Vezz’s Journey - What the heck is a personal brand?

15/03/2026

Verity Hikairo

11/03/2026

There are times when the path forward isn’t flashy or loud.

They’re not the moments people usually post about.
They’re quieter.

Moments of consistency.
Of showing up.
Of choosing to keep moving forward, even when the future isn’t fully clear.

For many leaders, these seasons become powerful teachers.

They build resilience.
They build humility.
They build the capacity to stay grounded when things are complex or uncomfortable.
Because leaders who have navigated uncertainty often lead with deeper perspective.
They listen with intent.

They support with care.
They understand that everyone carries a story — not all of it visible.

Over time, those challenging seasons don’t define us by what we endured, but by what we developed.

Steadiness. Perspective. Compassion.

The kind of leadership that holds people, purpose and whānau at the centre.
Resilience. Whānau. Leadership.
Verity Hikairo

10/03/2026

Honestly don’t know how you pit up with me mlove!! but ill take it anyway.. No give backs! hahaha Verity Hikairo

10/03/2026

10/03/2026

08/03/2026

So here’s the real question.

At some point in your career…

Did work quietly become responsible for more than it should have been?

For things like:

• motivation• identity• purpose• feeling valued• feeling energised

Most people don’t realise it’s happening until something shifts at work.

And suddenly the impact feels bigger than expected.

So I’m curious.

When did you notice the shift?

1️⃣ When work became your identity
2️⃣ When you realised life needed to be bigger than your job
3️⃣ Still figuring it out

08/03/2026

Time for a quick vibe check: Are you treating your job like a toxic ex and expecting it to be the sole source of your happiness and energy?

08/03/2026

Seriously. Faculty said I couldn’t handle nursing school as a mum. Family members said I didn’t have the brains my brother or mum had. Even my dad, bless him, said, “You’re a bushman’s wife — you can’t do nursing.”

At the time? I was gutted. I’d hoped someone, anyone, would have my back. But instead… doubt became my fuel.

I’m stubborn as hell. Nobody’s going to tell me what I can and can’t do. I turned every “you can’t” into energy to keep going. Some days, when assignments felt impossible, when bus rides and daycare drop-offs had me drained… I just did it. I had no choice. I’d already invested too much. My kids were counting on me.

And you know what? That stubbornness became my superpower. Every doubt thrown my way just pushed me harder, helped me prove not only them wrong… but also myself right.

Nursing school wasn’t easy. Pregnancy, sleepless nights, juggling four kids, study stress… it nearly broke me sometimes. But it built me too. It taught me grit, persistence, and that my life experience mattered just as much as any textbook.

TikTok only gives you a taste. Here, you get the full story of doubt, determination, and how I turned everyone saying “you can’t” into fuel that powered me forward.

07/03/2026

Why climbing the ladder Isn’t always the answer

07/03/2026

This is something I put together at the end of my secondment in my GM role at NZs largest business.

Lots a rawness, self reflection and vulnerability here.

06/03/2026

What does a leader look like?

06/03/2026

Why my "detours" are actually my superpower. 🌿

I saw this meme and felt seen! As a Māori leader, storytelling isn’t just a communication style—it’s in my DNA. It’s how our ancestors passed down knowledge, history, and connection.

While the "Pisces" label in the meme is a fun coincidence, for me, this non-linear approach is about authenticity and passion. These "side stories" are often where the real connection happens and where culture is built.

However, I’ve also learned that in a professional setting, the "scenic route" needs a map. While the passion is there, I recognise that certain situations require more structure to ensure the message isn’t lost in the details.

Whether it’s a star sign, a cultural trait, or just how my brain is wired—it’s a "thing," and I’m leaning into it while learning to balance it.
I’d love to know: Does anyone else resonate with the "circular" storytelling style?

How do you keep yourself on track when you know you need to get straight to the point?