25 years in the metal recycling game and still learning and growing...

I learnt from the best and worked my way up from yard labourer to Executive Director of Trading and Operations for the largest metal recycler in sub-Saharan Africa. Responsible for 4,500 employees, 85 sites, and the overall profitability of a multi-billion dollar operation.

Brought my breadth and depth of knowledge to bear and co-founded the fastest growing, most-loved, and most awarded metal recycling company in New Zealand. No small feat in a country where people are outnumbered 4:1 by sheep (spoiler alert: sheep don’t produce much metal).

I thought it was time that tech worked for our industry, so I took all of my experience as an operator and trader and leveraged that to build THE killer scrap app, Buddy. Thats right - built for scrappies, by scrappies.

Father of two crazy-awesome boys. Husband to Lisa. Under 10 football coach. YPO member. Lifelong learner. Mentee. Mentor. Chief dog walker. Committed Stoic. Undefeated dance-off champion.

PS - if you are a scrap metal exporter looking to up your game, tune into my podcast Born Scrappy https://tinyurl.com/BornScrappy

PPS - if you’re looking to make better trades with less effort, check out the industry’s first and only relationship-led marketplace, Buddy www.tradebuddy.io

Stuart Kagan

The global top 100 most Inspiring Recyclers was released today.

A massive thank you to Recycling International and Martijn Reintjes for putting me in the top 10.

A huge congrats to both my friends Paul Coyte and Bhavna Razdan for being named 1 and 2.

Everyone on the list is awesome and doing incredible things.

It's an absolute honor to be in such great company.

There are so many people doing great things.

Anyone you think is missing this year?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #Top100

The best life hack I ever found, was marrying someone way out of my league.

13 years I’ve now been married to this absolute legend.

People often think we’re crazy working together.

But we love building cool things with each other.

Of course there are going to be hard times.

But we work our way through them.

Because we have the same goal.

To help our boys become men.

And to grow old together.


Thanks Lisa Elly Kagan (Zaidel) for eventually giving-in and marying me!


To celebrate we spent the night on the town and this was the only picture I got 🤦

#Anniversary #ScrapCouple #Entrepreneurship

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Does your company answer the phone?

It’s accepted in our industry to miss calls.

“We’re so busy, we can’t be expected to answer every call.”

I’ve been told this so many times, it’s crazy.

Then why spend any money on marketing.

Landing a customer starts with awareness. 

Companies pay a lot on advertising for this.

But once they know about you, what next?

Obviously they call you and you answer. 

They may call for:

💰 Prices
🚛 Transport
⏰ Open times

If you miss a call you lose a customer.

In NZ we phoned every scrap yard.

None of them answered the phone. 

We knew how to have an edge.

Answer the damn phone.

It’s really that easy.

So why don’t you answer every calls?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #MissedCalls

If metals were people.

This is who they’d be.

After years working with metal.

I’ve started to see them as personalities.

So I tried something different.

I imagined what each grade would look like - as a person.

And here’s what came out 👇

Swipe through the 6 images and tell me:

Which one feels most accurate?

Or which one did i get wrong?

Drop your thoughts below! 👇

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #MetalPersonalitiesyt

He’s been bitten by the bug. 

And we all know what that means.

He’s here to stay.

Chase Wymore joined Buddy a few months ago.

And is now visiting yards to get more involved.

Even in tech, the scrap metal bug will get ya.

I always warned everyone that joins us. 

Be careful… you may never leave.

It’s a real thing, that’s for sure.


Why is this a thing in our industry? 

How long fo you think it takes for someone to be hooked?


#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #ScrapForLife

Do you know what Tall Poppy Syndrome is?

Because there's a chance you may have it.

It's when you hope successful people fail.

It's not wanting anyone to be successful.

Everyone to be the same level as you.

Next time someone is celebrating.

Check how it makes you feel.

Are you happy for them.

Or you hope they fail.


When I see someone doing great things.

My immediate response is YES MAN!

Do you think there is only 1 winner?

We can literally all win in this life!

Celebrate others more often.

Do you cheer or jeer?

#Entrepreneurship #CelebrateOthers #TallPoppySyndrome

Before we started building Buddy.

Lisa Elly Kagan (Zaidel) spoke to 150 scrap metal recyclers.

This is not so easy to do.

It takes serious commit.

The findings were vital.

Here's what they said:

🤝  Relationships are everything
📩  There are way too many emails
🤨 Trust is hard earned on both sides
⌛  It takes too long to vet new buyers
🤑  Everybody wants more for their metal

Before these calls we didn't know what we were building.

Afterwards we knew exactly what the industry needed.

Even though I've been doing this for over 27 years.

Hearing it from everyone else was validating.

And it was the beginning of this journey.

To help operators out there.

Make more money.

And save time.

Safely!

Do you speak others before starting a project?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #Buddy

Recycling metal before it was cool!

Entrepreneurs before it was sexy!

