting change. We also speak about her motivation to share this with the world.Listen now to hear Priya’s inspiring journey and discover actionable insights to help you unlock your own potential and live with intention.
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In our latest episode, we chat with Ryan Williams, an inspiring young leader from rural New Zealand who’s now thriving at Dartmouth College with the support of Crimson Education. From a small town to the Ivy League, Ryan’s story is packed with insights on authenticity, perseverance, and the power of community.
Key Takeaways:
Stay True to Your Roots: Growing up on a farm, Ryan’s connection to the land and his small-town values continue to guide him. He emphasises the importance of knowing your core values, especially when navigating new worlds.
Passion + Perseverance = Impact: What started as a simple science project on water quality led Ryan to international research forums and impactful sustainability work. His story reminds us that every big journey begins with a small step!
Embrace New Opportunities with Boldness: Inspired by a chance conversation, Ryan took the leap to apply to U.S. universities with Crimson Education’s help. Now at Dartmouth on a scholarship, he’s showing other Kiwi students that bold decisions can open doors.
Community and Collaboration: From youth councils in New Zealand to connecting with peers around the world, Ryan values community. His advice? Surround yourself with people who challenge you and expand your horizons.
Whether you're from a small town or a bustling city, his story is proof that your dreams are within reach.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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In our latest Baskets of Knowledge episode, we dive into an inspiring kōrero with Jai, a multi-talented artist navigating the worlds of music, mixed heritage, and personal growth. Jai shared his creative journey, from the initial struggle between choosing a "safe" career path in architecture to pursuing his true passion in music and art. Here’s what we learned:
Embrace Your Unique Path – Jai opened up about breaking out of conventional paths, pushing past societal expectations, and finding joy in his mahi.
Community Redefined – Sometimes, we think community means a big network. Jai redefines it as meaningful connections with even one or two people who truly support us.
Overcoming the Comparison Trap – Jai shared how releasing music helped him overcome perfectionism and stop comparing himself to others.
The Role of Faith & Reflection – His journey emphasises the importance of spirituality and self-reflection, especially in creative processes.
For an insightful and thought-provoking chat, check out this episode!
Check out Jai's music on any music platform
https://open.spotify.com/artist/438HzgI0bWoNoGWgavban3?si=nKgPTKZRRYCa7z62cxIUIQ
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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In our recent podcast episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Avin, a remarkable young leader whose journey from Iran to New Zealand highlights the importance of empathy, identity, and community-centered support. Here are some powerful insights she shared:
Migration and Identity: Moving countries isn't just physical; it's about rebuilding identity. Avin's family left Iran, bringing two young children to a completely new culture. For her, blending Iranian roots with Kiwi culture was a journey of adaptation, pride, and sometimes, challenges.
Listening to Community Needs: Through her work with refugee communities, Avin realised how crucial it is to create initiatives led by the voices of those we’re aiming to serve. She went from crafting her own ideas to building yoga sessions specifically requested by the community, a lesson in the value of active listening over assumption.
Breaking Down Language Barriers: Avin's story emphasizes that language shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity. Many migrants and refugees face systemic obstacles simply due to language, regardless of their skills.
Celebrating Wins & Inspiring Young Women: Avin’s recognition by GirlBoss NZ and her work in STEM serves as a testament to her commitment to empowering young women and making health resources accessible to diverse communities.
Avin’s story reminds us that real change comes from centering the voices of those we aim to help, embracing diverse perspectives, and being open to listen and adapt.
Tune in to the podcast to hear Avin’s full story, and don’t forget to share it with others who may find her journey inspiring!
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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Change is inevitable, but how we embrace it makes all the difference. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Adam McConnochie, co-founder of sustainable toothpaste company, Solid, on our podcast, Baskets of Knowledge. His journey is a testament to the power of transformation, both personally and professionally.
One pivotal moment in Adam’s life was a trip to India during his final year of high school. What started as a family vacation turned into a life-altering experience. This experience opened his eyes to the vastness of the world and sparked a curiosity to learn more about different cultures, global challenges, and what lies beyond our comfort zones.
In addition to his entrepreneurial journey, Adam has made significant contributions through his work with the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono. There, he focused on building connections between entrepreneurs in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, facilitating exchanges that allowed them to learn from one another. Adam’s role also involved creating leadership networks and fostering understanding between diverse cultures, which further fueled his passion for global collaboration. This interest also led to him being selected as an Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific leader.
Highlights from our conversation revealed Adam’s deep commitment to sustainability and how he and his wife, Laura, built Solid, (@solidoralcare) their innovative toothpaste company. Adam shared the exciting milestone of launching the world’s first in-store toothpaste dispenser, offering a zero-waste solution to reduce the 16 million toothpaste tubes that go to landfill each year in New Zealand.
He emphasised that small, manageable changes can create a significant positive impact on the environment. One inspiring example was how they reuse glass jars, creating a sustainable loop that makes customers realise that they are part of the solution, not the problem.
Adam also spoke about the importance of finding joy in the sustainability journey, whether it’s through small habits like cutting down on waste, choosing products that reflect your values, or simply being more conscious of our daily choices.
