Career Coffee Chats: Recent Episodes

Andrew Tui

Career Coffee Chats is a down-to-earth career and wellbeing podcast for everyday people. Unlike other NZ-based podcasts, Career Coffee Chats features a diverse range of guests sharing their own journeys and insights to help you live an awesome life.

About the host... my name is Andrew Tui and I am a Career Specialist with more than ten years' experience working with a diverse range of people. I am a blogger, future of work enthusiast, social media nerd, ukulele jammer and coffee drinker. Check out my website for more information: www.careercoffeechats.com

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Grant Verhoeven is a career and leadership coach who has amassed over 2000 coaching conversations with clients. Describing himself as a ‘recovering door to door salesman’, he realised he found joy in helping others to identify their strengths and make career decisions.

In this episode Grant explores the impact of the Great Resignation, sharing what challenges and opportunities people face in these changeable times. He also talks about the role of a coach, and why asking questions is key to a coach’s success.

Chat highlights:

  • Grant explores the impact of The Great Resignation on employers
  • He shares the top 5 mistakes people make in considering a career change
  • He talks about the role of coaching and what makes it unique

Links and resources:

  • Check out Grant’s website.
  • Follow Grant on LinkedIn.
  • Read about the impact of The Great Resignation in Aotearoa.

PLUS, Grant shares his recommendation for great coffee too:

Havana Coffee - Wellington

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Moumita Das Roy is a Cross-Industry Marketer with a story to share. After successfully working in marketing and advertising roles in India, a change in personal circumstances led her to travel the world before settling down in NZ.

In this episode, Mo shares how her creativity led to a career driven by content creation. She talks about the challenges of re-starting a career in a new country, and gives tips on how to build your personal online brand. #WonderingMo

Chat highlights:

  • Mo shares how her father’s passing inspired her to travel and to make the most of the opportunities around her.
  • She explores issues around diversity and inclusion, including the challenges migrants and people of colour may face in finding work.
  • Mo shares how she built her personal brand on Linkedin through the creation of videos and sharing her volunteering stories.

Links and resources:

  • Connect with Mo and follow her on LinkedIn.
  • View and watch her post “I am Professional.”
  • View and watch her post “Did you meet my twin recently…”

PLUS, Mo shares her recommendation for great food and drinks:

Olaf’s Artisan Bakery Cafe, 1 Stokes Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

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Jason Naylor is an award-winning artist, designer, and creative director based in Brooklyn, New York. He is known for creating large colorful murals featuring empowering statements and vibrant symbols. His creations have found partnership with a range of brands, including Coach, Pepsi, Guess, XBOX and Maybelline.

In this episode, Jason shares how he intentionally creates art that is positive and hopeful. He talks about how he built up his career confidence, and discusses his recent work, including writing a book and creating NFTs.

Chat highlights:

  • Jason talks about his transition from company employee, to forging his own path as an acclaimed artist and business owner.
  • He shares insights into his creations, including large scale murals, digital designs, merchandise, to publishing a book.
  • Jason talks about how his optimism informs his approach to creating art.

Links and resources:

  • Check out Jason’s online store and website.
  • Follow Jason on Instagram.
  • Watch this video interview featuring Jason (source: Distract TV).

PLUS, Jason shares recommendations for great food and drinks in Brooklyn, New York too:

Sea Wolf Restaurant

Danny’s Pizza

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Louise Chan is the Associate Director of Nursing for the Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability services (MHAIDS) covering Capital and Coast DHB, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa. With a passion for development, Louise aspires to enhance the experiences of nurses.

In this episode, Louise shares how volunteering and charity work shaped her values, she discusses the challenges and opportunities to support nurses in the current context, and she provides suggestions for improving the wellbeing and career development of the workforce.

