What's a technology that gives you the most joy to use?

Probably ChatGPT! I love anything that helps me think differently, challenge my own perspective, get creative or just make life a little easier. I'm constantly juggling a million different things, so having something that helps me turn a messy collection of thoughts into something meaningful is pretty awesome. Although, I do sometimes wonder if I'm outsourcing too much of my brain!

If you could share a meal with anyone in history. Who would it be and why?

I think I'd choose my ancestors, my tūpuna. Not necessarily someone famous, but someone from my own whakapapa whose stories I never got the opportunity to hear. I'd love to understand what life was like for them, the challenges they faced, the decisions they made and the things they hoped for future generations. There's something pretty powerful about understanding where you've come from and how that shapes who you are today. Plus, I imagine there would be some incredible stories shared over good kai!

What's an industry you would love to learn more about?

Psychology and human behaviour, hands down. I'm fascinated by people. What drives them, what motivates them, why they make the decisions they do and how their experiences shape the way they show up in the world. I think there's so much we can learn about ourselves and others, particularly when it comes to leadership, relationships and creating environments where people genuinely thrive.

It’s a sunny day, you have no plans for the next 12 hours... Where do you go and what do you do?

Somewhere near the water, without a doubt! Load up the car with the whānau, find a beautiful beach, some good food, great music and just enjoy the day. Ideally there'd be a bit of adventure, plenty of laughs, maybe a cheeky drink in the sunshine and absolutely no pressure to be anywhere at a particular time. Life is crazy busy, so the idea of having 12 hours with no commitments, no schedule and nowhere I have to be sounds pretty bloody good!

What do you think is the most important skill for interviewing?

For a hiring manager - genuine curiosity, backed by the ability to really listen. I think too often people approach interviews with a checklist of questions and a preconceived idea of what the right answer looks like. But the magic happens when you're genuinely interested in understanding the person sitting in front of you. It's about listening to understand, not just listening to respond. Asking the next question, exploring what's underneath an answer and creating an environment where someone feels comfortable enough to show you who they really are. Skills and experience matter, of course, but understanding someone's motivations, values, potential and what makes them tick is where you uncover the really good stuff. For a candidate - It's not about having the most polished answers or saying what you think the interviewer wants to hear. It's about knowing your own strengths, understanding the value you bring, being honest about where you're still growing and being able to share real examples that bring that to life. A great candidate is just as curious about the organisation and the people they're meeting as the interviewer is about them. Ultimately, be prepared, be curious and be yourself. The right opportunity should be as much about whether it's right for you as whether you're right for them