Episoder
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Joe Rotondo (founder of SmearCase) left a corporate job to create frozen cottage cheese (Froco). Stay with me, Joe moves with intention and has a huge amount of wisdom to share for career shifters or early-stage founders. Joe has shifted from exercise science to sustainable denim to bagels to corporate and now to disrupting the ice cream aisle.
"Your past career isn't a life sentence, it's just market research for your future."
This one's about betting on yourself, knowing when to quit versus persevere, and building a business around your life instead of the other way round.
Key quotes
"You don't build confidence by shouting affirmations in the mirror. You build confidence by having receipts of things that you've done."
"The safest bet you can make is on yourself."📚 Books mentioned
Atomic Habits — James ClearAwaken the Giant Within — Tony RobbinsExtreme Ownership — Jocko WillinkAlex Hormozi (referenced for the "confidence = receipts" idea) -
If you're saying to yourself, "I'll do it when the timing is better " then dive in.
Megan Black and Eliana Field-Marsham are childhood friends turned co-founders of Sonni, a next-generation mineral sunscreen brand they launched 11 months ago. Before that: Estée Lauder, McKinsey, Little Spoon, and two MBAs between them.
We get into:
what it actually feels like to leave a job you love;how a solo founder became a co-founding partnership;the consideration of the female biological clock and career paths; andwhy "not now" quietly becomes "not ever" if you let it.Listen in to the reality of building something from the ground up — in real time.
Find Sonni at https://sonniskin.com/ and @sonniskin on Instagram.
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Manglende episoder?
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Debs Brocklesby was a performance analyst for the New Zealand Olympic Cycling team — a specialised, high-achieving role she'd built her identity around. She's now the founder of Stoked NZ, a multi-million dollar towlie company that started from her garage.
In this episode, we get into:
What it feels like to be stuck in a job that looks great on paperHow Debs let go of who she was professionally and started overLimiting beliefs — and why they don't disappear when things start workingRebuilding after your original career dreams are dashedHow to press forward in the face of adversityHow she built Stoked NZ from her spare room with no money, no business background, and no plan BWhat it means to build something genuinely purposeful — not just profitableDebs resource recs:
Start With Why — Simon Sinek (book)
Chapter One — Daniel Flynn, founder of Thank You Social Enterprise (book — the one that's horizontal instead of vertical)
A vision board — and the practice of writing a letter to yourself as if your goals have already happened (a practice she learned from her psychology mentor)If you're stuck on a career ladder you've climbed and can't quite see how to get off it, give this a listen.
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This is the most-requested topic I've had on the show!
Most people think building wealth means starting a business from scratch or climbing a ladder for thirty years. There's a third path that often flies under the radar.
My guest Brandon Lipman has bought 12+ businesses across various fields and now coaches others to do the same, even if they've never run a business before. He started out in finance at a bank, realised at 25 his future there was capped, left, and along the way discovered he was already doing what investment bankers get paid millions for: acquiring businesses.
In this conversation, we get into:
What ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) actually is, and why it's more accessible than you thinkWhy buying a business is often smarter than starting oneThe #1 mistake first-time buyers make How long it actually takes to find and buy the right businessHow to finance a deal when you don't have the cash yourself — and how to find an investor who'll back youWhat to do in your first months as a new owner (and what not to do)How to build the self-belief muscle you need before you buyWhether you're thinking about your first move, don't know how to fund it, or just want to learn how smart people build wealth differently — Brandon's here to meet you where you are.
🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:
Brandon's free online course on how to buy a business — Link hereFollow Brandon for bite-sized tips on IG - Instagram Ep 22 of Good Shift with Adam Stewart (Compound Wealth) — Adam introduced me to Brandon and his episode on compounding wealth is the perfect companion listen to this one.If this episode made you think differently about your next move, share it with one person who needs to hear it. And if you're not subscribed yet — hit follow so you don't miss what's coming.
Find me on Instagram @goodshiftpodcast and let me know who you want to hear from next.
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Nikki Creasy spent nine years working her way from intern to account director at a PR agency. Then Covid, a restructure and a personal itch she couldn't ignore led her to launch Peachy Lip Co.
In this episode: how Nikki transitioned from employee to contractor to freelancer to founder, what it actually cost to get a cosmetics brand off the ground, the marketing tactics that grew her community to 30K+ on Instagram, navigating cash flow as a first-time founder, gift-with-purchase and product swap strategies, cutting underperforming product lines to survive, and why founder-led content is non-negotiable for e-commerce brands.
