Episode //007 of the Unshakable Leaders 100 Series

In this honest, grounded, and free flowing kōrero, I sit down with Cory Ratahi — creator of The Chew Queenstown Podcast, the man behind @arrowtowndad on TikTok, and a true Tāhuna legend. Cory is known for his humour and relatability, but beneath that is a deep commitment to culture, community, and showing up when it matters.

This conversation moves like it needed to. Cory and I co host, going back and forth on leadership that isn’t chosen, branded, or self appointed, but born from necessity. We talk about being Tangata Tiriti, reclaiming culture, and the long, non linear journey of reconnecting to who you are when colonisation, disconnection, and survival have shaped your early life.

Cory shares his journey of reclaiming te reo Māori, honouring his māmā's wishes, and how learning his language fundamentally changed who he is. He speaks openly about being a reluctant leader, not driven by ego or recognition, but by duty, opportunity, and responsibility to the community. Leadership, for Cory, is not a role. It is the work that needs doing when you are able to do it.

We explore:

💡 Leadership as duty, not identity, and what it means to lead because someone has to
💡 Reclaiming culture and language as an act of healing, belonging, and self respect
💡 Tangata Tiriti, shared responsibility, and creating safe spaces for learning without fear or perfection

This episode is a reminder that leadership often looks quiet, practical, and deeply relational. It grows from care, grief, responsibility, and love for community. If you’ve ever questioned whether you are a leader, this kōrero gently but clearly shows that leadership often finds us before we ever name it.

Have a listen, subscribe, and share with someone who leads without calling it leadership. Reach out to @gemmarosepeacock on socials and tell me which part of the conversation stayed with you.

📌 Find Cory
🔗 The Chew Queenstown Podcast on Youtube
📱 TikTok & IG: @arrowtowndad

📌 Find Gemma
🔗 gemmarosepeacock.com | @gemmarosepeacock