Sir Ian Taylor – Founder & Managing Director at Animation Research Ltd

Posted on 26 May 2025 in Featured

Sir Ian Taylor – Founder & Managing Director at Animation Research Ltd

Host Paul Spain sits down with Kiwi innovator Sir Ian Taylor. From his humble beginnings in rural New Zealand—where he vividly recalls the first time his family home was lit by electricity—to founding Animation Research Ltd and revolutionising sports broadcasting technology worldwide, Ian shares tales of pivotal life decisions, setbacks, lessons in leadership from the army, and how Māori values have shaped his business philosophy. Sir Ian’s story is a powerful reminder to follow your curiosity, look for opportunity in every challenge, and—above all—to get out of bed and seize the day.

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Paul Spain – CEO, Business & Tech Commentator, Futurist

You can keep current with our latest NZ Business Podcast updates via Twitter @NZ_Business, the NZ Business Podcast website.

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Grant Straker – Co-Founder and CEO of Straker

Posted on 28 Mar 2025 in Featured

Grant Straker – Co-Founder and CEO of Straker

Host Paul Spain sits down with Grant Straker, the CEO and co-founder of Straker, a global leader in AI-driven language and translation technologies. From his early days growing up in New Zealand and his time as an elite paratrooper in the British Army, to his journey into entrepreneurship and eventual public listing on the Australian Stock Exchange, Grant shares a fascinating tale of innovation, perseverance, and growth. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of building a tech company from the ground up, the impacts of AI on the translation industry, and Grant’s insights into balancing business with personal life.

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Gorilla Technology
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Paul Spain – CEO, Business & Tech Commentator, Futurist

You can keep current with our latest NZ Business Podcast updates via Twitter @NZ_Business, the NZ Business Podcast website.

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Mitchell Pham -Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience in Business

Posted on 15 Apr 2024 in Featured, Podcast

Mitchell Pham -Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience in Business

On this episode host Paul Spain is joined by Mitchell Pham, Co Founder CodeHQ, Vietnamese-New Zealand tech innovator and Strategic Advisor. Mitchell shares his remarkable journey from escaping Vietnam as a refugee to becoming a prominent entrepreneur and reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business, including navigating crises, building resilient teams, and fostering international trade connections. From his early struggles to the challenges of steering his businesses through economic downturns, Mitchell’s insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders.

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Gorilla Technology
Paul Spain – LinkedIn
Paul Spain – CEO, Business & Tech Commentator, Futurist

You can keep current with our latest NZ Business Podcast updates via Twitter @NZ_Business, the NZ Business Podcast website.

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Paul Woodfield – Entrepreneurial Family Business

Posted on 21 Jan 2023 in Featured

Paul Woodfield – Entrepreneurial Family Business

Dr. Paul Woodfield, a senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology, discusses his background and research in entrepreneurship and innovation in family businesses, traditional industries, and science for technological innovation. He talks about his own family’s history in the wine industry and the importance of family businesses in New Zealand’s economy.

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Show Links:

Gorilla Technology
Paul Spain – LinkedIn
Paul Spain – CEO, Business & Tech Commentator, Futurist

You can keep current with our latest NZ Business Podcast updates via Twitter @NZ_Business, the NZ Business Podcast website.

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NZ Business Podcast 12: Murray Thom – The Great NZ Entrepreneur

Posted on 13 Jun 2015 in Featured, Podcast

NZ Business Podcast 12: Murray Thom – The Great NZ Entrepreneur

In this episode Murray Thom shares his business stories – from leaving school at 15, to becoming head of a record label CBS Records New Zealand by age 23 and starting his own businesses including marketing Personalised Plates in New Zealand and compiling music projects that attracted the Oprah Winfrey’s stamp of approval. Murray Thom also details his most recent endeavours of launching The Great New Zealand Songbook and The Great New Zealand Cookbook.

 

This episode is hosted by Paul Spain in association with Gorilla Technology and is a production of Podcasts NZ.

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You can keep current with our latest NZ Business Podcast updates via Twitter @NZ_Business, the NZBusinessPodcast.com website and facebook page.

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