Under the soaring glass ceilings of The Atrium in Hastings, more than 200 people gathered for the inaugural The Profit Unleashed, a celebration of talent, grit, and ingenuity thriving in Hawke’s Bay.
Beyond applauding success, the evening offered candid insights, shared challenges, and a resounding belief in the power of ambition to thrive globally. From disrupting markets to creating iconic events and harnessing cutting edge technology, speakers Robyn McLean, Hamish Pinkham, and Luke Irving captivated the sellout crowd.
Interviewed by Damon Harvey and entrepreneur Yvonne Lorkin, they shared stories of resilience, innovation, and lessons learned on their paths to success. Launching a new venture often feels like leaping into the unknown, a sentiment echoed by all three speakers.
Robyn McLean, founder of sustainable period care company Hello Period, infused boldness and humor into an industry resistant to change. “I’ve always been a bit sweary,” she joked, flashing her irreverent gold necklace.
“We had to make period care fun and break some boundaries.”
Hamish Pinkham recounted how a university project in 2003 evolved into Rhythm and Vines, now a national institution. “It started with 100 mates, $100 each, and a bit of lawn,” he said.
“It’s funny how small decisions lead to massive outcomes.”
For Luke Irving, founding Fingermark, a computer vision tech company, was informed by lessons learned running a scrappy Wellington bar. “You learn to solve problems on the spot, whether it’s stacked glasses or revolutionizing drive-thrus,” he shared.
As their ventures scaled, challenges mounted. Robyn, running a global business from regional New Zealand, reflected on her steep learning curve.
“I’ve been learning on the job,” she said. “Balance would’ve made things easier, but jumping in headfirst often gets you further.”
Luke shared a misstep during Fingermark’s international expansion. “Expanding into the Middle East was a mistake,” he admitted. “I ignored my gut.
But every setback teaches you something. I’d take that over stagnation any day.” Hamish, now based in Auckland, spoke of Rhythm and Vines enduring storms and the pandemic.
“COVID forced us to pivot hard—lockdowns, shifting lineups, relying on Kiwi acts. It reminded us why we started: bringing people together for unforgettable experiences.”
The speakers emphasized that success isn’t just about innovation; it’s about community and resilience. Robyn’s company leads trends and empowers women globally, with 35% of sales in the U.S. “I’m relaxed about where the business goes,” she said. “I just want what we do to be mainstream and normalised.”
Luke’s AI solutions for brands like McDonald’s and Popeyes are expanding into logistics and manufacturing. “The hard hustle is done,” he said.
“Now it’s about scaling. I want Fingermark to keep growing for another 50 years.” Hamish dreams of elevating Hawke’s Bay as a premium entertainment destination.
“With the right events, we could attract Pip Norris won some Hello Period products a wave of visitors.
Imagine bringing Pearl Jam to the region—it’d put Hawke’s Bay on the map as a music destination.” Living and working in Hawke’s Bay brings unique advantages and frustrations.
Robyn noted logistical challenges like expensive flights and shipping but praised the region’s lifestyle. “The weather, the vibe—it’s the best place to live and work.”
Luke agreed, highlighting the balance Hawke’s Bay offers. “When we land at the airport, it’s like dropping a gear. That pace makes it easier to attract talent looking for more than just the grind.”
The Profit Unleashed wasn’t just a celebration of entrepreneurial triumphs—it was a rallying cry for Hawke’s Bay’s business community to embrace its potential and foster meaningful connections. It marked the beginning of a movement to propel the region forward, inspiring local ambition to flourish on a global stage.
Register your interest in the next event – damon@theprofit.co.nz