It started with the Grubbers.

Immigrants that needed to make money.

They found their opportunity in metal.

Finding old “junk” scrap to remove.

This was not an easy days work.

They worked harder than most.

And slowly but surely grew.

They started with nothing.

Grew into Billions.


These guys were real entrepreneurs.

Hustling just to make ends meet. 

Grinding to make an impact.

And boy did they ever!

Anyone made a bigger impact? 

#Entrepreneurship #MetalRecycling

Pick your favourite cap.

At Buddy we love our merch.

Looking back at this incredible year.

Which of these caps was your favourite?  

Please comment the “name” of the cap you like the most. 

2026 is going to have even better merch. 

With your help, you’ll get what you want.

If you have pics of your Buddy cap in the wild, please add to the comments too.

#MetalRecycling #StayScrappy #MetalAF

Cash is king, they say!

In scrap metal recycling it’s more important than that.

We pay for the metal as we receive it.

We sort, process and load the metal.

For best prices we wait for payment.

Average cash turn is +- 45 days.

We can take the lower prices.

And get paid on packing. 

But in order to compete.

We need top prices.

So without cash.

No growth.


Trade finance is the best way to grow.

By borrowing against invoices.

You get money in fast.

And top prices.

But it’s risky.


Anyone else know a better way to manage this cash flow situation?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #TradeFinance

I’ve been working on something quietly.

For a few months now.


Scrap’s always been tough.

And the pressure stacks quickly.
No space between the hits.
Little time to recover.

In our world, resilience is everything.
It’s not about just bouncing back.
It’s about expecting the punch.
And planning accordingly.

That’s what Balls of Steel is about.

It’s not about me.
It’s about a new kind of resilience.

One that helps reduce surprises.
Make much sharper decisions.
And survive the next cycle.

The book is nearly done.
Now I need your help:
Which cover do you like best?

 1 or 2?

PS: See full blurb in the comments.

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #BallsOfSteel

The yard of the future.

Fiction or an impending reality?

I had a very quick play with Gemini today.

Asked it to create a futuristic scrap yard.

Its interesting that you see no people.

Except maybe in the control centre.

Years ago I would've said fiction.

Now I totally believe its coming.

Maybe not in the next decade.

But it'll get there I believe.

What do you think?

Fiction or reality?

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #FutureOfRecycling

Are tariffs good or bad for the metal recycling industry?

George Adams got up at the BIR - Bureau of International Recycling and made a great argument for why they are great for the USA.

Its real hard to to get everyone to agree in general, I get it.

When it comes to tariffs it seems a lot don't like them.

They made sense to me as I can see the benefit.

However, export controls I see how they can be terrible.

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” — Margaret Fuller

So I would love to hear if you think they're good or bad and why?

Any actual impacts on you would be great too.

#Tariffs #MetalRecycling #KnowledgeShare

Buddy Lego Masters - Scrapyard Edition!

A few weeks ago we surprised the team with 2 Lego sets at their door.

We met online from different parts of the world.

We all raced to build the metal yard together.

Then we threw a curveball for the team.

Everyone opened their 2nd Lego set.

The challenge:

They had a week to create a scrap metal recycling scene using both sets.

Here’s what the other sets were:

🪄 Harry Potter
🛸 Star Wars
❄️ Frozen 
🧱 Minecraft

Extra points were given for the best images.

These were all physical builds presented.

Obviously some used AI for the images.

See the teams images below.

Which is your best? 

#MetalRecycling #ScrapMetal #LegoScrapYard

Buddy Lego Masters - Scrap yard edition 

If there's 1 thing I've instilled in my kids it's this!

Always be the hardest working person out there.

Whether they're on the field or in a classroom.

Its out of their control to always be the best.

But effort is 100% in everyone's control.

It may not get you noticed right away.

But its not about being #1 today.

It's about finishing on top!

Hustle wins every time!

If you weren't watching the game on Sunday.

This clip is from the end of the Eagles vs Cowboys game

Score was tied 24-24. Eagles had been up 21-0 in 2nd quarter.

This tackle won the Cowboys the game!

I was screaming at my kids... 

"Look at Clark never giving up! He just won the Cowboys the game!"

#Hustle #Entrepreneurship #NeverGiveUp

Hi, I’m Rochelle.

Beginner skier, Ta-Da List conqueror, marriage celebrant, and diver. My journey has been full of life shifts, including two divorces, that taught me one thing. Sort your own life out first. You can’t control what others do, but you can own your brilliance, focus on your own challenges, and show up for yourself.

In '23, I launched Tickled Pink | Personal Brand Agency to help people in business show up bold, build branded reputations that open doors, and become bankable forces in their industries.

As Jackson H. Brown Jr. said, “Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” I help women step onto that floor with confidence, connection, and a brand that turns heads, and profits.

I’ve spent years turning challenges into opportunities. 