Chat highlights:

  • Louise talks about her early volunteering experiences in the UK and how this motivated her to advocate for others
  • She describes how her role is focussed on developing and growing the capabilities of mental health nurses and other health professionals
  • She shares different strategies for supporting the wellbeing of staff

Links and resources:

  • Follow Louise on LinkedIn.
  • Find out more about nursing in New Zealand - Occupation Outlook

PLUS, Louise shares her recommendations for great food and drink throughout Aotearoa:

Casita Miro - Waiheke Island

Cafe Brie - Palmerston North

Fidel’s Cafe - Wellington

Black Betty Cafe - Christchurch

Meccasepresso - Invercargill

The Auction House Cafe and Bar - Invercargill

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Who says you can’t love Mondays? Jess Stuart is a coach, author, international speaker and former senior HR Professional who draws upon her experiences to help people to reach their potential.

In this episode, Jess shares how ‘work is a part of life’ and how we can thrive both at home and at work. She talks about burnout and gives tips for how we can grow resilience during challenging times. She also talks about her book ‘I Love Mondays’, providing practical guidance on how to beat the Monday blues.

Chat highlights:

  • Jess talks about how experience of burnout led her to re-evaluate her career direction
  • She shares the idea of ‘slowing down to speed up’, in order to be healthier and more productive at work
  • She also talks about her book ‘I Love Mondays’ and how she drew upon her own, and others experiences to provide practical tips for finding joy in your career

Links and resources:

  • Follow Jess on LinkedIn
  • Check out her fantastic website
  • Get yourself a copy of I Love Mondays

PLUS, Jess shares her recommendation for a great place to find food and coffee in Wellington:

The Larder, Miramar

Neo Cafe & Eatery

Ombra Restaurant

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Devoreaux Walton is a Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager based in Dallas, Texas in the United States. In this episode Devoreaux draws upon her experiences and passion for helping others by sharing why the concept of Cultural Intelligence is so important in the modern workplace. She not only shares how it helps people to better understand each other, she also describes the ways in which employees and employers alike can build this increasingly important skill.

Chat highlights:

  • Devoreaux introduces the concept of Cultural Intelligence and shares why it is important in the modern day workplace
  • She shares how people can increase this skill through effective communication and listening skills
  • She also talks about how Cultural Intelligence can enhance the relationships between people in remote and globally diverse work teams

Links and resources:

  • Follow Devoreaux on LinkedIn.
  • Article - Deloitte Review
  • Article - Harvard Business Review
  • Article - Forbes

PLUS, Devoreaux shares her recommendation for a great place to find food in Dallas, Texas: Chocolate Secrets

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Having grown up in South Auckland, living overseas and working in different industries, Adrian Coysh understands the benefits of embracing diversity.

In this episode, Adrian shares how his personal experiences with the disabled community led him to advocate for fairer practices in the workplace. He also talks about why he created ‘Drink my Coffee’, a social enterprise that creates employment opportunities for disabled New Zealanders.

Chat highlights:

  • Adrian talks about how his upbringing in South Auckland and how this shaped his passion for diversity
  • Drawing upon personal experience, he shares why and how it is important to support disabled people into work
  • Adrian shares the successes of ‘Drink my Coffee’ and how it provides disabled people an opportunity to grow their skills and work experiences

Links and resources:

  • Follow Adrian on LinkedIn.
  • Show your support and buy coffee from the Drink my Coffee website.
  • Watch the video introduction about Drink my Coffee.

PLUS, Adrian shares her recommendation a great restaurant experience too: Jervois Steak House, Ponsonby, Auckland

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Coffee has been a strong influence in Sean Yew’s young career so far. After training as a Barista in Malaysia, he moved to NZ 3 years ago, gaining experience in Auckland’s vibrant cafe scene.

In this episode, Sean talks about the art of coffee making, and what makes New Zealand’s coffee culture so unique. He also talks about how he expresses his creativity through Latte Art, writing articles for the Perfect Daily Grind website, and studying animation.

Links and resources:

  • Follow Sean and his amazing latte art on Instagram: sean_theheartybarista
  • Check out his articles on Perfect Daily Grind.
  • Try the Tasting Tray, Chemex or Aeropress blends at Atomic Cafe (Sean works on the weekends!).

