🌿 I am back - From fumbling to finding my flow 🌿

🌿 I am back - From fumbling to finding my flow 🌿
Kia ora e te whānau,
After a much needed six month break, I am back and refreshed, recharged, and realigned with where I am heading in life and business.
As a proud Māori woman and emerging business leader, I carry my culture into every part of my journey,  from the way I lead, to how I learn, to how I show up in business and life.
This time last year, I was deep in hustle mode. I was juggling multiple projects, trying to build something meaningful, and honestly… just trying to make it all work with limited business knowledge and a whole lot of heart.

My humble beginnings of launching into business,  was with good intentions and big energy, but I quickly realised I had:

✔️ Gaps in my knowledge
✔️ No real systems in place
✔️ A burning desire to succeed quickly
✔️ And zero time for reflection

I thought I could wing it through sheer passion,  but passion without structure only got me so far. So, I made the decision to park my business temporarily.

I stepped away from business to focus on self-care, reconnect with my wairua, and figure out what my next chapter needed to look like, not just for success, but for sustainability.
I took on full-time work, reassessed my priorities, and committed to levelling up the right way, through study, structure, and strategy.

Let me be real, I have always been someone who believes in learning by doing. But I also realised there is power in learning the right way to do things. The kind of learning that gives you confidence, clarity, and a method to the madness.

I thought about all the podcasts I have listened to, all the networking events I have attended and the common theme was?

🌀 Those who succeeded had systems.
🌀 They had structure.
🌀 They had a clear way of doing things.

When I think about the McDonald’s business model they use, ingredients rarely change, but the system behind it creates consistency and success. That is when it clicked,
I did not need to reinvent the wheel — I just needed to build better ones.

I enrolled in a Certificate IV in Business and Entrepreneurship in July 2024 and completed it in January 2025 — ten self-paced units, fully funded through C3G.

Currently in progress I have enrolled  in Certificate IV in Training and Assessment through CQ University via the Higher Level Skills (HLS) grant. This qualification allows me to train and assess in my industry, perfectly aligning with one of my visions of becoming a Māori Business Coach.

Twelve months later, I can say this with full confidence, I have grown heaps.

✨ My mindset is sharper
✨ My confidence is grounded
✨ My focus is clear

I have stopped working for the hustle and started building with intention. I am now in my creative development phase again, using my leadership experience, cultural knowledge, and qualifications to create new content in business, leadership, and training.

After completing my TAE, I will be exploring further study, possibly a diploma in leadership or psychology. I have not locked it in yet, but I am open to wherever the next step leads. For now, I am showing up, sharing my story, and embracing the journey with open arms and a full heart.

My role as a Māori leader is not just about business, but to build my legacy, staying true to my kaupapa and helping wāhine like me step into their own space of power, purpose, and potential.

Arohanui,
Wai x

Are you feeling inspired or walking a similar path?
Let’s connect! I would love to hear your story and share this space with like-minded wāhine.
👉🏽 Click here to book a kōrero or subscribe to my updates

My Journey: Embracing Growth and Change

Kia Ora Koutou,

 It’s been a while, and I’m excited to reconnect and share an update on my business journey.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to take a step back, reflect, and even change direction when needed. Growth—both personal and professional—is all about being open to new paths.

🌱 Business in Seasons: Navigating the Ups and Downs
Over time, I’ve noticed that business, like life, has its seasons—the good, the challenging, and those times when we feel overwhelmed or unmotivated. I’ve always been someone who jumps into things with enthusiasm, making plans and pushing forward. Perhaps it’s due to my background in a high-pressure corporate environment, but I’ve never been one to coast along.

📈 The Evolution of My Business
My business journey started in early 2022. I used my past experiences, online resources, and advice from experts to build a roadmap. Initially, I focused on Virtual Assistant (VA) and Online Business Manager (OBM) services. However, I quickly realised that these weren’t the right fit for me.

Key Strengths Discovered:
  • 🔧 Improving business operations
  • 🗣️ Effective communication
These skills have become the foundation of my consulting and coaching practice.

🔍 Finding My Path: Focusing on Strengths
The big shift came when I stopped trying to model my business after others and started focusing on what I do best. I identified my top strengths—communication, problem-solving, and efficiency—and combined them with my Māori cultural values.
This led me to where I am today, helping new and small family-owned businesses operate more effectively and efficiently through digital technology and culturally-rooted practices.

🙏 Reflecting on 2024: Growth and Gratitude
As I reflect on my journey up to August 2024, I’m grateful for all the challenges, setbacks, and successes that have shaped me. I feel more confident in who I am and in the direction my business is heading.

🎯 Looking Ahead: Building Credibility
In July, I was ready to launch an 8-part mini-series to help solopreneurs through online workshops. But life had other plans. I realised I needed to further build my credibility, so I decided to pause the series and enrol in a Certificate IV in New Business and Entrepreneurship.
This course aligns perfectly with my goal of supporting Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous entrepreneurs through my consulting and coaching practice.

📚 Future Plans: Continuing Education
I plan to complete this qualification by the end of 2024. After that, I aim to pursue a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, which will allow me to formally train others in business operations. This will enhance my credibility as a coach and keep me up-to-date with industry standards.

⚖️ Balancing Life, Business, and Growth
While my business isn’t running at full capacity right now, I’m still active in the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) space, balancing family life, studying, and staying connected with community and business networks. My focus is on upskilling and shifting my business to a culturally-rooted practice that reflects Māori values within the realm of consulting and coaching. At the same time, I’m actively investing in developing other areas of my business to ensure it continues to grow and evolve.

🌟 Embracing the Journey
“When I feel stuck or unmotivated, I remind myself that this is just part of the growth process. I’m embracing these changes, knowing they’re preparing me for something greater.” – Ricki-Leigh (Wai)

Business is rarely straightforward, but I believe that my time to shine is just around the corner.

Ngā mihi nui,
Ricki-Leigh (Wai)
Māori Business Coach and Consultant

📬 If you’re on your own business journey or need guidance, I’d love to connect! follow me on social media to stay updated on my latest offerings and insights.



Don’t Miss Out! Confirm Your Attendance for the Te Ara Whakamārama Series

Reminder: Secure Your Spot for Each Wananga

As the Te Ara Whakamārama Series: Empowering Māori Business Minds approaches, we wanted to remind you to secure your spot for each Wananga. Here are the details for each event:

Free Introduction Wananga
Wananga 1: Branding & Marketing
Wananga 2: Workflow Optimisation
Wananga 3: Tech Integration
Wananga 4: Efficiency Enhancement
Wananga 5: Strategic Planning
Wananga 6: Digital Solutions
Wananga 7: Coaching & Mentoring
Wananga 8: Holistic Integration & Celebration
We look forward to seeing you at each Wananga and helping you unlock your Māori business potential!