My background in influencer marketing includes driving $4M+ in brand deals, managing top NZ talent, and shaping the careers of leaders like Kimberley Crossman. 

I’ve seen firsthand how a strong personal brand isn’t just a visibility tool, it’s a profitable strategy that opens doors, attracts opportunities, and builds businesses.

I’m also the founder of Sip + Share, kick-arse networking events for women. At these events, I put an ambitious, high-achieving woman in the hot seat & ask the Qs everyone wants answered. 

We’ve been hosted by Google NZ and welcomed speakers like Anna Mowbray (ZEIL), Jessica Farrow (TikTok), and Caroline Rainsford (Google).

The audience? Ambitious women from Deloitte, EY, business owners, career professionals, and emerging leaders. These are generational events, where women at every stage of their journey come together to connect, grow, and inspire each other.

These events are about teaching a new kind of bravery. The courage to extend a hand, open doors, and normalise asking for help.

Family is my heartbeat. My soulmate, 6 amazing kids (3 mine, 3 his), and a close-knit crew of family and friends. 

I’m passionate about building confidence, creating connections, and inspiring action.

If you’re ready to be the change, stop waiting and step onto the dance floor, let’s connect and chat.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
+ 2025 Revved Business + Leadership Summit (Creator, Speaker)
+ 2018 + 19 Finalist for Social Media Marketer of the Year - Australasian Social Media Marketing Awards
+ 2018 Commercial Communications Council Committee Member 
+ 2018 Best Speaker Femmepire (450pax) 
+ 2015 Westpac Millennial Women of Influence 
+ 2015 / 16 / 17 SMCAKL Committee Member 
+ 2015 / 16 / 18 NZDM Marketing Awards judge
+ 2016 Outreach Marketing Summit speaker


Rochelle Moffitt

A pattern I see again and again in people who actually make things happen…

They’re a little bit unreasonable.

Not arrogant, just willing to back themselves before they have all the answers.

They move while everyone else is still building the argument for why it won’t work.

Half the time they get it wrong.
But the other half?
That’s where their entire life changes.

I’ve rebuilt my life, my businesses, and my confidence more than once, not because I waited for certainty, but because I acted with unreasonable optimism about what I could figure out along the way.

Reasonable people don’t build extraordinary lives.

Courageous, slightly-delusional, wildly-determined people do.

If you’re waiting for permission, logic, or a guarantee… you’ll be waiting a long time.

Back yourself. 
Move. 
Adjust. 
Repeat.

That’s where the magic is! 




📸 Revved. 2025 when we lit the SkyTower up in our brand colours… one very cool magical moment.

I help people make their name their greatest asset and use it to change their life. Making ambitious leaders, creators, and thinkers unforgettable. Connector. Culture Changer. Creator of Bankable Personal Brands.

Put yourself in rooms where people are doing cool sh*t, and cheering on others doing cool sh*t.

Last Thursday, I was at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards thanks to Nicola Taylor and Josh Taylor from Tax Traders and Taxi.

We celebrated some of NZ’s finest...

>> Alliv Samson and Hengjie Wang from Kami taking home the grand prize. Kami is a platform that turns static classroom materials into interactive, accessible learning resources. Kami now supports 40 million users across 180 countries and is used in 92% of schools in the United States.

>> Kate Gatfield-Jeffries recognised as a finalist for her business Moodi.

>> Mike Casey was acknowledged for the important work he’s driving with his Cherry Farm and Electify Aotearoa. 

And I learnt about incredible NZ companies I didn’t even know existed.

Chris Benham, The Village Goldsmiths, Floeting Diamond.
Now on my “smash my targets and buy me one” list.

Instead of pressure or prongs, the design supports diamonds from below with advanced materials and precision micro-engineering. A diamond that appears to float, with light hitting it from every angle.

The Floeting Diamond now sits at the centre of a global licensing and manufacturing business, featured in more than 50 countries, and part of Tiffany & Co.’s global collection designed by Pharrell Williams. They’re also working with other global luxury names, including LVMH.

Taurus Taurima, Topline Contracting.
Taurus is reshaping the future of civil engineering.
Plus, he's built career pathways for young, disadvantaged workers through the Topline Training Academy, giving people technical skills, life tools, cultural connection and financial literacy.


Seeing friends’ companies Nicola, Josh - Tax Traders, Wendy Thompson, Melanie Spencer, Thompson Spencer sponsoring the awards was wonderful. I'm all for contribution that lifts the whole ecosystem.

I thanked Christopher Luxon, NZ Prime Minister, for his video for Revved. and talked 2026 with him.

I spent time with Desley Simpson, Deputy Mayor of Auckland, talking about Auckland, business and babies (my sister is about to become a mum).

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. I believe...

New Zealand’s greatest advantage is our bold minds in close proximity.
When leaders collide, connect and act, solutions spark, problems get solved, and energy flows into people, business and community.