He reminded us that personal growth often comes from unexpected places, like his trip to India, and how curiosity and openness can lead to greater understanding and impact.
Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that change, though often challenging, can lead to new opportunities, personal growth, and a positive impact on the world around us.
Get your fix of Solid here: https://solidoralcare.co.nz/
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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In the latest episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lewis Wall, founder of The Student Hand, an early careers recruitment platform helping students in New Zealand connect with businesses for internships and graduate opportunities. Lewis, a recent graduate from the University of Otago, shared his journey from creating a labour hire service to pivoting into recruitment, driven by a passion to help students overcome the challenges of finding their first career break.
What struck us most was his perspective on taking bold steps. From his first business idea to facing 33 iterations of The Student Hand, Lewis has embodied the concept of "easy to do, easy not to do." It’s easy to quit when the path gets tough, but the real growth comes from sticking to it, learning from failures, and building connections.
He also highlighted how growing up in a family where entrepreneurship was present helped shape his mindset. Traveling from a young age gave him a global perspective that continues to influence his approach to life and business.
For students, his advice is simple: don’t be afraid to reach out and seize opportunities. Every connection can open new doors, and no question is too small to ask.
If you're a student seeking internships or a business looking for talent, The Student Hand might just be the platform that connects you with your next opportunity. You can check out more at The Student Hand or connect with Lewis directly on LinkedIn.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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In our latest podcast episode, we had an incredible conversation with Crissy Sanders, a 21-year-old public health graduate who has experienced more in the last few years than most do in a lifetime.
Crissy shared her adventures working in Kiribati, a remote Pacific Island, and traveling solo through East Africa. She opened up about her philosophy of life—“Jump, don’t step”—embracing opportunities and pushing boundaries beyond comfort zones. Whether it was booking a last-minute trip to Africa or working with a women's refuge, Crissy emphasised that the biggest growth comes when you leap into the unknown.
Her passion for public health shined through in her work on infant nutrition in Kiribati. Crissy and her team’s efforts in educating mothers on nutrition and hygiene were a testament to the power of small, community-focused actions that create long-lasting impact.
What we loved most about our chat was Crissy’s genuine openness. From dealing with stray dogs during her morning runs to navigating scholarship rejections, her determination and resilience left a mark.
Her advice? Take the jump. Trust yourself to figure things out as you go, because the rewards often lie beyond the fear.
Curious to hear more? Tune in to the full episode on Baskets of Knowledge podcast.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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This week we are really privileged to have Lori Thomson, a nursing student, who shares their candid and inspiring journey through personal challenges and academic pursuits. From battling eating disorders and societal expectations to excelling in clinical placements, this story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of human connection.
Lori candidly discusses experiences with anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Lori shares how these challenges have impacted their life and how they found strength to overcome them.
Despite facing adversity, Lori found their true calling in nursing. Lori shares experiences in clinical placements, the importance of connecting with patients, and the rewarding moments that have shaped her career.
We also delve into other parts of Lori's story, one of them being the experiences of performing as a Drag King!
Whether you're a nursing student, healthcare professional, or simply looking for an inspiring story, Lori's journey will resonate with you.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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In this week's episode of Baskets of Knowledge, we spoke to Sanskruti Banerjee, a law and commerce student at the University of Auckland with a passion for problem-solving, advocacy, and creativity.
Sanskruti shared her journey of balancing multiple roles—from community work in mental health and sexual violence advocacy to her love for poetry and dance. Sanskriti discussed her involvement with Dear Em, a collective focused on supporting young women, and her leadership in various places where she worked to create opportunities for underrepresented students.
We spoke about the importance of South Asian representation and her efforts through the South Asian collective, Jhumka Journey.
Throughout the episode, we explored her experiences in various leadership roles, her pride in her cultural identity, and the challenges of balancing a busy life as a student and change-maker. Sanskruti also shared her thoughts on the value of pursuing passions, staying grounded, and the importance of guilt-free rest.
This episode highlights Sanskruti's journey of resilience, advocacy, and staying true to what drives her.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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Recently, we had the honor of speaking with Zoe Dzapasi, an 18-year-old student at Victoria University of Wellington, who shared her incredible journey of growth, self-discovery, and advocacy. Despite moving to New Zealand from Zimbabwe at 18 months old, Zoe has maintained a strong connection to her roots while navigating the challenges of belonging in a new country.
During our conversation, Zoe opened up about encountering racism as a teen and how it shaped her view on identity and resilience. Her TED Talk, where she addressed the expectations placed on her as a black girl, became a powerful platform for expressing her experiences.
Zoe’s passion for storytelling doesn’t stop there—she founded the board game "Ngano," inspired by Zimbabwean folklore. She’s also part of Create Happy Media, a youth-driven content platform where collaboration and youth empowerment take center stage.
As a recent member of the Y25 cohort, Zoe continues to advocate for young girls, helping them find their voices and amplify their stories. Her journey is a reminder to all of us that the power of storytelling and believing in ourselves can create real change.
