Sun 02 Jul

Leigh Hart from Essential Talent will motivate you to realise anything is possible in business while keeping a smile on his face

Leigh's approach to turning his hilarious ideas into reality can only be described as a "hit the ground running" extravaganza"

Let's rewind to a time when I found myself knee-deep in the fast-paced world of Solid Gold, desperately trying to convince the one and only Leigh Hart to join our lively radio station lineup. The idea of pairing Solid Gold and Leigh Hart may have seemed like an unexpected combo, but I couldn't help but be captivated by Leigh's comedic genius. Whether he's causing mayhem on TV while attempting to cook or diving headfirst into new ventures, Leigh's knack for keeping things hilariously simple has always struck a chord with me. And guess what?

Today, I stumbled upon a great story about Leigh Hart's business adventures on the One News site. Inspired by his laugh-out-loud humour and entrepreneurial spirit, I couldn't resist exploring the uproarious world of Leigh Hart's business ventures. So, join me as we embark on a laughter-filled journey, delving into Leigh's extraordinary path, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons he shares for those seeking business success.

Delving into Snacks and Beverages: Leigh Hart's journey into the realm of snacks and beverages took an unexpected twist. It all began back in 2016 when Leigh, caught between TV shows and craving excitement, found himself sitting in his office with a couple of colleagues. A wave of boredom swept over them, prompting Leigh to spontaneously post a cheeky message on Facebook. In that moment, he floated the idea of launching a beer brand called "Wakachangi," a term he had playfully coined years earlier to describe the Waikato River on a SportsCafe show. To his surprise, the response was overwhelming, with enthusiastic followers encouraging him to bring Wakachangi beer to life.

Fueled by the unexpected outpouring of support, Leigh set out on an adventure to find a brewery willing to transform his whimsical idea into a tangible reality. After some serendipitous encounters, he struck a partnership with McCashins, a renowned Nelson-based brewery.

This collaboration marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey, with Leigh and McCashins becoming equal owners of the beloved Wakachangi beer brand. Inspired by the success of his frothy creation, Leigh's mischievous mind began to explore the perfect snack to accompany the beer. And thus, another comedic tale unfolded as Leigh teamed up with Griffin's, a beloved New Zealand brand, to create the Snackachangi Chip range.

Transforming Ideas into Reality:

Leigh's approach to turning his hilarious ideas into reality can only be described as a "hit the ground running" extravaganza. With an unwavering focus on marketing, he ensures that both Wakachangi beer and Snackachangi chips exude a consistent tone that resonates with everyday Kiwi consumers.

What sets Leigh apart is his self-contained model, fuelled by the revenues generated from sales, eliminating the need for external investors. It's a lean and efficient approach, reminiscent of his on-screen antics. Collaborating with a team of multi-skilled individuals who share his consumer-centric perspective, Leigh embraces the notion that fantastic ideas can emerge from anyone, regardless of their background. After all, even the average person on the street possesses untapped creativity that rivals the output of traditional marketing agencies.

Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Feedback: Releasing a product and awaiting the verdict of the masses can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Leigh, ever the master of improvisation, took a soft sell approach when launching both brands. This allowed him to gauge initial reactions and adjust his strategies accordingly. By carefully observing market responses, Leigh struck a delicate balance between his own creative vision and the preferences of Kiwi consumers, refining his marketing strategies to captivate the target audience with maximum impact.

Leigh Hart as your next motivational speaker/keynote speaker from Essential Talent?