What It Really Takes To Start A Successful Business In NZ
- Jun 16, 2026
- 1:37:04
- Full Episode
Kate Gatfield-Jeffries is the founder of Moodi, one of the fastest-growing wellness brands in New Zealand.
Being a man in my 50s, I’m not the target market- but I am well aware of Moodi and the impact this very young company has already had in the lives of Kiwis.
Kate started the business straight out of uni, putting every cent she had into the company.
Four years later, Moodi is in supermarkets, selling millions of cans, expanding into Australia and heading for the US. And at the time of recording this episode Moodi is giving away a sexy gold Range Rovers worth $130,000.
All of this success has been due to one thing: Hard work.
Kate is impressive. She is disciplined, driven, thoughtful and incredibly honest about the unsexy parts of being an entrepreneur. Some of the ground we cover includes:
+ Her childhood and the books that inspired her. + The 40-year life plan written at 17. + The brutal first year of Moodi, and the cringy other name that was on her short list. + And why she still carries her teenage goal-setting journal with her when she travels.
This is a great episode for anyone who has ever wanted to start something, build something, or just understand what it takes to go all in on a dream.
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Brief Summary
Kate Gatfield discusses her journey building Moody, a women's wellness brand, emphasizing resilience, community, and future expansion plans.
Key points
- Advice for Future Entrepreneurs. Kate reflects on the three key pieces of advice she would give her past self.
- The Gold Range Rover Giveaway. Moody's unique marketing strategy includes giving away a gold Range Rover to engage customers.
- Cross Country as a Life Lesson. The speaker reflects on how cross country taught them about delayed gratification and ambition.
- Turning Down Lucrative Job Offers. The speaker chose to pursue their business idea over high-paying job offers, a pivotal moment in their journey.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome. The founder shares their ongoing battle with imposter syndrome and how they cope.
- Navigating TikTok Hate. The founder discusses dealing with negative comments on social media and resilience.
Episode highlights
- Advice for Future EntrepreneursKate reflects on the three key pieces of advice she would give her past self.“When you set out to start a business, it's not just about technical skills.”4:00Jun 16, 2026
- The Gold Range Rover GiveawayMoody's unique marketing strategy includes giving away a gold Range Rover to engage customers.“We're doing it again and our balls are now the number one protein snack in supermarkets.”11:31Jun 16, 2026
- Cross Country as a Life LessonThe speaker reflects on how cross country taught them about delayed gratification and ambition.“You can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”20:55Jun 16, 2026
- Turning Down Lucrative Job OffersThe speaker chose to pursue their business idea over high-paying job offers, a pivotal moment in their journey.“You are crazy.”27:50Jun 16, 2026
- Overcoming Imposter SyndromeThe founder shares their ongoing battle with imposter syndrome and how they cope.“All the time. Yeah. All the time.”37:42Jun 16, 2026
- Navigating TikTok HateThe founder discusses dealing with negative comments on social media and resilience.“You can't control how other people perceive you.”42:06Jun 16, 2026
- Balancing Coaching and PlayingThe speaker discusses their role in the company, balancing between being a coach and a player.“I am a coach in some things but I'm still a player.”50:24Jun 16, 2026
- Community Building ImportanceThe speaker emphasizes the significance of community for brand success and customer connection.“People buy from and support people, not products or brands.”1:01:17Jun 16, 2026
