Career Conversations

Ideas, stories and practical tools for navigating your career

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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.‍ ‍

All Founders & Entrepreneurs Leadership Creative Careers Reinvention

Leadership

Career Change

Confidence

Entrepreneurship

Money

Wellbeing

Women at Work

Creativity

Purpose

STEM

Governance

Communication

Networking

Work, Reinvention Melissa Davies Work, Reinvention Melissa Davies

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.

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Life, Leadership Melissa Davies Life, Leadership Melissa Davies

Sharee Harper

General Manager, Swazi

Levin, New Zealand

As General Manager of Swazi and a single mum of two, Sharee Harper knows that leadership isn't just about running a business. It's about resilience, communication and creating a working life where family and career can genuinely thrive together.

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Life, Creative Careers Melissa Davies Life, Creative Careers Melissa Davies

Kirsty Sailsbury

Life Coach, Speaker and Podcast Host

New Zealand

Kirsty Sailsbury transformed her own experiences into a career helping others build confidence and create lives they love. Her story is a reminder that some of our greatest challenges become the foundation for our greatest contribution, however unexpected the path there.

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Work, Founders & Entrepreneurs Melissa Davies Work, Founders & Entrepreneurs Melissa Davies

Rawinia Rimene

Founder, Girl Native

Ōpōtiki, New Zealand

Rawinia Rimene's journey hasn't been straightforward. A high school dropout and young mum, she transformed her life to build Girl Native, a skincare and makeup brand grounded in confidence, culture and entrepreneurship. Her story is one of resilience and refusing to let your past define your future.

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