Episode
215

Building a Brand the Kiwi Way | Lead Head

For episode 215 we sat down with Troy and Nick from Lead Head. What started as a few mates with an idea has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable lifestyle brands, built on creativity, community and a good dose of chaos. In this episode we talk about the story behind LeadHead’s rise — from custom golf hats to international orders — and how a casual podcast appearance turned into a full business partnership. We also dive into their approach to building culture through authenticity, how they’ve stayed true to their roots as the brand grows, and why every decision, no matter how big, still comes down to a game of paper, scissors, rock.
With
Troy and Nic
Lead Head
,
Directors
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Podbean
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about THIS EPISODE

Building a Brand the Kiwi Way | Lead Head

For episode 215 we sat down with Troy and Nick from Lead Head. What started as a few mates with an idea has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable lifestyle brands, built on creativity, community and a good dose of chaos. In this episode we talk about the story behind LeadHead’s rise — from custom golf hats to international orders — and how a casual podcast appearance turned into a full business partnership. We also dive into their approach to building culture through authenticity, how they’ve stayed true to their roots as the brand grows, and why every decision, no matter how big, still comes down to a game of paper, scissors, rock.

In episode 215, Troy and Nic from Lead Head share how their partnership formed through David Melse's podcast, transforming what began as a hat company into one of New Zealand's most recognisable lifestyle brands. After Nick bought hats for family in the States, the pair connected and eventually formed a 50/50 partnership, making business decisions through paper-scissors-rock (which is actually written into their legal contract).

Lead Head has expanded from custom golf hats to a full clothing range with international shipping. Japan has become a significant market, with orders arriving daily. The brand maintains its authentic Kiwi identity while growing globally, focusing on high-quality products, community engagement, and supporting local businesses.

Recent collaborations include a partnership with Hills Hats (New Zealand's oldest hat company) to create upcycled wool hats, and an upcoming project with Kiwi Pong. Their product range now includes t-shirts, socks, and soon skateboards, all designed with their distinctive aesthetic.

Throughout their growth, Troy and Nic have stayed true to their community-focused approach, personally responding to customer messages and prioritising authenticity. As they look to the future, they aim to maintain their playful brand identity while expanding their reach, proving that business success and having fun aren't mutually exclusive.

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Episode
215

Building a Brand the Kiwi Way | Lead Head

For episode 215 we sat down with Troy and Nick from Lead Head. What started as a few mates with an idea has grown into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable lifestyle brands, built on creativity, community and a good dose of chaos. In this episode we talk about the story behind LeadHead’s rise — from custom golf hats to international orders — and how a casual podcast appearance turned into a full business partnership. We also dive into their approach to building culture through authenticity, how they’ve stayed true to their roots as the brand grows, and why every decision, no matter how big, still comes down to a game of paper, scissors, rock.
With
Troy and Nic
Directors
,
Lead Head
Episode
214

Building Resilience and Meaning Beyond the Uniform | Daniel Lastovicka

For episode 214, we sat down with Daniel Lastovicka. From his family’s journey from Czechoslovakia to New Zealand to building a career as an Army officer, hunter, and endurance athlete, Daniel’s story is one of purpose, discipline, and pushing beyond limits. In this episode we talk about the creation of Project Beyond the Ranges — Daniel’s self-made Movember challenge combining a 5km swim across Lake Tekapo, a mountain run over the Two Thumb Range, and a 200km ride back to Christchurch — and the deeper mission behind it: raising awareness and action for men’s mental health. We also dive into the lessons the military teaches about leadership and resilience, the connection between hardship and growth, and how showing up for yourself and others can change lives.
With
Daniel Lastovicka
Triathlete, Hunter, Adventurer
,
Episode
213

Built from the Roof Up | Mike Keast

For episode 213, we sat down with Mike Keast. From working on roofs at nine years old to running multiple successful roofing businesses, Mike’s story is one of consistency, resilience, and backing yourself through the ups and downs of business. In this episode we talk about staying focused when things get tough, what it really means to lead by example, and how mindset and momentum can carry you through any season. We also dive into lessons from David Goggins, the role of AI and technology in the trades, and how doing the hard things day after day shapes both the person and the business.
With
Mike Keast
Director
,
MK Roofing

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