Learning Lunch

Trials and Tribulations of Startups – Not for the Faint Hearted! Learning Lunch with Helen Robinson

iPress Cafe, Mount Eden

Auckland

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23 Jul 2026, 11:00am–1:30pm

Thursday, 11:00am to 1:30pm

$95 per person

Join us for a Learning Lunch with Helen Robinson ONZM, one of New Zealand’s most respected entrepreneurs and professional directors.

Over lunch, Helen will share candid reflections from her extensive experience building, leading, and governing businesses across technology, finance, sustainability, and consumer sectors. From global leadership roles to chairing innovative startups in fields such as AI, space, and medical technology, she has seen first-hand the realities behind entrepreneurship.

In this honest and engaging session, Helen will unpack the trials and tribulations of startups. What really happens behind the scenes, the challenges that test even the most capable leaders, and why building a successful venture is often “not for the faint hearted.” Drawing on decades of experience, she will offer practical insights into risk, resilience, governance, and the importance of sound judgement.

Helen will also reflect on what entrepreneurship means today - not just for startups, but for experienced leaders, directors, and those considering new ventures, investments, or governance roles later in their careers.

This Learning Lunch offers a relaxed and engaging setting to hear directly from Helen and take part in a meaningful conversation with peers.

About the expert

Helen Robinson ONZM

Helen Robinson ONZM CInstD is an entrepreneur and professional director with decades of experience leading technology companies and driving innovation across the technology, finance, sustainability, and consumer goods sectors.

Her personal mission is to ‘do good at scale’. Helen’s governance career spans public, private, public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Currently, Helen’s directorships include financial markets (Generate Kiwisaver and LGFA), chairing tech startups (AI – Kara Technologies, space – Astrix Astronautics, medical device – JUNOFEM), founder and chair consumer products company Organic Initiative (Oi), and chairing infrastructure organisations (REANNZ (Research Education Advanced Network) and Group Shared Services across the Auckland Council Group). Helen chairs NZTE’s Beachhead Advisors for NZ and is a Board Member of NZ Tech.

Helen’s previous executive positions include Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand, Head of Pivotal Corporation Asia Pacific, and inaugural CEO of (what is now) S&P Global’s environmental registry and Organic Initiative (Oi).

In 2018, Helen was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her outstanding services to technology and business, and is the recipient of numerous other awards for business and innovation, including the Supreme Award for Women of Influence in 2016.