And if you ask me what an entrepreneur really is?
Someone who sees what could be, takes the step, and builds something that lifts others as they climb.

“Entrepreneurs are the engine of the country” - Christopher Luxon 

Go to the event.
Show up.
Celebrate.

We have incredible Kiwis doing epic sh*t that is impressive globally.

We have the opportunity to play big, make a mighty positive impact on NZ and Kiwi’s, and standing in that room made me feel like I’m only just beginning… and ready to 100x my thinking and keep turning up in rooms with legends!

EY New Zealand | Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025

You never really know who’s watching, in real life or online.

Sometimes it’s a colleague, a friend, your kids, or someone you haven’t spoken to in years. Sometimes it’s a stranger. 

But what I know is that people notice effort. 

They notice courage. 
They notice when you back yourself, even quietly.

I’ve been running on and off for a while, thinking about being more consistent. Seeing Patrice Green, CA, MInstD and Steven Zinsli 💳 talk about their running journeys this past week gave me the final nudge I needed. They inspired me, simply because they were doing the work.

So I’ve booked a half marathon for March.

This morning I told my son something I wish more adults understood…

If you do the hard work now, you create an easier life later.

If you choose the easy road now, life becomes ten times harder later.
Whether it’s health, career, effort, confidence, or achievement, it all compounds.

And that’s why showing up matters.

What you do, how you live, the choices you make in private and the ones you share publicly, they all have a ripple effect. 

Not because you’re trying to impress anyone, but because your actions carry energy. People feel it.

So do the damn thing.
Go after the goal.
Take the first step.
Or the next step.
Because you’ll be damn proud of yourself and somewhere,  in your home, in your circle, on someone’s feed, your courage is giving someone else permission to find their own.

Self-belief pays the highest dividends.

Back yourself with conviction and watch everything shift.

When you stop hesitating, the world stops doubting.

Decide you’re done playing small.

Choose yourself. 
Move. 
Create.
Build.
Act.

The return on that decision is unmatched.

I was meant to go dry for a year staring November with Dr Louise Schofield and joining Kristina Karlsson (who has already nearly done a year) but… I didn’t really commit.

I had good intentions, but November was full of excuses like… events, catch-ups, work, life, and all the usual noise that makes it easy to say “I’ll start tomorrow.” 

I’m not beating myself up about it, we’ve all had those moments where we quietly let something slide, but I am being honest with myself about it. 

So here we are, 1st December, and I’m drawing a cleaner line for myself. 

Dry December. 

Not because I need to prove anything or because something dramatic happened, but simply because I want to finish the year feeling more aligned with the life I’m working hard to build. 

And it’s got me thinking about the bigger picture. We spend so much energy planning what we want to do next year…

New goals, new routines, new habits, but maybe the more powerful question is actually…

What do we need to stop doing? 

What’s the thing that’s been slowly chewing away at our energy, our confidence, our clarity, or our health? 

What’s the thing that doesn’t feel like “a big deal,” but if we were really honest, we’d acknowledge that it’s holding us back just enough to matter?

For me, right now, it’s alcohol. 

For you, it might be something completely different. Overcommitting. Doubting yourself. Saying yes when you want to say no. Carrying a story from last year that doesn’t deserve a place in the next one.

So as we head into the final month of the year, I’m curious, if you were going to leave one thing behind in 2025 to make more room for who you want to become in 2026, what would it be?

“You’ve got this” is encouragement.
“F**k it” is activation.

One boosts your mood.
The other builds your momentum.

“You’ve got this” relies on confidence.
“F**k it” relies on commitment, and commitment is what turns ideas into assets.

What I’ve noticed is that most people wait to feel “ready”.

Successful people move before the certainty arrives.

They take the meeting.
Start the project.
Make the ask.
Back themselves.

The one thing the are centian of is giving it ago, learning and taking action. 

Not because they’re fearless, but because momentum compounds, and hesitation costs.

So if you’re stuck between thinking and doing, skip the pep talk.

Say “f**k it.”
Take the step and get dancing.
Build the asset.

And listen to the song Jump. I’ve put the link in the comments for you. It’s a banger.

If you stop wasting time, you can do a tremendous amount.

Your results are not waiting for more motivation.

They are waiting for fewer excuses.

Time is the only thing you cannot print.

So stop acting like you have endless pages.

Start doing the reps and living a life that you adore!

These 4 quotes changed my life…they might just change yours.  
.1.
“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul. Instead of waiting for someone to bring your flowers.” 

From Veronica A. Shoffstall’s poem. I printed this poem out when I was about 18 and kept it in my wallet for decades. 

 .2. Mind your own monkey! 

This was a game changer, a mantra for my life and I suggest it becomes one for you. Stop worrying about other people’s BS, start working about your own monkeys and own life. Next time you start to get caught up in something or getting distracted with drama, ask yourself if it is your monkey, and even then, is this my immediate monkey? Most of the time, time can change the potential monkey! 


