Where a Collective Goes Beyond Business: Our take on Relational Methodology

In the world of business, mentorship is often seen as a transaction—an exchange of knowledge, guidance, and resources that helps an entrepreneur navigate the complexities of their journey. But what if mentorship could be more than that? What if it could transcend the boundaries of business and evolve into something deeper, more meaningful relational approach?

I was recently reminded of the power of this approach during my trip to New York, the last stop of a month-long journey with my teenage son. Despite the whirlwind of travel, I knew I had to make time to see Miah Faumuina , a young Māori and Samoan entrepreneur from Dulve, who we have been mentoring for over 18 months. She is a brilliant and determined businesswoman, but she is also one of the many who fall through the cracks of New Zealand’s business ecosystem. Miah is not big enough for some, not cashed up enough for others, and not at the "right stage" of her business journey for many traditional support structures.

Yet, for us, Miah is exactly where she needs to be. She’s not just a mentee; she’s whānau. Over the past 18 months, we’ve become her only support from the New Zealand business community—a role we take seriously and with a deep sense of responsibility. And it’s not just us. Our network of entrepreneurs, including Andrew Ferdinando , who meets with Miah monthly to help her refine her marketing strategy, have committed their time and expertise pro bono to support her. This is not about ticking boxes or meeting KPIs; this is about real connection, real care, and real commitment.

Meeting Miah in New York wasn’t like a mentor meeting a business contact. It was like family reconnecting. There were hugs, chats, and discussions about everything that makes up her life, not just her business. Yes, we did talk shop, and we even scouted a few potential places where she could sell her products. But the feeling, the time spent, the connection—it all felt like visiting whānau. I hope it felt the same for her, too.

Experiences like these remind me of why our relational business mentoring methodology is so powerful. It’s not just about providing advice; it’s about building a support system that feels like home. It’s about being there for each other, in business and in life, because we know that for our communities to succeed, we need to take a holistic approach—one that honors the whole person, not just the entrepreneur.

?This approach gives us the energy to keep going, to keep seeking out partners who are willing to embrace something innovative, something that truly supports the commercial success of our communities in a way that works for us. The journey may not be easy, and the challenges are many, but the rewards—seeing entrepreneurs like Miah thrive—are worth every effort.

In a world where business often feels cold and transactional, our relational approach stands out. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and when we uplift one, we uplift all.