PLUS, Sean shares his recommendation a great cafe experience too:  Atomic Cafe, 420c New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland

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Manuia lou aso fānau. Today is the 21st of September and it’s my dad’s 70th birthday, but due to the current Lockdown in Auckland I am unable to see him in person. It also happens to be World Gratitude Day, so I wanted to take a small moment to say thank you to the most awesome man in my life.

Links and resources:

  • Read my blog post from 2016 where I reflect on my dad turning 65.
  • Read about my dad’s ‘retirement’ and how he’s embracing the new chapter of his life.
  • Learn about World Gratitude Day.

Also, a big shout-out for Hollywood Bakery on 2/100 Pah Road, Royal Oak in Auckland - this is my dad’s favourite coffee and pie haunt!

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Given New Zealand’s return into Lockdown, my thoughts are with job searchers and career explorers during this challenging time. The purpose of this special episode is to feature my friends from the careers industry who will share useful career tips and advice.

My first guest is David Sharples, a Vocational Consultant from Alpha Consultants who shares current job market insights, and also gives tips on how to perform well in online interviews. He will be followed by Cherie Perrow, a Careers Counsellor from KingsWay School who shares tips for parents and guardians on how to best support young people with their career development needs during lockdown.

Chat highlights:

  • David provides an update on the current job market
  • David shares advice on how to best conduct yourself during an online interview
  • Cherie explores how parents/guardians can use the gift of ‘time’ to have career conversations with their children
  • Cherie shares useful questions that can be used in these conversations

Links and resources:

  • Follow David Sharples on LinkedIn.
  • Follow Cherie Perrow on LinkedIn.
  • Learn about the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ).
  • Find useful career resources on the Careers New Zealand website.

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After studying biomedicine and then working in the health, education and corporate sectors, Elina Ashimbayeva realised her destiny was to champion the voice of others. She co-developed the digital platform ‘Storyo’, which shares stories of everyday women and other marginalised genders in Aotearoa.

In this episode, Elina shares how her work experiences provided insight into her preferred strengths. She also discusses how she came to create Storyo, sharing some of the highlights of interviewing over 100 amazing people.

Chat highlights:

  • Elina talks about her studies in biomedical science and how her interests evolved during her early experiences.
  • She shares why she developed Storyo and how it reflected her personal values.
  • She provides highlights from the Storyo platform, including a video focussed on ‘30 Women and Gender Diverse Folks in Tech’.

PLUS, Elina shares her recommendation a great cafe experience too: Frasers Cafe - 434 Mt Eden Road, Auckland

Links and resources:

  • Follow Elina on LinkedIn.
  • Check out the amazing content on the Storyo website.
  • Watch the video introduction about Storyo.
  • Learn about Women in Tech New Zealand.

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Given New Zealand’s recent return into Lockdown, my thoughts are with job searchers and career explorers during this challenging time. The purpose of this special episode is to feature my friends from the careers industry who will share tips on how to look for work during lockdown, how to best use online platforms for research and networking, and also how to make a great first impression.

My first guest is Victoria Swan, a Redeployment Consultant and Career Transition Specialist from Auckland Council. She will be followed by Deb Crossan, a Career Development Consultant from the Unitec Institute of Technology.

Chat highlights:

  • Victoria shares how the job market in NZ is still buoyant
  • Victoria gives tips for networking with employers
  • Deb describes how online career events work and how to make the most of those opportunities
  • Deb shares best practice etiquette for communicating online

Links and resources:

  • Follow Victoria Swan on LinkedIn.
  • Follow Deb Crossan on LinkedIn.
  • Learn about the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ).

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Having grown up idolising The Hulk and Michael Jackson, Ali Cowley spent his youth surrounded by the great forces of creativity. His Samoan father also taught him the craft of drawing and sketching.

After a colourful OE in Australia involving dance performances and working in a Chicken Farm, Ali trained in animation and went on to carve a successful career as an illustrator, film maker, director and art tutor.

In this episode, Ali shares his journey as a Polynesian artist, paying tribute to all the incredible and talented people who have helped him along the way.

