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
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.
Erica Austin
Community Curator, Photographer and Creative Professional
Christchurch, New Zealand
Erica Austin has never been defined by a single job title. With a background in architecture, she's built a career around bringing people together through community projects, events and photography, proving that your strengths often matter more than your job description.
Jane Guy
Writer, Community Advocate and Founder of Queenstown Life
Queenstown, New Zealand
Jane Guy created Queenstown Life to tell the stories behind one of New Zealand's best-known destinations. Through writing, community work and genuine curiosity, she's built a career that reflects her love of people, place and connection, one story at a time.
Brough Johnson
Film and Television Editor, Founder of Narrative Muse
Auckland, New Zealand
Award-winning film and television editor Brough Johnson has spent her career telling stories from behind the camera. She's also passionate about creating more opportunities for women in the screen industry, where representation matters as much behind the lens as in front of it.
Abbe Hyde
Entrepreneur and Innovation Consultant
Dunedin, New Zealand
Abbe Hyde never imagined becoming an entrepreneur. What began with a university enterprise programme and an exchange semester in the United States eventually led her into the startup world, where she's learnt that curiosity, trust and saying yes can open unexpected doors.
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