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We all remember 2020, it was the year when everyone's lives changed. for some people it was terrible, for others they found a silver lining and for a majority it was OH NO!! Our guest this week found lock down a pivotal moment in his life. It was during lock down that Alex Witt decided to start running, this all came from the fact that he looked in the mirror and did not like what he saw.
Alex speaks to us this week about this journey, how it has changed him not just physically but his attitude to life. BUT we also touch on how Alex was lost, like most people, with what to do with his life when he was done with school. Time away working through some gap years and the love for running helped him on the path that he is on now.
This is a fabulous listen for ANYONE that thinks they can't make a change in their live. Alex's piece of knowledge will get you to rethink that way of thinking.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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A small project while she was at primary school was the catalyst to this week's guests foray into the world of entrepreneurship.
Abbie Wood talks to us about how creating and selling bracelets at her grannie's market was her first step into realising that she had a creative brain but also a mindset that would foster the idea of creating value through her own enterprise as she got older. We speak to Abbie about her company, Grow Easy, that she started as a project while at school and is still running today and how that has been a success through the help of her family, her mentors and just people that have been kind to her with both time and advice.
We delve into her idea for the Together Collective, another creation that Abbie wanted to bring to life to highlight the talents of creative young people in a centralised platform. Amongst this we also speak about being student, the reality of being away from home and capturing the essence of traversing all the worlds that Abbie lives in.
Abbie leaves us all with a beautiful piece of knowledge which will get you all thinking!
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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When you think about young people, you think about young people in class studying, playing sports, hanging with friends, having fun....our guest this week does all that AND is also running an entrepreneurial venture that is shaking up the sustainability world.
Elisa Harley, our guest this week speaks to us passionately about her business idea, how it came about, where it is now and what the future may hold. In this chat we learn about the amazing opportunities through networking and just asking strangers for help has led to. We also pick up the importance of having a tribe of people around you that are experts in various fields to help you grow.
Elisa, also speaks to us about the reality of being a final year high school student, navigating that balancing act and the reality of burnout. This conversation is filled with so much energy and real talk. We know you will all get something from it.
Look out for Elisa's Enivo Pots at a plant nursery near you soon!
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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Game on! Meet our next guest, Zeena Khan: Leader, Speaker & Author.
Zeena is a dynamic individual of Chinese, Fijian, and Indian descent, from South Auckland she moved to Wellington 5yrs ago, seeking adventure & opportunity to lean in with curiosity.
A champion of lifelong learning with a multifaceted background, Zeena also has an artistic side, having published her first poetry book in 2020, which helped her through challenging times.
In this podcast, Zeena reflects on her passion for empowering others, why she typed emails in CAPITAL (letters) early in her leadership career, and the powerful impact a quote from her late father went onto shape her life. We also delve in to just being yourself is the best gift you can give yourself!
Feel free to connect with Zee on LinkedIn or www.drivepdt.com
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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This week's guest is well known in Edutech for changing the face of education. A key learning from his mother when he was young has been instrumental in Jamie Beaton lifting the perceived barriers that young people have in New Zealand to be able to study in some of the Top Universities in North America.
In this really inspiring conversation we talk about what is the motivation for Jamie to keep studying while running a large global company. We look back to how Crimson Education started, its goal and how it has gone from strength to strength. We also talk about the challenges of disrupting the norm and embracing leadership as the company has grown.
Jamie also shares his passions with us, what he does in his down time and also why he wants to change the way education, especially in New Zealand, is delivered.
Once again another episode filled with wisdom, learnings and a few laughs.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane -
Growing up, our guest this week thought that working in the health industry was what she was destined for. However, after one year of dabbling in this space, she pivoted from health to tech. This change opened up opportunities galore for our guest Magdeline Huang.
With her role as a software engineer now, Magdeline speaks to us about how delving into tech unlocked a whole new world for her. We also explore her love for content creation - how she took something that was a hobby to now creating amazing content on YouTube. One of her videos went viral which was something she did not expect! We talk about her winning idea at the Red Bull Basement University Competition, and her role with Asia New Zealand Foundation. There is a beautiful chat about the curation of her digital garden too which is amazing!
All in all this is an episode that is once again full of outstanding growth and wisdom.
Enjoy
Prajesh and Tane
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Growing up in the tiny, yet populous, nation of Singapore our guest this week had no intention of leaving his home country to study. He comes from a family that is very closely connected and a country that seems to have it all (on first glance)
However, our guest this week talks to us about how his mindset changed has he went through National Service and engaged in conversations that got him thinking about more than just staying in Singapore. It is through these conversations and wisdom from his seniors and his family members Irfaan Ariffin decided to spread his wings and found himself studying in New Zealand.
This conversation is an epic tale of this journey but more about how Irfaan has used his time in New Zealand to very quickly realise the importance of advocacy and how by being involved, not just being a bystander, you can make an impact. We speak about his advocacy roles, we speak about his National Service time and also the motivation for his study.
We have a great chat about the love for politics and how this has led Irfaan to host a radio show called the Political Pulse where he has spoken to a number of MP's and local councillors about various issues.
Once again we end the episode with a beautiful piece of knowledge
Enjoy
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