Chat highlights:

  • Ali talks about his aiga (family) and Samoan heritage.
  • He shares his early experiences including his involvement in the hip-hop dance scene and his training in animation.
  • He talks about the importance of collaboration, including a chance opportunity to be an animation director for the popular Bro’Town TV series.

Links and resources:

  • Follow Ali on Facebook.
  • Follow Ali on LinkedIn.
  • Watch his celebrated documentary “Meet Munch Jr.”
  • Read Ali’s interview on coconet.tv.

PLUS: Ali shares his recommendations for great food too:

Evelina’s Polynesian Food

Pinati’s Keke Pua’a

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Anna Fleming had an upbringing based on service and being hospitable to others, so her curiosity led her to explore pathways in the helping professions. A chance opportunity in social work, allowed her to grow her skills and eventually led her to retrain in psychotherapy. Now fully qualified, Anna practices as a psychotherapist and actively champions Māori mental health and wellbeing. In this episode, Anna shares highlights from her career journey, as well as her new path as a mum to twin boys.

Chat highlights:

  • Anna talks about her early influences and how how grandparents positively shaped her upbringing
  • She explores how her experiences as a social worker and volunteer phone counsellor lead her to retrain as a psychotherapist.
  • She shares her passion for Māori mental health and explains why psychotherapy has long-term benefits for supporting Māori.

PLUS, Anna shares her recommendations for great food experiences too.

Links and resources:

  • Read Anna’s Master’s Dissertation based on Indigenous Māori perspectives: https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/handle/10292/10510
  • Learn about Waka Oranga
  • Follow Anna’s psychotherapy business: https://www.facebook.com/annaflemingpsychotherapy
  • Follow Anna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annahinehou/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Life-long learning is a key feature of Fiona Timoti-Knowles’ career, with early beginnings as a typist and secretary, working across the globe for Foreign Affairs, to transitioning into the education and community sectors and becoming a career development specialist. In this episode, Fiona shares anecdotes from her career and explores her passion for culturally responsive services.

Chat highlights:

  • Fiona shares her early learning challenges as a child, and how this shaped her mindset.
  • Anecdotes from Fiona’s overseas work experiences, including postings in China, Iran, Vanuatu and New York.
  • Fiona acknowledges the importance of whanau in supporting her career.
  • Exploring the importance of having culturally relevant services.

Links and resources:

  • Keep in touch with Fiona on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-timoti-knowles-profile/
  • Learn about Dress for Success Northland: https://northland.dressforsuccess.org/
  • Fiona recommends the the Butter Factory in Whangarei for great coffee and food: https://thebutterfactory.co.nz/
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Suki Xiao is a career coach with a mission to help people redefine their grind. Having immigrated from China to New Zealand at the age of 12, Suki had initial plans of becoming a finance lawyer upon completing University.

In this episode, we explore how her experiences of working in corporate, policy advisory and agile consulting lead her down the path of becoming a career coach. She also shares her perspective of Imposter Syndrome, its causes, and solutions for busting through this prevailing phenomenon.

Chat highlights:

  • Suki talks about her early work experiences and how she gained the courage to pursue a new path in career coaching and personal development.
  • She shares how an interest in psychology led her to become a Youthline Counsellor and Volunteer.
  • She explores Imposter Syndrome and suggests ways in which people can navigate these experiences through a change in mindset.

PLUS, Suki shares her recommendations for great food experiences too.

Links and resources:

  • Find out about Suki’s business, ‘As You’: https://asyou.org/
  • Follow Suki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukixiao/
  • Learn about Suki’s upcoming events: https://asyou.org/purposecomm
  • Check out her video on overcoming Imposter Syndrome: https://asyou.org/blog/how-to-overcome-the-imposter-syndrome
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Dr Lena Waizenegger is a researcher and academic at AUT University, with a strong interest in connectivity and how individuals and teams interact with technology. Originally from Germany, Lena was a successful snowboarder before changing career pathways. In this episode, we explore Lena’s career transition, her research into how employees experienced working from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and also her current research inspired by ‘Phone Free Friday’.

