One NZ CEO: "Elon Musk Is Years Ahead Of Everyone Else"
Episode Description
This episode with Jason Paris first came out at the end of 2024. I thought I’d release it in case you are new or new-ish to the podcast and missed it the first time round.
Also, because New Zealand’s latest landmark – the seriously impressive One NZ stadium has just opened in Christchurch. And Jason was deeply involved in signing off on this 10-year multimillion dollar sponsorship.
This is a rare peak into the man behind the title.
From growing up in Invercargill with a solo mum on the benefit with no relationship with his father, to leading major brands like Spark, TVNZ and now One NZ, we talk about:
+ How Jason rose to CEO without a university degree + Why he gives out his personal email to customers + Lessons from mistakes – from million-dollar errors to public criticism + The importance of family, presence, and being a great dad + The story behind the One NZ stadium sponsorship in Christchurch And much much more!
This episode is a reminder that behind every CEO is a regular human being, shaped by their past, driven by their values, and still figuring things out.
Jason’s story is proof that where you start doesn’t determine where you can go.
If you’re hearing this for the first time, I have no doubt you’ll love it. If you are re-listening to it, I hope you’ll pick up on some stuff you missed the first-time round.
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Brief Summary
Jason Paris discusses his upbringing, career, and the transition from Vodafone to One New Zealand, emphasizing family values and leadership insights.
Key points
- A Surprising Job Offer. A chance encounter leads to his first job offer, changing his career path.
- Discovering Family Secrets. At his father's funeral, he learns he has five half brothers he never knew about.
- Reflecting on Motherhood. The speaker appreciates the sacrifices made by their mother, realizing her strength as a parent.
- A Love Story. The speaker recounts the humorous and serendipitous meeting with their wife, Ra.
- Wife's Writing Success. The speaker shares their wife's journey as a writer and her upcoming book release.
- A Power Couple's Balancing Act. Navigating a busy life while prioritizing family and relationship.
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Episode highlights
- A Surprising Job OfferA chance encounter leads to his first job offer, changing his career path.“What are you thinking about doing? You want to come and work for me?”3:18Apr 21, 2026
- Discovering Family SecretsAt his father's funeral, he learns he has five half brothers he never knew about.“I found out I had five half brothers.”14:04Apr 21, 2026
- Reflecting on MotherhoodThe speaker appreciates the sacrifices made by their mother, realizing her strength as a parent.“I appreciate it now that I'm of this age.”19:39Apr 21, 2026
- A Love StoryThe speaker recounts the humorous and serendipitous meeting with their wife, Ra.“It was love at first sight for me.”30:21Apr 21, 2026
- Wife's Writing SuccessThe speaker shares their wife's journey as a writer and her upcoming book release.“I’m really proud of her.”35:52Apr 21, 2026
- A Power Couple's Balancing ActNavigating a busy life while prioritizing family and relationship.“It's pretty chaotic. I would say both Ra and I sacrifice our own relationship.”38:33Apr 21, 2026
- Imposter Syndrome in LeadershipA candid discussion about feeling unworthy despite success.“I still go, 'How the hell did someone like me get here?'”52:43Apr 21, 2026
- Unacceptable BehaviorThe CEO discusses a serious incident involving customer aggression and the company's response.“We've kicked them off the network and they'll never be allowed back.”1:02:34Apr 21, 2026