Mentioned in this episode: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight | Find a founder you admire and listen to every podcast they've been on — that was Nikki's playbook.
Find Peachy Lip Co: @peachylipco_ on Instagram | peachy-lipco.com
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If you've been sitting on a big life change but can't quite pull the trigger, this one's for you.
Maddie Ireland is an empowerment coach, entrepreneur and reformed self-doubter who spent over a decade building her dream life in LA before making the terrifying leap back to Australia at 35 — no plan, no partner, no idea where she'd even live.
In this episode we dig into:
How to move somewhere new and actually build community from scratchThe concept of "expanders" and why the people around you are everythingWhat it really looks like to start over in your mid-thirtiesHow to reframe your situation when everyone else looks more "settled"The mindset shift that creates the most change (and how to use it daily)Building a coaching business from zeroDating with intention when you know what you wantBooks mentioned:
Atomic Habits — James ClearThe Big Leap — Gay HendricksFind Maddie at https://www.maddieireland.com/ or on Instagram @madeleine_lucy
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Your playbook to becoming a side-hustle founder — and building real momentum without having to quit your day job.
Amelia Jory is a high performer in corporate (having held roles as a Senior Brand Manager at NZ’s most successful companies) and the founder of Dulesé — a NZ personal care brand disrupting the category with all-natural, high-performing products and refillable, eco-friendly packaging.
We cover:
How to know if building alongside corporate is the right path for youThe early signals that something “more” is calling youThe trade-offs of side-hustle growth (and what it really costs)How Amelia finds time, sets boundaries, and avoids burnoutThe systems that keep Dulesé moving forward week to weekMoney, risk, and what traction looked like early onWhat it would take for Amelia to go all-in — and how she thinks about that decision -
If you are feeling stuck on "corporate autopilot" or worried that AI is coming for your paycheck, this episode is your survival guide for the new digital economy.
In this episode, we dive into:
The "Shedding" Process: How to detach your self-worth from your job title and rebuild from a blank slate. The Reality of AI Today: Why Meghana changed her mind and now admits that AI is taking jobs—and exactly what you need to do to be on the right side of that shift. Pivoting Without Code: How AI is democratizing tech by allowing us to communicate with machines in natural language, making this the best time in history for "non-technical" people to enter the industry. Personal Branding as a Shield: Why doubling down on your humanity and authentic communication is the only way to remain "un-automatable." Building a Personal Platform: The tactical differences between growing on LinkedIn vs. Instagram and why "good things happen to those who post." The "Ikigai" Framework: Marrying your internal moral compass (Dharma) with your external strengths to find a career that actually feels fulfilling.Whether you're looking to launch a freelance advisory business or just want to future-proof your current role, Meghana's tactical advice will help you move with confidence.
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Thinking about a career shift — but worried about financial security?
In this episode, Adam Stewart (founder of Compound Wealth) shares the practical money framework that helps you buy back options and work toward financial freedom: invest consistently, consider buying a business, or build something on the side until you’re ready.
We cover KiwiSaver + index investing basics, entrepreneurship through acquisition, what to do when markets drop, how to think about risk and long-term freedom, and the mindset shifts that make change feel possible.
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What does it actually look like to pursue a creative passion while still thriving in a full-time career? Ned Gow, drummer for No Cigar, talks about building and balancing a creative life alongside his full-time job — without sacrificing financial security.
Ned shares:
🎵 The discipline and structure behind juggling music and real estate🌍 How travel and taking a break gave him clarity at a career crossroads🧠 The mindset shifts that helped him back himself — even when it felt uncertain💼 Why choosing the right boss matters more than the company 🔥 How to avoid burnout while still chasing multiple goalsWhether you’re feeling boxed in by your 9–5, craving a creative outlet, or wondering if stepping back is the smartest way forward — this episode is packed with honest insights and next steps.
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With Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, founders of Good Girl Snacks
This is a masterclass in how to start a business and build momentum fast.
In this episode of Good Shift, I’m joined by Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, best friends and co-founders of Good Girl Snacks, the brand behind the viral Hot Girl Pickles.
Just a few years ago, they were working corporate jobs with zero business experience. Just 3 years later, their pickles have built a cult following online and landed on shelves at Whole Foods, Erewhon, Bristol Farms, GoPuff, and Nordstrom.
In this conversation, Leah and Yasaman share the real story behind the leap: from spotting a TikTok trend, to building in public, to trusting their gut before they felt ready and they share how you can do the same.
