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
Alexia Hilbertidou
Founder and CEO, GirlBoss New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Alexia Hilbertidou was just 16 when she founded GirlBoss New Zealand. Driven by a desire to see more young women in STEM, business and leadership, she's built a movement that encourages girls to think bigger, challenge expectations and create opportunities for themselves and others.
Melissa Gollan
Founder, RIP Global
Wellington, New Zealand
Melissa Gollan didn't expect her career to take the path it did. After working towards a future in policing, an unexpected life event forced her to rethink everything. Today, she's the founder of fintech company RIP Global, championing women in business and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anya Satyanand
Executive Director, Ember Innovations
New Zealand
Anya Satyanand didn't leave school knowing exactly what she wanted to do. A gap year, a teaching career and time overseas eventually led her into leadership, where she's focused on helping young people realise their potential and create opportunities for themselves.
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.
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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