PowerUp Podcast returns for Season Six: Full Season Streaming Now

This season kicks off with Brooke Lean, founder of The Virtue, who shares the realities of building a fragrance brand from Taranaki, from moving beyond photography into perfumery, to breaking into a tightly guarded global industry. She speaks candidly about instinct-led decision-making, burnout, backing yourself without traditional credentials, and navigating growth opportunities, including Boots UK, a collaboration with The International SeaKeepers Society, and expansion into Australia.

An honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and building a business on your own terms.

What began as an unexpected opportunity in rural South Taranaki has grown into Salad Brothers, a thriving operation supplying fresh greens to cafés, restaurants, and households across Taranaki and beyond.

Marianne shares how she and her family rebuilt a rundown farm, teaching themselves every part of the business and creating the systems needed to deliver consistent quality. She also reflects on reaching a crossroads, preparing the business for its next chapter, and the lessons that come with building a values-led family operation from the ground up.

Tane and Adrianna, founders of Proof & Stock, share how a garage coffee-roasting experiment grew into one of the most respected coffee brands in Taranaki. What sets their story apart is a deep commitment to people, from the customers they welcome each day to the rangatahi they support through their own barista training programme.

They speak openly about building a values-led business, the importance of connection and confidence in the workplace, and how the lifestyle and sense of belonging in Taranaki have given them the space to grow something truly meaningful.

Episode four of the PowerUp Podcast features Frank and Michelle Lachman, founders of Herbi, a Taranaki-grown business redefining how people grow healthier plants.

They share their ten-year journey from passion project to commercial success, including leaving secure jobs, building a product from first principles, and scaling a science-backed idea from Taranaki to Europe. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about obsession, resilience, regenerative thinking, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a viable business.

A must-listen for founders building purpose-led products, and anyone curious about the intersection of science, sustainability, and growth.

This episode of the PowerUp Podcast explores the people, values, and decisions behind Shining Peak, an award-winning brewery that has become a cornerstone of the hospitality scene since opening in Taranaki in 2019.

Co-founders Jesse and AJ share how two very different journeys led to a shared vision, from Jesse’s roots in Inglewood and path into brewing, to AJ’s move from Mumbai to Taranaki as a student at the Pacific International Hotel Management School in Taranaki, and the foundations that shaped his career. Together, they reflect on the evolution of Shining Peak, the values behind its growth, and the thinking behind the 5% Project, which directs a portion of revenue back into local charities.

A candid conversation about partnership, purpose, and creating places where people feel welcome and part of something bigger.

The final episode of Season Six of the PowerUp Podcast features Michael Mansvelt, an award-winning landscape and interior designer, published author, and founder of Michael Mansvelt Design and Jungle Nurseries in New Plymouth.

With more than two decades in the industry, Michael reflects on his journey from working overseas and appearing on New Zealand television to building one of the country’s most recognisable design practices. He shares his approach to creating immersive, nature-led spaces, the evolution of his studio and nursery, and the thinking behind his philosophy of everyday opulence, finding beauty and wellbeing in design that is both accessible and sustainable.

A thoughtful conversation about creativity, longevity, and building a values-led business that shapes how people live and feel.