James Hunt

James Hunt returns for his second appearance, and delivers a gut-punch. He's leaving New Zealand for Australia. A recruiter called, the process moved fast, and he was the preferred candidate. James describes NZ as having "a cloud over it", negativity, claustrophobia, tall poppy syndrome constraining ambition, and it was getting him down. The conversation becomes a real-time case study of the brain drain, with Andy reflecting on his own tall poppy fear before starting the podcast. They also discuss the consulting vs organisation trade-off and why NZ fails to set projects up for success.

Key Topics Discussed

• Brain drain in real time. James is leaving NZ for Australia. A recruiter called, the process was quick, and he became the preferred candidate through to offer. This is what brain drain looks like up close.
• NZ negativity. James describes NZ as having "a cloud over it." The negativity and claustrophobia were getting him down. Lack of ambition in the industry.
• Tall poppy syndrome. Constrains vision and drive. Andy reflects on his own fear of tall poppy before starting the podcast. The cultural expectation to stay modest limits what people attempt.
• Consulting vs organisation. Consulting gives you strategic perspective across multiple projects, but you become a workhorse. Joining an organisation gives you influence and the ability to shape outcomes.
• NZ not setting projects up for success. Only two billion-dollar jobs in the country (Dunedin Hospital, CRL). Scale and ambition are limited.
• Minister Chris Penk. Referenced from the previous episode's conversation on policy reform.
• Production quality. The podcast has improved dramatically since Ep 02, a testament to the journey.

Notable Quotes

• James: NZ has "a cloud over it", the negativity was getting him down.
• Andy: Reflects on his own tall poppy fear before starting the podcast.

Guest Background

James Hunt, risk management and project controls specialist. Originally from the UK, moved to NZ. Career spans Crossrail, Heathrow, Waterview, CRL, Auckland Light Rail, Eastern Busway. First appeared in Ep 02. By Ep 50, he has decided to leave NZ for Australia, citing industry negativity and lack of ambition.