Episódios
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Ever felt like your business is your identity? Join us as Marisa shares her story from corporate life to building a multi-million dollar company and what it felt like to let it go! In this episode, we discuss the challenges of rapid business growth, maintaining company culture, and the emotional journey of selling Madison for an eight-figure sum. Marisa opens up about the identity crisis that comes with such a transition and the importance of finding the right investors who truly align with your vision, rather than forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit.
About our guest:
Marisa Fong is an entrepreneur, investor, and speaker dedicated to supporting women in achieving success on their own terms. In 1998, she co-founded Madison Recruitment, which became a benchmark in the NZ recruitment industry and was acquired in a multimillion-dollar deal in 2013. Since then, Marisa has founded multiple businesses across skincare, consulting, and manufacturing while building a diverse investment portfolio spanning Telco, HRTech, Biotech, and Fintech. Passionate about fostering positive business culture and empowering female founders, she actively mentors women and serves as Chair of Simplicity Foundation and Board Advisor to a private company.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://www.marisafong.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisa_b_fong/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marisa.Fong
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisafong/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:32 - When leadership ignores critical business failures
04:53 - A Defining Moment at 12
09:04 - When to lead, when to check in
12:44 - Chasing Opportunities vs. Choosing the Right Ones
18:48 - Marisa’s Craziest Business Experience
22:18 - The Birth of Madison Recruitment
26:00 - The Tea Towel Roster
30:16 - Letting Go of Madison Recruitment
36:08 - Finding Yourself in a New Version of You
38:45 - Why the World Needs More Female Entrepreneurs
41:36 - Find Your Tribe
44:49 - Understanding Your Personal Version of Success
51:06 - Success is About Impact, Not Just Numbers
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Did you know that obesity kills more people each year than COVID? Join me as I interview the CEO and Founder of Calocurb, Sarah Kennedy. Sarah discusses the health implications of weight management and how her innovative approach with Calocurb is changing lives. From her journey as a veterinarian to founding a groundbreaking health venture, Sarah shares valuable insights on science-backed appetite suppression and the importance of prioritizing health over appearance. Tune in for a powerful conversation on the science of weight management and how small changes can lead to lasting health transformations.
About our guest:
Sarah Kennedy is the CEO and founder of Calocurb, a company pioneering natural appetite control solutions. With an extensive background in nutrition, R&D, and leadership, she previously served as CEO of Healtheries and later led Vitaco for 11 years, expanding it into one of New Zealand’s largest health supplement companies. She also held key roles at Fonterra as Managing Director of Fonterra Nutrition, overseeing R&D and business units. Ms. Kennedy earned her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. A veterinarian by training, she leveraged her scientific expertise to develop Calocurb, a breakthrough hunger-curbing supplement derived from New Zealand-grown hops. In recognition of her innovative leadership, she was recently named one of Fortune Magazine's Top 36 CEOs to Watch in 2025. Passionate about innovation and global health, she is driving Calocurb’s international expansion while championing New Zealand’s scientific ingenuity.
Follow Our Guest:
Website:https://www.calocurb.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-kennedy-0a840b13/
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Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/**
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
03:23 - Veterinary Beginnings
05:38 - General Manager Role
06:30 - CEO of Healthories
09:46 - Sloan Fellowship at MIT
17:01 - Internationalization and Growth
22:26 - The Role of Big Pharma
25:57 - Understanding Weight Management
30:39 - CaloCurb's Unique Approach
36:14 - Health Over Appearance
39:11 - Customer Success Stories
41:29 - The Importance of Sleep and Health
43:05 - Advice for Entrepreneurs
45:10 - Building a Strong Team
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In this episode, Caitlin Taylor breaks down the science of styling and how to choose pieces that truly represent YOU! She shares her journey from fashion blogger to personal stylist and founder of her own label, revealing how personal style is a powerful expression of inner confidence. Caitlin dives into the mechanics of styling, offering insights on making intentional wardrobe choices that empower individuals to feel their best. She also opens up about launching her fashion label, balancing creativity with business demands, and the importance of authenticity in both fashion and life.
