This episode of Super Creative is another one that’s slightly different to the norm. After the response to my DIY PR episode with Liv Boswell last year, I realised how much people value hearing directly from experts who can share practical insight for running and growing a business.

Today I’m joined by business and mindset coach (and friend of the pod) Rosie Holt for a conversation about how to optimise your business in 2026. It’s coming out a little later than I originally planned, but it actually feels perfectly timed as we head into the new financial year.

We talk about strategy, direction and the importance of stepping back from the day-to-day work of running a business to think about where you’re actually heading. Rosie shares practical advice on setting meaningful goals, creating simple strategies, managing your time more intentionally and building systems that allow your business to grow sustainably.

This episode really is for anyone. You might have been in business for years or you might be in the early stages. You might be working solo, leading a small team, or even just sitting on a business idea you’re hoping to launch in 2026.

Even if you’ve been running a business for a long time, you might recognise the classic trap of working in the business rather than on it. And if strategy is already one of your strengths, you might simply enjoy hearing some fresh ideas and perspectives.

In true Super Creative style, the conversation is relaxed and unscripted but packed with useful ideas that will help you start the year with clarity and direction.

After this conversation, find Rosie at www.rosieholt.co and @rosie.coaches on Instagram.

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Today on the podcast I speak to Jen Jones - founder of New Zealand Design Week. She’s also a construction manager by profession, entrepreneur, and speaker. Jen is a woman who wears many hats.

Jen has spent almost 15 years delivering complex commercial and infrastructure projects, managing builds up to $300 million, while also carving out a voice in sustainable construction and considered living.

In 2023, alongside her construction work, Jen founded Auckland Design Week, which has now evolved into New Zealand Design Week. Created to give designers a platform to connect, collaborate, and be seen, NZDW has quickly evolved into a nationally recognised event.

In this conversation we talk about Jen’s journey from construction into events, the realities of building something from scratch, what it takes to scale an idea, and the bigger ambition behind New Zealand Design Week. This is a conversation about vision, resilience, commercial thinking and backing yourself, even when the market is tough.

Jen makes me feel motivated. She backs herself. She is not afraid to put herself out there. There is an incredible drive and capacity for work, but also real clarity about why she is doing it. She is a true example of “just start” - even when the goal feels massive.

I loved my kōrero with Jen and I know you will too.

After this conversation, find NZ Design Week at nzdesignweek.com and @nzdesignweek on Instagram.

Right, let’s get on with the show.

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Today on the podcast I speak to Cherie Metcalfe, founder of Pepper & Me – a Tauranga based food brand that believe food should be bold, exciting and never a chore. Their salts, sauces, and seasonings are designed to make cooking easier and bring big flavour to every meal.

Pepper & Me grew from Cherie’s background as a chef and a very practical idea. Helping people cook great food at home without overcomplicating it. Built on the idea that good food should be simple, flavourful and accessible, the business has grown to include a range of more than 80 products, cookbooks, and a highly engaged online community.

In this conversation, Cherie shares the story behind the brand’s growth, from its early beginnings through to becoming a well-recognised name in New Zealand households.

What I loved about this conversation is how open, funny and down-to-earth Cherie is. She’s incredibly generous with her story, an open book when it comes to the realities of building a business, and very clear on the values that underpin everything Pepper & Me does. That authenticity comes through strongly in the way she talks about community, trust, and the importance of connection over constant selling.

I loved my kōrero with Cherie and I know you will too.

After this conversation, visit the Pepper & Me website at www.pepperandme.co.nz and find @pepperandme on Instagram.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.