What does it actually take to go from 25 people to 4,000 without losing the plot? We sit down with Mahesh to unpack the gritty, unvarnished truths behind hypergrowth at Canva, the real timelines for B2B vs B2C, and why customer obsession—not headcount, perks, or flashy decks—decides whether a company wins. Mahesh walks us through his unconventional path: international recruitment hustle, Tokyo deal-making, an MBA wake-up call during the GFC, a startup built on persistence (and a pack of cook...

We trace Chantelle Hilleard's path from HR coordination to international leadership, then drill into what actually drives engagement, retention, and performance in startups, scaleups, and post-acquisition environments. The focus stays on learning cultures, purpose alignment, and commercial fluency that lift both people and results. • early HR lessons that scale across industries • hiring at pace and building people systems from scratch • HR’s shift from admin support to strategic partner • c...

We trace Amie's journey and unpack how HR becomes a growth engine when it focuses on customer value, capability, and outcomes over process. Pace, alignment, and brave decisions guide hiring, hybrid work, and scaling across markets. • startup vs corporate pace and purpose • hiring for mindset and lifecycle ownership • capability planning vs headcount budgeting • BAU resourcing vs future strategic investment • aligning every function to the customer voice • HR’s role in commercial outcomes and...

HR expert Lisa shares her journey from corporate leadership to founding her own HR consultancy, now supporting other HR professionals through coaching and her HRHQ platform. • Moving from leadership to HR requires a mindset shift from control to influence • HR professionals often can't control decisions but can shape thinking behind them • Using the CHOP framework (Context, History, Obligations, People) helps prepare for difficult employee conversations • Performance Improvement Plans should...

Stephanie shares her journey through the HR profession and reveals why most companies take a flawed approach to employee engagement by relying too heavily on surveys and generic initiatives rather than recognising that engagement happens one person at a time. • HR isn't solely responsible for employee engagement—managers play a crucial role in creating environments where employees can thrive • Organisations often focus on benefits and programs (the "roof") while neglecting individual needs (...

Discover the remarkable transformation of an office environment as Priya shares the journey from a "club" to a space of inclusion and gratitude. We also dive into how companies can adapt to remote work, foster flexibility and well-being even through challenging times. Learn how to outperform traditional recruitment agencies at PICWA.io

Navigating remote work can be challenging, but Lauren from Matomo offers practical advice on maintaining productivity and effective communication across different time zones. Discover strategies to keep your remote team dynamic, including clear documentation, proactive communication, and setting healthy boundaries to prevent burnout. We also explore the essentials of decision-making and collaboration tools that uphold company values while ensuring a secure and productive remote ...

The candidate experience can make or break your recruitment process. This episode highlights the value of informal, off-site meetings and comprehensive follow-ups to truly understand a candidate's personality and cultural fit. Chris shares his insights on headhunting techniques, emphasising personalised outreach and the essential collaboration with hiring managers to refine the search process. Join us as we explore the role of cultural recruitment, concise communication, and genuine follow-up...

Our guest today is Siân Govind, Director of Global Talent at Auror and Founder of BeHeard. We shine a spotlight on the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the tech sector, especially within New Zealand. Siân delves into the nuances of creating genuinely inclusive workplaces and explains Auror's robust DEI framework, which prioritizes listening, learning, unlearning, and actioning to build a truly diverse workforce. The insights shared will cha...

Our guest today is Lynne Miller, GM of Strategic Delivery at Fonterra. We dive into the pressing need to align educational pathways with industry demands in New Zealand. Our guest shares valuable perspectives on how strategic workforce planning and proactive career advising can bridge critical gaps in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare, offering a roadmap to a more balanced and sustainable future for New Zealand’s workforce. As we explore the future of work, the undervaluati...