Every story shapes our shared history.
Authenticity Studio is a storytelling and oral history platform dedicated to documenting the lived experiences of people and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Through meaningful conversations, we preserve stories of identity, culture, migration, resilience, leadership and transformation—one person, one community and one story at a time.
Essence + Truth + Clarity = Authenticity
Authenticity begins when we move beyond appearances and make space for the truth of who we are. Every story carries an essence. When that essence is expressed with truth and clarity, it allows people to be seen, heard and remembered.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - Inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.
Creating the Belonging We Carry Within Us With Alexia Rojas
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/authentic-leadership-podcast/voicemail)
What does it take to turn a new country into a place of belonging—and help others do the same?
Chilean mathematics teacher and Allyship Projects founder Alexia Rojas joins Ivan Yeo to explore how family, fairness and a passion for teaching shaped her journey into community leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand.
From arriving with one suitcase to encountering barriers around accent and local experience, Alexia reflects on finding the “yes” that opened a door—and creating pathways for others through mentoring, learning, entrepreneurship and community connection.
As the conversation returns to her childhood, a deeper story emerges: a father teaching mathematics, siblings sharing equally, and family gatherings that taught her what belonging feels like. Those values now inform a community hub where people can share their skills, bring their ideas and contribute.
Alexia also speaks openly about the work behind that vision: balancing full-time teaching with a growing charity, valuing volunteers and building towards sustainability. At its heart, this is a conversation about leadership rooted in care—and the shared responsibility of creating belonging.
31 Oct 2026
I'm Glad Life Didn't Always Go My Way with Marlene Shrubshall
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/authentic-leadership-podcast/voicemail)
At 86, Marlene Shrubshall looks back on a life that didn’t always go to plan—and is grateful for where it led.
In this warm conversation with Ivan Yeo, she reflects on finding her own way through education, overseas adventures, music, motherhood and nursing. She remembers the people who encouraged her curiosity and the Māori communities who became her teachers.
A story of connection, discovery and listening beyond words, with a gentle message to her younger self: “It’ll be okay.”
24 Oct 2026
Who Gets Heard? A Conversation About Community and Inclusion | Adorate Mizero
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! (https://rss.com/podcasts/authentic-leadership-podcast/voicemail)
Who are you beyond your job title—and how do your interests and experiences shape the way you contribute to the world?
In this conversation, creative producer and community development advocate Adorate shares how a love of music, film, books and the arts led her into community work, youth advocacy and creative production. She reflects on discovering her strengths through self-reflection, learning what leadership and influence mean, and creating opportunities for young people to bring their ideas to life.
Adorate also speaks about the importance of making space for people whose perspectives are often missing from decision-making. She and Ivan explore how inclusion is a shared responsibility, why people should stay curious and be willing to learn, and how communities can come together to build a better future.
Her message to her younger self is simple: stay curious, have fun, don’t limit yourself—and don’t shrink yourself.
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