Chat highlights:

  • Lena talks about her change from a career as an elite sportsperson, to a career in research and academia.
  • Sharing insights from her team’s research into the experiences of people working from home during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Presenting new research looking at the impact of ‘Phone Free Day’ on people’s professional and personal lives.

PLUS, Lena shares her recommendation for a great restaurant in Auckland too.

Links and resources:

  • Find out about Lena’s research: https://academics.aut.ac.nz/lena.waizenegger
  • Follow Lena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenawaizenegger/
  • Learn about Phone Free Day: https://www.phonefreeday.org/
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

John Dorado has enjoyed a career in the helping professions, with experience as registered nurse, trainer, counsellor and career development consultant. He came to New Zealand from the Phillipines 8 years ago, and fell in love with the lifestyle. In this episode, he provides career guidance and tips to students and migrants, and explores the challenges of culture differences in the Kiwi workplace.

Chat highlights:

  • John talks about the transition from working in the Philippines, to working in New Zealand
  • The importance of knowing your ‘why’ and having a strategy when establishing your career in a new country
  • Exploring the challenges of cultural differences in the Kiwi workplace
  • Tips for leaders on how they can best support and guide diverse talent

Links and resources:

  • Keep in touch with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndorado/
  • Learn about John’s work at The University of Auckland: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/student-support/career-development-and-employability-services/about-cdes.html
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Pepe Afeaki is an Auckland-based careers and employability coach who balances work with motherhood, community volunteering, family responsibilities and study. In this episode we have a frank discussion on the trials and tribulations of juggling personal and professional interests, and explore how her natural forte for serving others lead to a passion for career coaching.

Chat highlights:

  • Pepe shares her career journey and how she became a careers coach
  • Describing how ongoing connections are vital for engaging with Maori and Pasifika clients
  • Sharing insights into her side hustle, “Tautua”, a community-based initiative
  • Talking about the challenges mothers face when returning to work, and the importance of building confidence

Links and resources:

  • Pepe’s professional CDANZ profile: https://www.cdanz.org.nz/profiles/afeaki/161/
  • Keep in touch with Pepe on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pepe-afeaki
  • The Community Cafe: https://affirmingworks.org.nz/what-we-do/community-cafe/
  • Tupu’anga Cafe - A Social Enterprise: https://affirmingworks.org.nz/what-we-do/tupuanga-coffee/
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Having excelled in mathematics and science during high school, Matthew Sinclair moved from Auckland to Christchurch to pursue University studies in Engineering. The transition wasn’t as smooth as he expected and Matthew decided that things weren’t aligning to his personal values. In this episode, we explore what brought Matthew back to Auckland and towards a path in computer science and psychology. We also learn about his love of projects, and the formation of the business he started with his brother, ‘Rubber Duck Tutors’.

Chat highlights:

  • Exploring Matthew’s emerging interest in computer science and the pursuit to use technology to better communities
  • Insights into how he nurtured his mental health during challenging times
  • Sharing why the humanities and arts subjects are a great complement to tech
  • Introducing his innovative new business, Rubber Duck Tutors

Links and resources:

  • Headspace (meditation): https://www.headspace.com/
  • Rubber Duck Tutors: https://www.rubberducktutors.com
  • First Table (food deals): https://www.firsttable.co.nz/
  • Sleep book: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Why-We-Sleep-Audiobook/B0785FNKVJ
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

University student Raksha Tiwari arrived in New Zealand from India with her parents at the age of 7, coming with the intention of building a great life. After excelling during her schooling years at Lynfield College, she entered University and discovered how career directions are never predictable.

In this episode we explore how Raksha transitioned into University life and what prompted her to pause and reconsider her options. We also gain insight into an inspiring publication she helped to produce: ‘UofA Women in Law - Outreach magazine’.