About our guest:
Caitlin Taylor is a personal stylist and style coach with nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. With degrees in psychology and journalism, she combines her expertise in style with a deep understanding of the way language and self-perception influence confidence. Caitlin is passionate about helping women appreciate their bodies, make smart wardrobe choices, and harness the power of fashion to feel amazing. Her extensive background spans both high-end designer brands and mainstream retail, equipping her with the skills to guide clients in maximizing the value of their existing wardrobes while making intentional future purchases. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Caitlin offers her styling services both in person and online, empowering women everywhere to embrace their personal style with confidence.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://chasingcait.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaitlinTaylor.stylist
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/CaitlinTaylor.stylist
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/**
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
03:32 - From fashion blogger to stylist
05:15 - Finding your personal style
08:28 - Importance of outward expression
10:05 - Helping clients feel confident
12:43 - Navigating style transitions
17:51 - Launching a fashion label
21:47 - Challenges of starting a new business
25:41 - Maintaining presence and clarity
29:59 - Learning from mistakes
34:27 - Worst business advice received
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Discover how Marissa transformed her pain into purpose through her deep connection with her Tupuna (ancestors) and a life-altering wake-up call. Learn how her parents’ separation shaped her teenage years and led her to confront her struggles head-on. Explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the pressure to conform, and the importance of self-worth—especially for women in minority cultures. Uncover Marissa’s concept of “flussel,” a balance between flow and hustle, and why honoring our natural rhythms is key to avoiding burnout.
About our guest:
Marissa Lewis is a dynamic confidence coach, keynote speaker, trainer, and retreat facilitator with over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications and a decade as a business owner. Passionate about empowering women, she helps them cultivate unstoppable confidence, self-leadership, and personal branding that radiates from the inside out. Marissa’s own transformative journey through trauma led her to a profound mission—supporting entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in overcoming self-doubt, embracing their stories, and creating fulfilling, successful lives. As the founder of Marissa Lewis International, she combines psychology, life coaching, and wellness strategies to guide individuals toward self-acceptance and business success. A dedicated author and advocate for personal growth, Marissa is committed to impacting 100 million lives by fostering healing, confidence, and purpose-driven living.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://www.marissalewis.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyeN-MKFijOIc1K6K71K_ew
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachmarissalewisgc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammarissalewis/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode trailer
04:56 - Growing Up and Identity Struggles
07:26 - Navigating Pain and Self-Destruction
09:40 - The Role of Family and Support
10:40 - Reconnecting with Ancestry and Purpose
13:36 - Transforming Pain into Purpose
15:18 - The Desire for Motherhood
18:09 - The Importance of Continuous Learning
20:15 - The Balance of Hustle and Flow
23:10 - The Power of Self-Trust and Intuition
26:35 - Lessons from Business Success and Failure
28:23 - The Value of Experience and Reflection
32:06 - Finding the Sweet Spot
35:21 - Empowering Indigenous Women
38:06 - The Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Success
40:30 - The Role of Self-Worth in Business
42:30 - Navigating Mixed Heritage and Identity
49:09 - Finding Joy Amidst Burnout
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Growing up in a family business gave Natasha a strong foundation in work ethic and a deep passion for empowering others—values she’s carried into her own entrepreneurial ventures. In this episode, she reflects on the lessons learned from her upbringing, the challenges she’s faced as a leader, and her mission to uplift women in the beauty industry. Natasha also opens up about how she prioritizes personal well-being amidst the demands of running a business and shares insightful advice for young female founders on trusting their instincts, embracing patience, and navigating the messy moments of entrepreneurship.