.3. “Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor.” - Jackson H. Brown Jnr. 

This  speaks to me, right to my core. Stop waiting, start doing, get dancing! If you’re not, someone else is. 


.4.
Don’t look back darling, you’re not going that way. 

I picture myself in a pink Cadillac, wind in my hair and driving down my own highway! I often think of the part in the lion king where the monkey hits Simba and basically says “it doesn’t matter, it was in the past”….give it a watch! I am not going to spend time worrying about my past, but I am going to learn from it.?! 



Do you have a life changing quote you want to share with me? Comment away. 


✍️ by me 2 years ago, designing my life at a retreat led by Sarah A. Pirie-Nally and Kristina Karlsson . Featuring me in said pink Cadillac.

Are you caring or carrying? 

Caring about people is not the same as carrying people.

Caring strengthens people. 
Carrying weakens them.

Caring builds capacity. 
Carrying removes it.

Caring calls people forward. 
Carrying holds them back.

At some point, we must all understand that when you carry someone, you takeaway a learning opportunity for them, or enable them! 

You can even block the very growth you claim to want for them. 

You take on a weight that was never meant to be yours. 

You call it kindness, but it often becomes exhaustion. 

And the person you carry learns to rely on your effort instead of their own.

Real care requires respect.
Real care requires boundaries.
Real care requires the courage to say, “I believe you can.”

And the other side…

Do not expect to be carried.

Not by partners.
Not by teams.
Not by leaders.
Not by life.

Your progress is your responsibility.
Your strength is your work.
Your potential is yours to claim.

Care for people, yes.
Stand with people, absolutely.
However let every person carry their own weight, including you.

Let me ask you a question I've had to ask myself more than once...

Are you building a life you want, or are you just maintaining the one you have?

There's a huge difference.

One is about active creation. 
The other is about passive acceptance.

One leads to growth. 
The other leads to stagnation.

One is brave. 
The other is comfortable.

Which one are you doing today?






As Jim Rohn says "Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change".

The conversation about personal branding is often emotional…

However the results are not.

Here are the facts driving the next era of influence on LinkedIn and beyond…

1. Decision-makers now trust individuals more than companies.

LinkedIn’s B2B Institute reports that 78% of buyers prefer to engage with a person, not a logo.

This changes how sales, partnerships, and leadership visibility work.


2. Personal profiles outperform company pages by a wide margin. 

Content from individuals receives 561% more reach than the same content posted from company pages.

People love people.


3. Leaders with a recognisable personal brand generate more deal flow.

Research across B2B categories shows a 45% increase in inbound opportunities for leaders with consistent, credible online presence.


4. Short-form video accelerates trust faster than any other format.

LinkedIn’s upcoming “video era” rollout is prioritising educational short form video.

Creators using this format are seeing 4–8x faster audience growth. 

(Apparently….I’m still on the fence, however if we go with the facts!)


5. Proof-based content converts the best.

The new algorithm weights tactical, practical, results-led content up to 80% higher than inspiration or opinion pieces.

Screenshots, frameworks, metrics, before/after evidence, this is where authority is built.



4 practical actions to build a bankable brand in 2026

1. Define one problem you solve.

Profiles with specific, problem-led headlines attract 3.5x more profile views and clearer opportunities.


2. Document your work publicly.

Proof-based posts. Results, processes, breakdowns, now outperform broad storytelling.

Your expertise becomes searchable and scalable.


3. Build content pillars instead of posting at random.

High-performing creators operate with 3–5 recurring themes, making their brand memorable and predictable in the best way.

They don’t do hit and hope or pray and spray, they have a message to deliver and learnings to share! 


4. Engage with intention.

Thoughtful comments increase profile visibility by 30–60% and speed up network expansion.

Don’t post and ghost! If someone takes the time to comment on your content then reply. Take the time to build a relationship.



Why this matters…

Markets are crowded.
Attention is fragmented.
Trust is the new currency, and trust is built through visible, credible, consistent personal brands.

A strong personal brand is not a vanity metric.

There is a fine line between self-promotion and thought leadership, and that line is INTENTION! 

It is a commercial asset that compounds…

Opportunity flow.
Deal velocity.
Career mobility.
Reputation equity.
Partnership access.
Speaking invitations.
Leadership influence.

The data is clear, those who build their brand deliberately are simply outperforming those who do not.

And as I always say “opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor” - Jackson H. Brown Jnr

“I walked out feeling like I’d just plugged myself into a power socket.”

That’s how Tash Fernandez described the Bankable Brand Workshop, and honestly, it’s the perfect summary.

Most people know exactly where they are…and exactly where they want to be.

The gap in the middle? That’s the bridge. And this workshop builds it.

My last Personal Brand Workshop for the year is in Auckland next week, and I have 5 spaces left, 1 of which I am giving away.

If you’re ready to make your name your greatest asset, this is your moment.
I did it myself (only 27 months ago) and I’ve helped ambitious leaders do the same.

