Career Conversations
Ideas, stories and practical tools for navigating your career
Career Conversations shares the stories behind remarkable careers. Some women knew exactly where they were headed. Others changed direction entirely. Some founded businesses, others transformed organisations, communities and industries. Every conversation offers a different perspective on work, leadership and finding your own way.
Originally published between 2018 and 2021, these conversations have been lightly edited for readability and updated where possible to reflect where each person is today.
Leadership
Career Change
Confidence
Entrepreneurship
Money
Wellbeing
Women at Work
Creativity
Purpose
STEM
Governance
Communication
Networking
Alice Shopland
Founder, Angel Food
Auckland, New Zealand
Long before plant-based food became mainstream, Alice Shopland founded Angel Food with little more than conviction, curiosity and a willingness to learn. She shares what it takes to build a business around your values, navigate uncertainty and define success on your own terms.
Ivett Lengyel
Media Strategy Lead
New Zealand (originally from Hungary)
After building an award-winning media career in Hungary, Ivett Lengyel made the bold decision to leave it all behind and start again in New Zealand. Her story is a reminder that reinvention isn't about starting from scratch—it's about backing yourself, staying curious and embracing lifelong learning.
Suran Dickson
Leadership and Inclusion Consultant, Flipside Consulting
Christchurch, New Zealand
After founding an anti-bullying charity in the UK and leading it for six years, Suran Dickson returned home to New Zealand with a renewed focus on leadership, inclusion and helping people build healthier, more resilient workplaces and communities.
Monique Surges
Chief Executive, German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce
Auckland, New Zealand
Monique Surges has built an international career spanning Germany and New Zealand. As a leader, mother and advocate for sustainable business, she shares why curiosity, resilience and lifelong learning have shaped every stage of her career, both at home and abroad.
Join the Community
Be the first to hear about new articles, podcast episodes, book updates, events and practical career tools.