Chat highlights:

  • Exploring why Raksha moved from a pathway in medicine, to law and psychology
  • Her learnings around resilience and what she did to cope through times of doubt
  • Sharing why women (in particular those who are unrepresented) should pursue a law career
  • Promoting the first issue of the Outreach magazine

Links and resources:

  • Access the University of Auckland Women in Law Outreach magazine HERE.
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thank you!

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Summary:

With a long line of chefs and hospitality professionals in her family, it would be accidental and inevitable that Karen Coleman would find herself in this dynamic industry too. Karen spent years crafting her skills as a chef, managing a business, and working overseas. In this episode we explore how Karen’s vast experiences in the hospitality industry, as well as her passion for history, culture and innovation have steered her in the direction of becoming a secondary school teacher.

Chat highlights:

  • Exploring the range of skills Karen developed in the hospitality industry
  • Karen’s perspective on food culture in New Zealand
  • Talking about successes and challenges that come with a hospitality career
  • The journey of transitioning into a new pathway

PLUS, Karen shares her recommendations for great cafe and restaurant experiences.

Links and resources:

  • Find out about cheffing careers in New Zealand: Careers NZ website
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Since arriving in New Zealand from Russia over two years ago, Anastasia Timoshkina set out on an adventure to experience a new culture on the other side of the world. She also undertook post-graduate studies to understand how organisations function in Aotearoa. In this episode, we explore how her adventures lead to an unexpected discovery of self and purpose, and eventual work as a Student Experience Coordinator.

Chat highlights:

  • Anastasia shares cultural differences between Russia and New Zealand
  • Talking about how volunteering creates strong communities
  • Discussing self-reflection as a way to gain insight into personal strengths
  • Tips for building connections in a new country

PLUS, Anastasia shares her recommendation for a great coffee and cafe experience.

Links and resources:

  • Connect with Anastasia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiatimoshkina/
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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"There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so." This Shakespearian quote has long resonated with me and it makes me reflect on the importance of maintaining positive wellbeing so we can thrive and be our best selves.

In this episode I talk frankly and openly about the challenges I've faced this year, but also my experiences of depression. I'll also share what I'm doing to get through these uncertain times.

Chat highlights:

  • Exploring how my early experiences impacted on mental health
  • Discussing the unique challenges encountered during lockdown
  • Acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Week and why it's more important than ever
  • Using Te Whare Tapa Whā as a way to describe what I'm doing to tend to my wellbeing

PLUS, I share my latest coffee recommendation!

Links and resources:

  • Take a look at the Mental Health Awareness Week website
  • Learn more about Te Whare Tapa Whā
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Holly Dixon is the Director of Togetherly, a venture devoted to helping people grow strong, deeply-connected relationships. She is also a PhD student at The University of Auckland, currently researching how mindfulness can support more adaptive relationship functioning and better health. In this episode we explore how relationships are the cornerstone of meaningful interactions both at home and in the workplace.

Chat highlights:

  • Discussing how relationships at home and in the workplace are interlinked
  • Holly’s perspective of reflecting on values when making career decisions
  • Exploring the profound impact of mindfulness on her career
  • Sharing the journey of starting her own business, ‘Togetherly’

PLUS, Holly shares her recommendation for a great cafe and restaurant experience.

Links and resources:

  • Take a look at the Togetherly website
  • Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyclairedixon/
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Shailan Patel is passionate about helping students transition from the education sector into meaningful employment. His career has been diverse, having worked in sales and advertising for three of NZ’s largest media companies, and he is now the Education Manager for MYOB nationwide. In this episode we explore his journey from moving from the UK to New Zealand, and the learnings to come over the following decade.

Chat highlights:

  • Sharing how the GFC presented an opportunity to work and live abroad
  • Shailan’s experience of building a new network in New Zealand
  • Talking about the idea of seizing the opportunities you are unlikely to come across twice
  • Exploring why adaptability is essential and integral for navigating the future of work

PLUS, Shalian shares his recommendation for a great meal experience.

