"It costed me $503K to delivery the event this year; and I still haven't been paid. But I'm really focused on what I can do to [make it easier] for Aotearoa designers to do business abroad."
Every designer, creative and innovator has been misunderstood at some point.
By their clients.
By the industry.
Sometimes, even by their whānau.
We just launched a new podcast for people like that.
It's called Misunderstood.
Episode 1 of Misunderstood is live—featuring Jen Jones the founder of Auckland Design Week
Jen built an entire creative platform while juggling motherhood, overcoming burnout, and rewriting what success in design and entrepreneurship could look like.
This is what we cover:
– How Jen bought her first property at 21
– What happens when you lose $225K on a project
– How she turned that into a 6-figure consulting business
– The real story behind launching Auckland Design Week
– Why emotional intelligence—not just grit—is key to growth
– What it costs to run an event at a global level ($503,000 to be exact)
– And what it really takes to build something new from scratch
If you're a designer, architect, or creative founder trying to build a future that actually reflects your values—this episode is for you.
We talk openly about failure, ambition, and choosing courage over comfort.
Because no one else is going to build it for you.
Watch it now.
Full version is available on YouTube and Spotify.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/FqblgcSzN5s
Spitify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3fPezGQv79NcMMkIR2oGWh?si=-t-nX4r5SxSVJ63B25e1oQ
What’s a moment in your career where you felt misunderstood—but kept going anyway?
We’d love to hear your story in the comments.
#criticaldesign #foryoupage #viral #newzealand #auckland #trending #zerowaste #sustainability #sustainablestyle #sustainabledesign #circulareconomy #ecolnnovation #interiordesign #lowcarbonliving #greenbuilding #sustainableliving #plasticrevolution #architecturalinnovation #futuredesign #designforchange #cleanstone #lowcarbon #plasticrecycling #lowcarbonmaterial #netzero #aucklanddesignweek #podcast