BANKABLE BRAND WORKSHOP
🗓 Wed 26 Nov | 10am–4pm | Mission Bay, Auckland
💸 $1,600 + gst
👥 Limited to 10 people
🍽 Catering + workbook included
For men and women!

This is not a social media course, it’s a full reset of how you show up, speak about yourself, and get seen for your value.

You’ll walk away with:
✔ Your BANKABLE Brand Strategy
✔ A powerful mindset shift
✔ A clear message
✔ A LinkedIn profile that positions you properly
✔ Direction, confidence, and momentum
If you want to move from invisible to influential, this is the bridge.

Ready to become bankable?  Secure your space by getting a ticket (link in Eventbrite) or take a chance at winning by tagging yourself or a friend that needs a bit of my magic in their life. 

Winner drawn Monday, 24th November at 2 pm.

Last week, I sent 10 women a letter they had written to themselves a year ago. 

They wrote those letters to their future selves on 5 December 2024, at a personal branding workshop where they arrived with questions, hopes, and a quiet sense that they were meant for more, even if they couldn’t yet articulate what “more” looked like.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve watched each of them grow into the woman they wrote about that day (not that I read their letters but because I have seen the growth IRL). 

Life didn't magically fall into place, but they made one decision that changed everything... 

They chose to back themselves. 

They walked into that workshop to learn about personal branding and walked out with a completely different sense of identity, clarity, and purpose. 

They stopped waiting for confidence to arrive and built it through action, visibility, and a willingness to stop hiding in the comfortable corners of their lives.

I’ve seen them show up more boldly, share their stories with conviction, step into opportunities they once questioned they were “ready” for, and use their voice in ways that shifted how others saw them, but even more importantly, how they saw themselves. 

That’s the part people underestimate. 

A personal brand isn’t a logo or a feed aesthetic, it’s the internal moment where you decide you are worthy of being seen, heard, and remembered. That moment is the catalyst, and the strategy simply follows it.

We are heading into a new year, and for many people, the conversation becomes about goals, resolutions, or plans they hope will spark change. 

If there’s one thing I know with absolute certainty, it’s that nothing changes until you decide to step into the version of yourself you keep imagining. 

You can design 2026 with intention, but only if you give yourself the space to ask the real questions... 
How do you want to live your life? 
What brings you joy and happiness? 
How are you going to prioritise that? 
What do you want to be known for? 
How do you want to show up?
What opportunities are you capable of creating when you stop playing small simply because it feels familiar?

If you’re ready to set the tone for next year with intention, clarity, and a brand that finally reflects your value, next Wednesday is the final opportunity to join me in a room where these shifts happen. 

It’s a full-day personal brand workshop designed to recalibrate how you show up in the world so that your reputation, presence, and message start working as hard as you do.

Personal Brand Workshop, 10 December
10.30am - 5pm, Auckland
Limited to 10 participants

If you’re ready to walk into 2026 with direction and a brand that opens doors long before you arrive, all details are via the link in the comments. 


If I can do it for me, I can show you how to do it for you. I only started Tickled Pink 2 years ago, and I worked out very quickly that the way to build the life that I adore and a business that I love was to "put myself out there"!

No one is just out there looking for you. 

You have to give them something to find.

Just launched... this is your invitation to join us. 

International Women's Day is more than just a date on the calendar for me. It's a powerful checkpoint to check (funny that) if we are truly moving the needle for women's power, performance, and potential?

For IWD 2026, I wanted to go beyond the usual and create a space where action isn't just discussed, but ignited. 

So, with the help of Amber Taylor we've curated a theme and brought together three incredible action-takers and change-makers who are not just talking about the future, but actively building it.

This year, for our third annual International Women’s Day lunch at Azabu, we're gathering 120 women for...

Power, Performance, and Potential: Stories, Spaces & Capital for Women to Thrive

Why women's leadership, entrepreneurship and wellbeing are good for everyone, and how we back that voice.

I'm thrilled to host three women who embody this spirit, each bringing a unique and vital perspective:

Representation - Stories with Madison Malone
Who tells the story shapes what we believe is possible. We'll explore how to ensure women's narratives are heard and amplified, challenging the status quo where, "Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter."

Participation & Confidence - Spaces with Amber Taylor
If 52% of women worry about being judged when they move their bodies, and over 40% don't even start because of it - what does that say about the spaces we've built? We'll dive into creating environments where women can thrive, physically and mentally.

Power & Capital - Business & Leadership with Anna Mowbray
Women-led businesses often outperform, yet still receive a fraction of funding and top roles. We'll unpack what it means to architect billion-dollar organisations, back new ventures, and use business as a force for good.

This lunch is designed for impact. We'll hear from each speaker (20 minutes each), engage in Q+A, and share lunch together.

