As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time for businesses to look beyond survival and start shaping strategy. Join us at the Ready to Rise Business Breakfast for fresh insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to step confidently into 2026.
Outlook 2026: From survival to growth strategy
Over the past few years, “Survive till 2025” became the mantra for many Kiwi SMEs. But as the year closes, it’s time to shift the focus – from staying afloat to stepping forward.
Ready to Rise is an energising new business breakfast series designed to help SME leaders move from survival mode into a growth mindset. Join leading thinkers and entrepreneurs as we unpack the 2026 outlook and explore strategies for seizing opportunity, even in lean times.
Tickets are available now at $79 +GST per person, with discounted options for multi-ticket bundles. The ticket price includes breakfast.
Join business leader and event MC Marisa Fong as she guides an inspiring morning of insight and discussion. The lineup features keynote speakers Sam Stubbs on “Purpose, prosperity, and building the New Zealand economy we want”, and tech & AI expert James Boult on “Why now is the best time to be a SME”. The morning also includes a dynamic panel discussion with Neil Gaught, Kate Wilson, and Loren Tomlinson on “Building purpose, protecting value, and powering growth”.
Be part of the conversation. Be ready to rise.
MC, Speakers & Panellists
Marisa Fong turns “I didn’t know that” moments into eight-figure exits. As co-founder of Madison Recruitment – NZ’s largest privately held recruitment agency, sold for $38 million – she now backs female founders through her venture re:ampd with real-world, battle-tested strategies. A past President of Entrepreneurs Organisation and Hall of Fame inductee for Women Entrepreneurs (2020), she has judged the New Zealander of the Year Awards and contributes to boards and networks including Global Women and Institute of Directors.James Boult is the co-founder of Gravity, an innovation studio that helps organisations build and launch new products at speed. After years working with global brands, major corporates and fast-moving start-ups, he’s seen first-hand what makes large companies stall, and how small, nimble businesses can out-adapt and out-innovate. His work turning “start-up speed” into a repeatable model for big clients gives him a unique vantage point on why this moment belongs to SMEs and how they can use it to get ahead while larger competitors are stuck.Kate Wilson is a registered patent attorney, educator and internationally recognised IP strategist. She is a former founding partner of James & Wells, holds degrees in physics and chemistry, and has extensive expertise in establishing and managing IP portfolios. An inductee into the NZ Women Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame, she is passionate about helping businesses leverage their intangible assets. She is the Author of the recently published book The Hidden Mechanics of IP and currently works with James & Wells as an IP strategist and IP educator.Neil Gaught FRSA is an internationally recognised business and management thinker and a pioneer of purpose-driven enterprise, best known as the creator of Single Organizing Idea (SOI®) — a breakthrough framework that enables organisations to embed purpose at the core of governance, culture and longterm value creation. For more than two decades, Neil has advised leaders and equipped organisations with practical tools to turn purpose into profitable outcomes that benefit all stakeholders. His work has taken him to more than 60 countries and every major sector.Loren Tomlinson is Founder and Strategist at The Social Collective, a holistic marketing agency helping service-based businesses and personal brands show up with clarity, consistency, and strategy that actually works. With years of experience across digital strategy, brand development, and campaign execution, Loren also host Coffees and Content, a top marketing podcast sharing honest insights, real conversations, and practical advice for growing a business online without losing your voice (or your mind).Sam Stubbs is Co-Founder and MD of Simplicity. Prior to that he was the CEO of Tower Investments, a KiwiSaver default provider, Managing Director of Hanover Group, and spent 10 years working for Goldman Sachs in London and Hong Kong. He previously worked for Natwest Markets, Fay, Richwhite and IBM New Zealand. He has been a Board Member of the Financial Services Council, and a member of the Government Taskforce on Financial Services. Sam has an MA (Hons) from the University of Auckland. He is the father of two children, dreams of Simplicity and sailing around the world.
Sean Bell is the National Direct Sales Manager – SME for 2degrees based in Auckland. He leads a team of Business Development Managers across New Zealand. With a strong background in sales leadership and partnership development, Sean drives performance through collaboration, innovation, and customer-centric solutions Sean is known for his results-driven approach and commitment to excellence. Sean thrives on building meaningful connections that deliver long-term value.
Attend and WIN:
One lucky attendee will win a$250 Gift Card courtesy of PayZe. All you have to do to win this fantastic prize is be in attendance on the day when your name is drawn.
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