Links and resources:

  • Connect with Shailan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shailanpatel/
  • Follow Shailan on Twitter: @ShailanPatel
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Mark Beltran is an HR / Recruitment professional who originally came from the Philippines three years ago. From moving countries, to starting a career in NZ, to dealing with a job redundancy, Mark is grateful for the learning opportunities that come with unexpected change.

Chat highlights:

  • Sharing his journey of transitioning into life in New Zealand
  • The experience of being made redundant during COVID-19
  • Tips and advice for building resilience during challenging times
  • Using his expertise to launch the ‘Work in Progress’ Live Stream channel

PLUS, Mark shares his recommendation for a great cafe experience.

Links and resources:

  • Check our Mark’s Live Stream videos: Click here
  • Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-beltran-76a54685/
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Frances Fuamatu is a Business and Partnerships Relationship Manager with the Tertiary Education Commission. She has extensive experience as a careers specialist in Auckland, providing career guidance to individuals and community groups. With a passion for helping others, we explore how having hope is important during these unprecedented times.

Chat highlights:

  • Sharing why it’s okay to reach out for help
  • Fran’s perspective of supporting the career development of Pasifika peoples
  • Exploring what opportunities exist despite the challenges of COVID-19
  • Contemplating the ‘lifelong’ career

PLUS, Frances shares her recommendation for a great cafe experience.

Links and resources:

  • Careers New Zealand website
  • Connect with Frances on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-f-7a964318/
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Matthew Cutts travelled to Germany in his final year of high school and fell in love with Europe. After securing his first musical theatre role in London, he spent the next 25 years performing in a range of West End shows including Mamma Mia, Starlight Express, Cats and Grease. In this episode we explore his journey into the world of musical theatre, his eventual return back to New Zealand, and the evolution of his career.

Chat highlights:

  • Matthew describes how his love of challenges allowed him to seize opportunities.
  • The challenges of transitioning back to New Zealand after 25 years.
  • His experience of studying at the Tech Futures Lab upon returning to NZ.
  • Exploring the transferable skills learned in musical theatre (and how they relate to Agile).

Links and resources:

  • Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcutts/
  • Take a look at his video “Our Eden Park”: Click here
  • Read his article on the trials and tribulations of working and living at home with your partner during the age of COVID-19: Click here
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Summary:

Lisa Wong is a Product Lead at Crown Equipment Ltd who creates new Robotics products for the materials handling industry. In this episode, we explore how she journeyed into the field of engineering, the challenge of working in a male dominated industry, and the role of science and technology in our changing world of work.

Chat highlights:

  • How Lisa’s fascination of problem-solving lead her to pursue engineering studies
  • Lisa’s perspective of biases in the workplace
  • Why she actively got involved in Women in Tech
  • What an ally is, and why allies are crucial for supporting diversity within an organisation

PLUS, Lisa shares her recommendation for a great cafe experience.

Links and resources:

  • Women in Tech Meetup Auckland
  • Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawongnz/
  • Like Career Coffee Chats on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/careercoffeechats
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website: https://careercoffeechats.com/

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on future career coffee chats.

And, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave me a rating and a review? Thanks!

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Talofa lava, greetings and welcome to Career Coffee Chats!

My name is Andrew Tui and I am the host and creator of this Podcast series.  

Career Coffee Chats is a down-to-earth career and wellbeing podcast for everyday people. Unlike other NZ-based podcasts, Career Coffee Chats features a diverse range of guests sharing their own journeys and insights to help you live an awesome life.  

I am a qualified Career Practitioner with more than ten years’ experience working with a diverse range of clients and communities including; young professionals, school and tertiary students, migrants, career changers, Māori and Pasifika, to the recently unemployed. More often than not, people are unsure who they can talk to, or feel they can’t discuss their career ideas and needs with others. Helping people to thrive is my passion, so creating the Podcast has been a dream of mine.

In this introduction episode, I tell you more about myself and background, as well the motivations for bringing Career Coffee Chats to life.

  • Follow the Facebook page
  • Check out the Career Coffee Chats website
  • Add us on Instagram:  careercoffeechats
  • Follow me on LinkedIn