Continuing to develop products and experiences as fast as we can for customers, in the right order. We are just getting started so prioritisation of our next wealth-building tools is what is keeping me busy right now.
What opportunities do you see in 2026?
It has been a really tough few years for New Zealand, and I think we are finally coming out of that. So I think in heaps of places there is going to be a spark of life in people’s eyes again. This will present lots of opportunities to make people’s lives better.
How are you using AI to change your business?
Everywhere. AI is so prevalent in our work life already. We are using it to support 90% of customer requests now.
Our team is using it to help make their workday more productive and deliver work faster, and into the next year we should see it help our customers much more with decision making and actioning.
What will the key election issue be in 2026 and why?
Retirement affordability and the wealth gap are shaping up to be big. I am glad to see KiwiSaver on the agenda and I think it is super important we take a decades-long view to ensure we are setting people up well for the future.
How do you think the New Zealand economy will perform in 2026?
People have been starting to realise the benefits of interest rates heading down for the last few months, but the confidence isn’t fully back for spending yet. This will come in 2026. I think interest rates will stay pretty flat, the job market will come back to life, which will also result in some salary increases again, and people will start to enjoy spending a bit more. I am still a little nervous about inflation – but won’t make that as a prediction.
What’s the worst mistake you have made in business and what did you learn from it?
I have made so many mistakes, but the worst would probably be hiring and spending before increasing revenues. The last three years were a sharp wake-up to the importance of a strong balance sheet for a growing business.
What would you rate as your greatest success?
I am very proud of my kids and my wife. From a work point of view, I think we have developed a great culture at Sharesies to have fun and work really hard.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
We are heading up north to Brooke’s uncle’s place and then heading to a hut with friends for the New Year in the Far North too. Can’t wait.
What would you recommend as a good book/podcast to read/listen to over summer?
The book I am going to read is Shoe Dog (a memoir of the creator of Nike), because it comes highly recommended and I think it will be inspiring heading into another big year.
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