Xero Founder Sir Rod Drury: Fixing NZ’s Biggest Problems

Sir Rod Drury is one of New Zealand’s most influential business leaders, and genuinely one of the most fun and inspiring kiwis I’ve ever met through the podcast. Whether you know the name or not, you most definitely know the company he founded when he was 40: Xero, a company that grew from a Wellington apartment into a global platform with over 4.5 million customers, thousands of employees and billions in revenue. We talk about the Xero back story — how a skater boy from Hawkes Bay with a stutter built a global brand. But this conversation goes far beyond accounting software. Recorded at his jaw-dropping property in Queenstown, Rod opens about identity after stepping away from Xero, the personal cost of building a global business, how he conquered a debilitating stutter, why he’s now focused on large-scale public good projects that could shape New Zealand for generations and so much more. Rod is such a forward thinker, I got the impression he is bored by reflecting on what he has done and is much more energised by what he plans to do. So I appreciate him indulging me for this podcast by treading over some old ground. This is a wide-ranging conversation about success, meaning, community, and what really matters when the grind slows down. I left this podcast feeling so inspired and proud. It reminded me that there are some really cool, super talented Kiwis who love New Zealand and are doing what they can to make it the best little country on the planet. *** Massive thanks to my long-term podcast sponsors, Generate. Generate is an award-winning KiwiSaver provider with a track record of delivering strong long-term returns for their clients — you can see their latest returns for yourself on their website. I became a client when they came on board as the show sponsor and it’s been a game changer for me personally — I’m kicking myself for not doing it years earlier. You can book a no obligation chat with one of their awesome KiwiSaver advisers at generatekiwisaver.co.nz/dom The issuer of the scheme is Generate Investment Management Limited. To see their Product disclosure statement see generatekiwisaver.co.nz/pds Past performance does not guarantee future returns. And just a reminder — I’m a podcast host, not a financial adviser, so this is just general advice. I recommend getting expert advice before making any financial decisions. *** Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sir Rod Drury 02:59 Building a Community Space in Queenstown 06:00 Life After Xero: Fun Employed 09:06 Reflections on Xero's Journey 11:53 The Importance of Team in Business 14:52 Personal Growth and Mental Health 17:50 Early Years and Education 21:03 The Start of a Career in Tech 24:02 Overcoming Challenges: Stuttering and Identity 27:09 Family Values and Legacy 29:52 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 37:48 Building a Business in Public Markets 38:03 The Origin Story of Zero 40:02 Reflections on Early Days and Challenges 42:07 Milestones and Community Building at Xero 44:12 Maintaining Culture During Rapid Growth 45:52 Personal Reflections on Leadership and Mental Health 51:04 Addressing New Zealand's Challenges 56:25 Innovative Infrastructure Solutions for Queenstown 01:00:00 The Role of Business in Community Development 01:02:23 Navigating Personal Sacrifices in Business 01:06:12 Future Trends and the Impact of AI 01:13:18 Innovative Ventures in Tourism and Healthcare 01:18:04 Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Business 01:20:08 Long-Term Thinking and Intergenerational Relationships 01:23:41 Sustainable Energy Solutions and Environmental Responsibility 01:25:17 Personal Reflections on Aging and Happiness 01:31:05 Government Relations and Vision for the Future 01:34:44 The Role of Business in Society and Philanthropy 01:39:45 Personal Growth and Vulnerability 01:46:06 Performance and Leadership Insights