What happens when being "one credit short" becomes the catalyst for an extraordinary journey?

Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with Liahna Smith, a 23-year-old wahine toa from Taranaki who's redefining what career success looks like. Currently working with Pūhoro STEM Academy (on secondment from Why Ora), Liahna shares her raw and real journey from feeling "not ready" to becoming a voice for Māori rangatahi across five secondary schools.

In this episode, we explore:

• Navigating rejection and turning setbacks into opportunities
• The power of saying YES to uncomfortable opportunities
• Working in kaupapa Māori organizations and connecting with cultural identity
• Mental health, grief, and finding purpose after loss
• The reality of non-linear career pathways
• Why being uncomfortable is where growth happens
• Transitioning from national-level athlete to youth mentor and coach
• Building confidence and finding your voice in professional spaces

Topics covered: Career development, Māori education, STEM pathways, mental health awareness, grief and loss, sports psychology, youth mentorship, cultural identity, professional growth, asking for help, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, finding purpose

Perfect for: Young professionals, educators, career changers, parents, coaches, anyone navigating uncertainty, Māori and Indigenous professionals, STEM advocates, youth workers

Recorded during Mental Health Awareness Week, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take opportunities even when you don't feel "ready."

Baskets of Knowledge brings you real conversations with real people doing extraordinary mahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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#Podcast #CareerAdvice #NewZealand #MāoriCulture #STEMeducation #MentalHealth #PersonalDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #Taranaki #Leadership