About our guest:
Natasha Bourke is the CEO of 200 Doors, the exclusive distributor of Dermalogica in New Zealand, and the founder of Skintopia, an innovative skin treatment salon that blends her passions for retail innovation, advanced skincare, customer experience, and holistic wellness. With a commitment to delivering exceptional results, Skintopia combines cutting-edge technology and a holistic approach to skincare. Natasha recently earned a Health Coaching certificate from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York, deepening her expertise in wellness and its connection to skin health. She works closely with her team to shape business strategy while supporting and nurturing Skintopia’s talented staff across its locations, empowering individuals to achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://skintopia.co.nz/
https://www.200doors.co.nz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-bourke-a0890218/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha_200doors/
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
03:02 - Growing Up in a Business Family
06:55 - The Key to Personal Growth
09:47 - Lessons from Mentors and Industry Leaders
11:55 - The Birth of Skintopia
13:44 - Challenges and Messy Moments
19:20 - Pursuing What Lights Your Soul on Fire
23:55 - Balancing Values and Growth
27:02 - Personal Wellbeing and Leadership
31:12 - Future Vision and Advice
32:52 - Reinvention and Resilience
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In this inspiring episode, Aline shares her heartfelt journey of creating a sustainable, non-dairy butter that has made waves in the food industry. Aline opens up about the challenges she faced, from crisis management moments and balancing family pressures to the triumph of winning prestigious food industry awards. She discusses the pivotal role of intuition, perseverance, and staying true to her values while navigating a traditionally dairy-dominated market. This episode offers a raw and transformative look at the highs and lows of building an impact-driven business and the importance of maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
About our guest:
Aline Fonseca is the co-founder of Feliz Wholefoods, a family-owned business she founded alongside her husband, Patrick Malloch. Together, they are united by a shared vision of creating delicious, sustainable, plant-based food that nourishes both people and the planet. Their flagship product, Vutter, is a multi-award-winning vegan butter that represents their commitment to quality, wellness, and sustainability. Aline and Patrick’s journey began with a life-altering decision to adopt a plant-based lifestyle and raise their children in an environment aligned with their values. With backgrounds in fine dining, architecture, design, marketing, and FMCG, they built Feliz Wholefoods from the ground up, using their diverse expertise to create products that make plant-based living accessible and enjoyable. Their innovative, award-winning products, such as the Vutter Avo Spreadable, have garnered recognition, including the Supreme Winner of the 2024 New Zealand Food Awards. Through Feliz Wholefoods, Aline and Patrick aim to inspire positive change by making mindful, sustainable food choices easier for everyone while supporting a healthier planet for future generations.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://www.felizwholefoods.co.nz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vutter.nz/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/vutter.nz/
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
02:35 - From Crisis to Success
04:26 - Balancing Business and Family
08:40 - A Vision of Transformation
11:30 - Why Success Demands Tears, Resilience, and Vision
17:03 - Change Starts from Within
21:33 - Facing Criticism and Misconceptions
24:27 - The Moment We Realized We Made It
28:15 - Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
32:36 - From Pressure to Purpose
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In this episode, I chat with the amazing Cathy Pope, a jewelry designer who has built her business from the ground up with creativity and passion. Cathy shares how her journey from TV stylist to entrepreneur has been a slow and steady process, filled with meaningful milestones—like the time Jacinda Ardern wore her jewelry while meeting the Queen. We talk about her love for natural gemstones and how she celebrates their imperfections, making each piece unique. Cathy’s designs reflect her belief in individuality, encouraging women to mix her pieces with their own heirlooms for a personal, timeless style.
About our guest:
Cathy Pope is a New Zealand-based jewellery designer who combines her background as a stylist and dressmaker with a passion for bold, distinctive designs. She launched Cathy Pope Jewellery in 2011 as a response to a market flooded with overpriced or mass-produced pieces, creating her first signature design—a chunky choker necklace with a bold stone on a gold chain. Inspired by annual trips to Jaipur, India, Cathy sources gemstones and collaborates directly with artisans to craft unique, ethically made collections. Each piece reflects her love for individuality, celebrating the beauty of imperfections and personal expression. Cathy’s jewellery empowers women to embrace timeless style over fleeting trends while maintaining affordability and authenticity.
Follow Our Guest:
Website: https://cathypope.co.nz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathypopejewellery/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathypopejewellery/
Follow Us On:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_powerhouse_alliance/
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Episode Trailer
05:13 - The Slow Build-Up of Success
06:06 - Taking risks doesn’t have to be dramatic
08:55 - Creativity vs. Business Structure
10:54 - The Importance of Self-Care
14:12 - Finding Inspiration in India
18:51 - The Perfection of Imperfection
20:34 - Authenticity in Personal Branding
22:31 - Rebelling Against Trends
25:57 - Staying authentic without pressure to conform
29:11 - Building Confidence in Your Craft
31:35 - Learning happens by doing
35:32 - Not everything has to be perfect
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Welcome to The Powerhouse Diaries
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This is the home for bad-ass female founders