No designated seating. Come with a friend, or come on your own and share a table with women you haven't met yet. You never know who you might collide with, what idea you might leave with, or what movement might quietly start from a single lunch.

Come join us and be part of the change. Secure your seat by purchasing a ticket. I've put the link in the comments. 

We look forward to spending and celebrating the day together, and building a community ready to turn conversation into action.


Brought to you with the support of Revved., ZEIL and Les Mills New Zealand.


#iwd2026 #iwd26 #internationalwomensday

Most people think the hardest part of growth is the work.

It is not.

The hardest part is seeing yourself as someone worth growing into.

This time last year, Manu came to one of my workshops. She knew she was capable of more and could not quite access it on her own yet.

What happened for her over the next twelve months was not luck, not a perfect plan, and not even the goals she wrote down.

It was that she put herself in an environment that demanded she meet a bigger version of herself.

When she shared her reflection this week, the thing that hit me wasn’t her new role, her progress, her clarity (although I freaking love that for her)…

it was the realisation that most people underestimate what can happen when they simply give themselves permission to step out of who they have been.

You are not missing potential.
You are missing the space, language and perspective that help you recognise it.

That is all Manu did.

She walked into a room that allowed her to meet the version of herself she wanted to be.

And if you are reading this thinking, maybe I am circling something too…you probably are.

The next level comes from choosing to be in the right rooms, around the right mirrors, doing the work that lets you finally recognise the person you have been trying to become.



Keeps shining Manu, you are making waves.

General Manager | Finance & Operations Leader | Also crafting a Business Tool … Because Why Not?

Exactly one year ago I attended a Tickled Pink branding workshop with Rochelle Moffitt.

At the time this was a total game changer for me. I moved from desperately trying to promote a company to working on my very own personal branding.

At the end of the workshop we were asked to write a letter to ourselves, complimenting what we have achieved on the exact day one year later, manifesting our goals. That letter would be sent to us on that day.

The letter arrived and OMG it is so not what happened but still exactly what happened. It seems like the universe gave me exactly what I wished for but in a very different way than I had anticipated 😯.

It started with:
"Hi Manu!
Congratulations!"
...
The first two goals did not happen.  And I am actually so grateful. Reading them now I realise my heart was not fully in them, so thanks universe, I get it 😂.

But then came the part that gave me goosebumps. Every other thing I had congratulated myself for has happened. Not through what I have built this year, but through stepping into my new role at Astute Access, where I have just started as GM only a few days earlier.

One was:
"Isn't it good to work with a great team again and have support with admin and marketing tasks.
You did so well! Great work Manu."

There is a lot more that happened around my personal life but in a very different way, and it was actually a bit spooky reading it out loud to hubby.

Thanks so much Rochelle, this is so amazing💖. 

I will keep the letter and actually write another one now every year to myself.

A small reminder how much magic can happen when you back yourself. 💗✨

I’m a firestarter… not really, unless it’s me helping you start a fire in your soul to believe in yourself and create a life you freaking adore…

Anyway back to the point. 

The Prodigy was the first concert I ever went to. 

16 January 1998. 

I still don’t know how I convinced my mum, but Mel Webb’s dad had spare tickets and suddenly we were off. 

The Supertop delivered, hot, sweaty, loud, chaotic… and mind-blowing. That night was my initiation into the world of music, movement, and pure mayhem.

It also kicked off my obsession with concerts, events, and making memories. And making effort so those memories stay with you long after the ringing in your ears fades. 

Music and events trigger moments. The randoms you meet. The people-watching. The ridiculous dance moves. And the stories you still laugh about years later.

Now, as we plan Revved Summit 2026 and I’m building out the Revved playlist (don’t worry, The Prodigy won’t be making the cut), I’m reminded why I love events so much. The atmosphere. The energy. The way a single song can take you right back to who you were at 15, 18, 25, or last month.


Do you remember what your first concert was?
Who did you go with?
And what did you absolutely love, or hate about it?

And if you have any songs that deserve to be on the Revved 2026 playlist add them to your comment to!

So… my kids and I were talking this morning about how we could save the lions in Whangārei.

My idea: buy a lotto ticket.

Harrison’s idea: $300k per lion “Mum, if five people buy one each, the lions are saved.”

Honestly… he might be onto something.

So here’s a serious-but-also-not-serious question…Who wants to “buy a lion”?

Not literally (sadly).

But to be one of the humans who steps up, chips in, or helps find the right buyer so these five lions are not euthanised.

If you haven’t seen the post, the property is a fully set-up lion sanctuary and the owners are under huge pressure. 

They’ve put $11m into making it what it is, and they’re now seeking offers over $1.5m purely due to personal circumstances. 

The lions can’t be moved, so saving them means saving the land they live on.

Sometimes it takes community. Sometimes it takes courage.

And sometimes… it takes a 11 year old suggesting you buy lions like they’re Pokémon cards.

If this sparks something in you, an idea, a connection, a buyer, or your own Harrison style solution, drop it below.

