#3. A yarn with Te Omeka "The Generous" Morehu

Welcome to the third of a series of interviews called “A Yarn with (First name here)”

The aim is to interview AFQY "characters",  asking them the same set of questions. The questions are based on the language and principles of AFQY, so it's great to get someone else's perspective!
1st: A yarn with Pauls "The Dragon"
2nd: A yarn with Brent "The Aussie"
The questions are based on how I explain AFQY when introducing the concept at an AFQY event; if you have attended before, and heard me explain the concept, you'll recognise a few of the questions . So here we go, grab a coffee and I hope you enjoy:

I first meet Te Omeka when he joined a company I worked at and at the team meeting he was asked to introduce himself and he did... in full Maori language and actions with an english explaination, it was impressive, it gave me chills; partly because it took me by surprise, and partly because of the mana with which it was perfectly delivered, like a personal Haka if you will.  
Normally I would probably feel it was a bit OTT, (being a backwards southern man myself ;-), but somehow it wasn't and as I got to know the guy I realised I why I didn't feel confronted. That is because he is such a generous person, with his time, talent, intellect and his infectious laugh. I guess there is a bit of theme appearing, in that an AFQY character is someone who would give you the shirt off their back. Please read on and learn Te Omeka' story

What's your name?
Te Omeka Morehu

Where are you from? (Country & City)
Warkworth
Ryan: for those who are unsure, that is in NZ, eh cuz?

Which AFQY event have you attended?
The first AFQY and about 4-5 more since then.

Tell us about "the kids, the cat and the dog?"
4 kids (2 step kids [14,11], 2 of my own[2, 6months]),
1 cat(Waylander). I am in the fortunate position of having step-kids and kids that love me (most of the time). My two older boys could probably stop jumping on/nudging/punching me now because they are so massive and it hurts. The young ones keep me guessing every minute of the day but I love how strong you have to be to handle this time in your life. It can be struggle or it can be a massive learning curve dependent on how you look at it ... You just need to find time to look at it to understand what you are learning hahahahaaaaaa
Ryan: There is that laugh!

 What do you do? (Not just your title, but a bit about what you do)
Early hours of the morning I soothe my kids as they wake up hungry, I workout. By day I sell IT solutions, I trouble shoot customer problems where possible, I set expectations based on my experience, I provide post sales knowledge and assist the service delivery process, I email people, I talk to people. By night I bring in washing, I fold clothes, I make more bottles, I help with homework, wash kids, watch sport, I demand help from my kids, I sleep.

What's your philosophy on doing business?
Know what you want, know what you are willing to do to get what you want, know when to walk away.

What was the motivation to start your own business? What's your motivation for what you do? (The Why)
My motivations is the kids. I do what I do to ensure my kids, and the kids I know, understand that they have options in life and can have a go at following a dream. I also fail, so that the kids can see me pick myself up and learn how to pick themselves up. I believe walking the walk is the most effective way to teach kids a lesson as opposed to telling them things.

What's your favourite quote, cliche or similar?
"ME...WE" - Muhammad Ali
Ryan: I'll have to look that up or ask for someone to explain, I guess it is we are all in this together?

Can I have a card? Or give me a look at your brand?
What can you do with a card/brand?
Ryan: Good question, it is more for those who wish to share their business, but as I say, and this is a ryan-ism of an old cliche, "We engage with people we like", which means every brand needs good people; as the people, the team are the brand from the person who answers the phone all the way through to the top; the leader, whoever that is.

What sport or activity do you enjoy?(Watching, playing, supporting)
Watching league, rugby, netball, darts. Playing touch, table tennis, tennis, darts, 8 ball pool, street fighter 2-4. Doing Kapa Haka, playing with kids and winning, walking, working out.

Where is the most interesting place you've visited and why? (Work or play)
Ruapekapeka Pa, history of our nation intrigues me.
Ryan: I'm now reading about it and it's something every Kiwi should read to better understand New Zealand, as most of us only remember the last piece of news on the TV, which is aimed at drawing readers and viewers, hence it is sensationalised (ie where is the good news?) So it's good to do a range of your own research on any matter...

"What’s the most important lesson you've learnt in business and in life?" (Can be the same one or one each)
Integrity and following your word makes a world of difference. The times I have failed this bit of advice is proof enough.
Ryan: That's pretty honest of you, and same here, and no one is perfect, to claim to be would be... less than integral, but we all struggle to. Here's a cliche that seems fitting, "The truth shall set you free".

What do you care about and why? (Sunny days is not an answer)
The health and well-being of my whanau. I am only as strong as those who are around me most of the time so I try my best to do what I can to ensure that they are the strongest version of themselves, (within reason of course, no bible bashing or any other bashing for that matter).

Tell me a personal story that works with AFQY?
I met Jits Doolabh who helped me make the changes in my career that got me to where I am today. Still a lot to go but he gave me a great foundation to work from.
Ryan: Good ol' Jits, a really good guy and AFQY'er, whom I haven't caught up with for a long time, last I saw you/him was ASB C-Drive and it's time we caught up mate, watch for "A yarns with Jits..."

"If you had your time again, what would you do differently?" (Old CEO's answer that question, paraphrased to, "I'd be married to my wife not my job and I would know my children, not my work...")
I wouldn't do anything differently. I am where I am meant to be, I am in the situation that I am meant to be in. I made my choices consciously as they aligned with who I was at that time. Through those choices I have gained experience and learnt a lot about myself. I wouldn't take that back.
Ryan: That's fantastic, you are in tune with yourself more than a lot of us are, ka pai.

What's your handle, or nickname? (Can everyone use it? And how di you get it?
"Tee" seems to work for most people. "Tee Oh" works too but if you are game enough you can try Te Omeka.

What type of person do you not stand for?
Those who talk one way and act another. Yes, I do fail myself when it comes to this sometimes but I generate an awareness around it so I can pull myself back in line once I realise what I am doing (or my wife does that for me ;p).
Ryan: Yes, actions speak louder than words and if you act to rectify your words when required, that's pretty cool.

What would you like to share with AFQY and why?
I would like to create an education system that teaches more life skills e.g. negotiating, moral values, communicating idea's/emotions, financial literacy. I would like to do this to help those who want help in these area's and are interested enough to see what outcomes they will have by applying the knowledge gained through these teachings.
Ryan: I know a few people who will be keen, and you know them too, you just haven't broached this subject with them, so let this be a lesson to us all, share your intentions and story more and allow people to help you with your dream.

Thanks "Tee", that was inspiring with regards to your level of honesty, regarding a couple of your points and recognising you can be less than perfect yourself, like us all. Your humbleness gives you a mana I believe we are all attracted too, and desire to emulate.

Cheers,
Ryan Ashton
Chief Yarner
AFQY