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I submitted Good Shift to the podcast awards (!) and as part of that, I had to put together a 15-minute highlight reel to showcase what the pod is all about.
It’s a great place to start if you’re new here, or to send to a friend who’s thinking about a career shift, hating their job, or feeling stuck on what’s next.
Enjoy my friends and cross your fingers for me for the awards!
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In this episode, I sit down with Alexa Gray - founder of Social Bloome and one of the formative early team members at Olipop, where she helped shape the brand into one of the fastest-growing wellness companies in the U.S.
With a background spanning nonprofit work, photography, brand building, and now her own agency, Alexa’s path has never been linear, but it’s always been purpose-led. We talk about how to make confident career moves (even when they don’t make sense on paper), the mindset needed to leave a “successful” job, and what it really takes to build a business rooted in authenticity and community.
Whether you're navigating your own pivot or dreaming about starting something new, this conversation is packed with real insights and practical encouragement.
In this episode, we cover:
✨ How to make bold career moves with confidence
💼 Leaving a job you’re doing well in and why it’s okay
🚀 Alexa’s experience working at an early stage start-up and how to know if that enviroment is right for you
💡 Building a business (and community) from scratch
📱 Launching an app with no tech background
🛠 Her go-to habits for staying grounded and moving through hard momentsConnect with Alexa:
Alexa's Linkden Social BloomeFollow Good Shift:
Instagram → @goodshiftpod
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In this episode, I sit down with best friends, co-founders, and first-time entrepreneurs Elan Halpern and Kiki Couchman, who traded high-achieving careers in tech and private equity to start a probiotic yogurt company from scratch — without burning it all down overnight.
They talk candidly about the slow build of misalignment, how they reframed leaving “successful” jobs without guilt, and the three key pillars they used to figure out what was next (Elan’s 3 Ps: passion, product, pay). We unpack what it means to make a shift on your own timeline, how your career can shape your identity (without permission), and why being “obsessed” with your work actually matters.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a role that everyone else admires, or wondered whether a side idea could be something more — this episode will meet you where you are.
In This Episode, We Cover:
🎯 The signs of career misalignment
🧠 The mindset shifts that made leaving corporate jobs possible
🧪 The “experiments” they ran to build conviction before quitting
💼 How your job can silently shape your identity over time
🛠️ Elan’s 3 Ps framework for deciding what to do next
🚪 How to exit the “first job” without throwing away everything you’ve built
👯♀️ The power of building in public and treating your community like a co-founder
💬 The uncomfortable part of starting over (and how to speak about it confidently)
🔗 Links & Resources:
Follow Elan & Kiki’s journey on Instagram: @eatbeny
Book recommendation: Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Want the framework Elan used? Listen out for the 3 Ps: Passion, Product, Pay
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Have you ever felt the pull toward something totally different but held back because it seemed too weird, too impractical, or just too far off your current path?
In this episode, I sit down with Belinda Price, who left behind travel agency life to milk cows on a dairy farm and eventually made a bold, purpose-fueled shift into one of the most misunderstood (and profound) careers: death doula.
We dive into:
How to make unconventional career moves when fear and judgment show upWhy your gut instinct won’t leave you alone (and why that matters)The 5 regrets people have on their deathbed and what they mean for your careerBuilding a business from scratch in an emotional, under-resourced industryWhat it actually looks like to work in death and what it teaches you about living🧰 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
💬 Belinda’s Work:
Leaving Legacies – Belinda’s End-of-Life Doula Practice
https://www.leavinglegacies.co.nz
Belinda’s Podcast: Dying to Know📚 Reflection Tools:
The Five Regrets of the Dying
Based on the book by Bronnie Ware (referenced by Belinda)How We Feel App
Free mobile app to track and name your emotions
Great for understanding emotional patterns when considering career shifts
Knowing Your Connection Cards
A 54-question card deck created by Belinda to help spark conversations around values, life reflections, and legacy
Available on her website: https://www.leavinglegacies.co.nz
Reflection Letter Exercise
A guided self-awareness tool where you gather strengths-based feedback from 20 people across your life (colleagues, friends, family, past clients). Used in Belinda’s positive psychology studies.🎓 Courses Mentioned:
Diploma of Positive Psychology
From The Langley Group Institute – helped spark Belinda’s pivot into her doula work
Micronutrients and Brain Health Course
University of Canterbury – explored holistic wellbeing and brain nutrition
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This episode covers how to support your partner when they want to make a career change, how to move through a shift yourself, and a side dive into the basics of insurance you might never have thought about but most definitely need to know.