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Connector who makes things happen!

UPDATE: Thank to you everyone who has shared this post or messaged me wanting to help. 🫶  We have been able to negotiate a bit more time for the lions with the current property owner, and have an investor group coming together to make an offer and complete a subdivision (already has consent) for 3 lots to recoup initial capital, then hold the remaining large section until the lions have passed - if you have a serious interest in being part of this, please direct message me or email me: tesh@valuestrust.co.nz. The property is beautiful, I was there earlier this week, and so are the lions. Let's help them live out their lives in peace!
__________________________________________________

So, serious question - anyone keen for a property investment in Whangārei that comes with 5 lions? 🦁 

Carolyn (founder of HUHA) just called me as she is actively looking for any option possible to save these 5 lions from being euthanised. She's managed to rally up enough support from international groups to fund the lion's care for the rest of their lives (approx 2-5 years), but they can't really be moved - they've got a fully set up sanctuary on the current property and an on-site vet/carer. All options of Zoos etc taking them have already been explored.

The property is 32 hectares, comes with a three bedroom house and studio - listing details here: https://lnkd.in/gPk5fHR6. The current owners are selling it cheap due to personal circumstances, they're looking for offers over 1.5M (and 11M has already been put into setting up the property!). 

If you're an animal-lover + property developer with some ideas of what you could do with this place, please call Carolyn (ASAP!) - 027 441 6474. They've only agreed to hold off on killing the lions until the end of the weekend. 🥹

I designed what I couldn’t find, and what I so deeply needed.

KIN International was born from my own experience, the ache for a space where ambitious women could pause, reflect, be fully seen, and be held through the messy, beautiful, often confronting work of building a life that actually fits. 

Together with Kelly-Ann Maxwell (KAM), I co-created KIN to offer something many of us never had, not just connection, but true belonging. Not just direction, but deep alignment. And not just support, but a structure that holds.

Last week, I had the privilege of bringing to life the KIN Methodology something I’ve spent the last year designing with enormous intention (and Kate Dalton made a workbook that is next level HOT). 

It’s shaped by research in wellbeing, performance, and longevity. But more than that, it’s shaped by what I’ve witnessed in my own life and the lives of the women around me.

The women who are leading. Parenting. Building. Caring. Carrying alot.
And still wondering...

Is the way I’m succeeding still the way I want to live?

The KIN Methodology centres five human intelligences, 
Mission. 
Heart. 
Mind. 
Body. 
Freedom.

It invites women to reflect on how their time, energy and leadership are aligned to the things that matter most, and what needs to shift to make space for more joy, more truth, and more wholeness.

2025 has been a huge year for me, expansive even! 

And I know I wouldn’t be here without the women in my KIN forum, who hold me accountable, who hold me together, and who remind me of who I am, even when I forget. 

This work has changed my life.

It was built for me, but it was never just about me.

If something in this resonates with you, if you’ve been craving space, clarity, softness, stretch, then this was built for you too.

Big thanks to Karen Farr and our founding KIN members. You are all rockstars.

Last week, we gathered our founding members for the first 2026 KIN Playbook Working Session - held at the extraordinary House of Parihoa, perched above the cliffs of Muriwai with uninterrupted views of the Tasman Sea. A place where open skies, green hills, and the raw west coast meet, and where perspective feels both inevitable and immediate.

A heartfelt thank-you to Matthew Chapman for opening this architectural icon to us - a rare environment that offered what so many women seldom receive: stillness, beauty, and space to think. Because the women in this room weren’t seeking motivation. They’ve already built, led, delivered, sustained.

What they came for was the question at the centre of KIN: 

Is the way I’m succeeding still the way I want to live?

That question is the origin of the KIN Playbook and the work we do together. 

KIN isn’t self-help, and it isn’t about chasing more. It’s operational design for a thriving human system - a way of looking at life like the CEO of your own world. 

At the heart of the Playbook sit the Five KIN Dimensions - Mission, Heart, Body, Mind, and Freedom - five human intelligences that form a single ecosystem shaping clarity, stamina, and fulfilment. When they move together, life feels coherent, energy compounds, and direction becomes obvious. 

This session wasn’t about goal-setting. It was about life-setting.

A rhythm of Awareness → Design → Execution → Review, supporting women to engineer lives that are longer by science, richer by design, and freer by choice. 

At KIN, we believe powerful things happen when women are held in structured, confidential forums - not to be advised, but to be deeply heard. When they are supported by others who understand them on every dimension of their lives, their decision-making strengthens, their energy returns, and their world expands.

This is measure-what-matters leadership for your entire life system.

And for us at KIN, this is only the beginning.

#KIN #WomensLeadership #OneBeautifulLife #MeasureWhatMatters #KINMethodology #2026Playbook #IntentionalLeadership #ForumPower

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The Battle

Stuart Kagan

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Stuart Kagan's LinkedIn Performance

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