This episode covers two major topics:
Part 1: The emotional reality of career change in relationships
How to support a partner's risky decisions while managing your own fearsHaving difficult conversations about money and security with someone you loveRecognizing when you're ready to make your own leapWorking with your life partner without destroying your relationshipPart 2: Insurance basics every entrepreneur and young adult needs to know
Why you should insure yourself before your phoneWhat income protection actually covers (and why you need it young)How insurance brokers work and what they costEssential coverage for small business ownersThe insurance questions you didn't know to askPerfect for anyone supporting a partner through career uncertainty, considering their own major change, or wondering what insurance coverage they actually need as they build their adult life.
Connect with Pam:
LinkedIn
Coversure insurance brokerage
Naomi Ballantyne Podcast ep
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What do you do when everyone thinks you can't stick to anything? Danii O'Malley spent years jumping between careers - failing university, personal training, construction sales - feeling like something was fundamentally wrong with her. Each time she moved on, it looked like she couldn't commit to anything.
But she kept listening to that inner voice saying "this isn't it" even when it would have been easier to just stay put. That persistence through multiple career shifts, a health crisis, and financial uncertainty eventually led her to naturopathy - work that finally felt right.
Now in her final year of study and running her own holistic health practice, Danii shares the practical lessons about:
How to tell the difference between "I can't stick to things" vs "this genuinely isn't for me"The Monday morning test for knowing when it's time to move onWhy you need to get your own health sorted before making big career decisionsHow to handle family expectations when you deviate from their plansManaging the financial reality of career changes while raising kidsIf you've ever felt like the problem because nothing seems to stick, or you're wondering whether to persist through a rough patch or make a change, this conversation gives you both permission and practical frameworks to trust your instincts and keep searching for work that truly fits.
Connect with Danii: Instagram: @Flourish__Health
Website: flourishhealth.co.nz
Danii's recco:
The college Danii studied at: "It’s called the South Pacific College of Medicine and they really have made these final years of this journey so special and I’d recommend them so highly." -
Great for anyone with a business idea brewing or stuck wondering if they should make the jump.
David Vioque and Arnold Fomété are two London based co-founders who went from finance careers to building and exiting a startup in under a year. They share what actually worked (and what almost killed their business).
After burning out at Goldman Sachs and Evercore, they took the leap into entrepreneurship and learned some hard lessons along the way. Now building their second venture, they're getting real about the stuff that matters.
What we cover:
How to know if people actually want what you're buildingThe money reality before you quit your day jobChoosing a co-founder What to look for (and avoid) in investorsSetting up a board of advisorsThe validation mistakes that can sink youKey quotes:
"People need to be asking for whatever you're building more than you can actually build it""It can't just be your friends at a pub saying they'd use it""Getting an investor is like marriage - do your due diligence""Be in the kitchen with the people who'll actually use your product"If you're thinking about starting something, wondering how co-founder relationships actually work, or curious about what it takes to get initial traction - this conversation covers the practical stuff that's often glossed over.
Resources mentioned:
Ikigai concept - Japanese philosophy for finding purpose"The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin - on applying creativity to business buildingConnect with them: Instagram: @living.unbound Website: https://www.unbound.living/
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In this episode, Manoj Dias - Co-founder of Open, shares how he walked away from an epic corporate career to build one that actually felt right. It’s a conversation about rethinking success, taking risks and finding the courage to move against the status quo.
We cover:
What burnout feels like and how to make a changeWhy we stay stuck in careers that no longer fitThe emotional and financial risk of stepping away — and how to manage itHow to rebuild your career from the inside outWhat success means after you’ve lost the version that once defined youIf you’re feeling disconnected, burnt out, or like you’ve outgrown your current path, this one will meet you right where you are.
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When the thing you’ve poured years of your life into — your career, your business, your identity — comes to an end, it can feel impossible to know what comes next. This episode is an honest look at how to rebuild from that place to make your next shift.
Henry Mitchell, co-founder of Still Life, shares the raw reality of closing the chapter on something meaningful and how to find your footing again. We dive into the emotional side of transitions, the mindset shifts required to move forward, and how to keep showing up when you’re still in the messy middle.
This is a conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of reframing “failure” as part of your next chapter — not the end of your story.
If you’re navigating change, feeling stuck, or questioning what’s next, this one’s for you.
Find Henry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-mitchell-3aa177ab/
Find Still Life Podcasts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtGlyGdfpMyu98ax5oXHWSyg7duZr41Uc
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