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LinkedIn isn’t just for updates and shoutouts anymore. It’s where big ideas get shared, real conversations happen, and smart voices stand out.
If you’re already posting and engaging, you’re on the right track. But turning that effort into real influence? That takes more than just showing up. It takes clarity, consistency, and content that actually makes people stop scrolling.
These CEOs are cutting through the noise and getting people to pay attention. From tech to sustainability to education, they’re showing what it looks like to build momentum and credibility in 2025.
If you're looking to level up your presence, start here. These 10 New Zealand CEOs are setting the standard.
Chris Rodley – CEO and Founder, Snap Core & Seaweave
Chris Rodley’s entrepreneurial journey started with Snap Core, a company focused on edge-AI hardware for marine monitoring, and continued with Seaweave, his venture aimed at transforming aquaculture technology.
His focus on the blue economy is reshaping industries reliant on the ocean.
Through his companies, Chris is making sustainable ocean tech more accessible, from fisheries to ocean farming.
His LinkedIn posts reflect his deep commitment to environmental innovation, highlighting partnerships, industry milestones, and the global impact of his work.
Who Should Follow Chris Rodley?
- Environmentalists and sustainability advocates looking for tech solutions
- Entrepreneurs in the marine industry seeking new innovations
- Investors interested in the blue economy and sustainable tech
About Snap Core & Seaweave
Snap Core, founded in 2007, is at the forefront of edge AI for marine monitoring, and Seaweave, launched in 2020, is bringing sustainable aquaculture technology to the forefront.
The company’s groundbreaking solutions are helping industries monitor ocean ecosystems, track marine life, and develop new ways of managing natural resources. With strong support from New Zealand’s research institutions, Snap Core and Seaweave continue to lead the way in blue-economy innovation.
LinkedIn Content Strategy
Chris uses LinkedIn to share updates about both Snap Core and Seaweave, often spotlighting the collaborations and partnerships that drive innovation. He also features educational posts about the blue economy, highlighting key industry trends and breakthroughs in marine tech.
Chris’s LinkedIn content not only showcases his company’s work but also positions him as a visionary in the sustainability space.
How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Regularly updates about new product developments, tech breakthroughs, and sustainability
- Highlights partnerships with government agencies and research bodies
- Uses LinkedIn to advocate for blue economy initiatives and raise awareness
What Makes Chris Rodley Different?
Chris stands out because of his unique focus on the blue economy, blending environmental sustainability with technological innovation.
His posts reflect his deep commitment to the ocean and the environment, offering followers a front-row seat to the innovations transforming marine industries.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Build your brand around a greater purpose or mission
- Share educational and informative content about your industry
- Position yourself as a thought leader in your field
Where Chris Rodley Can Grow (on LinkedIn)
Chris could introduce short case studies of Seaweave or Snap Core deployments and share user-generated content to show real-world impact.
Reza Rad – Founder & CEO, RADACAD
Reza Rad is a leading expert in Power BI and Microsoft analytics.
Starting as an engineer, Reza’s passion for data transformed him into a globally recognized thought leader.
As the founder of RADACAD, he’s made complex data processes more accessible for businesses. His journey has taken him from New Zealand to the global stage, where he’s become a trusted educator, helping others understand and leverage the power of data.
Through RADACAD, Reza is redefining how data analytics is taught and applied worldwide. Every post reflects his commitment to educating the next generation of data professionals.
Who Should Follow Reza Rad?
- Data analysts looking for in-depth insights into Microsoft tools
- Small business owners who want to unlock the power of data for growth
- Learners and educators interested in the world of data analytics
About RADACAD
RADACAD is a global leader in training, consulting, and empowering businesses with Microsoft Power BI and analytics solutions.
With over 1,000 clients served annually and a key focus on hands-on training, the company is redefining how businesses leverage data. Their flagship event, the Power BI World Tour, attracts thousands of global participants, offering both learning opportunities and a community for industry experts.
Reza’s vision has shaped RADACAD into an influential training and consultancy hub for businesses worldwide.
LinkedIn Content Strategy
Reza’s LinkedIn strategy revolves around consistency and valuable content. His updates frequently include invitations to training programs, snippets from his speaking engagements, and discussions about industry trends.
What stands out is how Reza mixes personal reflections with industry expertise, inviting his followers into both his journey and the wider conversations shaping the tech world.
His approach isn’t just about selling training. It’s about building a community of engaged learners who share his passion for data.
How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Regularly shares his experiences from global conferences and trainings.
- Promotes thought leadership through insights and analysis on Microsoft tools.
- Leverages LinkedIn to connect with both existing clients and future partners.
What Makes Reza Rad Different?
Reza’s authenticity shines through his content. Unlike many industry leaders, he doesn’t just share polished content.
Instead, he shows his learning journey, struggles, and successes, making his LinkedIn feed feel more like a conversation than a broadcast. His approachable tone and educational posts give his audience real, actionable value while also making the tech space feel more accessible.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Focus on consistency: Share updates and engage with your community
- Don’t be afraid to mix personal stories with professional insights
- Build your brand around offering value, not just products or services
Where Reza Rad Can Grow (on LinkedIn)
While Reza’s content is strong, he could benefit from adding more interactive content, like live webinars or Q&A sessions. These would allow him to connect with his audience in real time and provide deeper value. Additionally, leveraging short-form video content could help amplify his educational messages and reach new audiences.
Craig Fenton – Founder & CEO, Fenton Innovation
Craig Fenton’s leap from Google to founding Fenton Innovation is a story of vision and transformation.
After leaving his role at Google, Craig created a company focused on helping businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence.
In just a few months, Fenton Innovation has already gained traction, securing clients worldwide.
Craig’s entrepreneurial journey is both challenging and inspiring, making him an ideal follow for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and business.
His posts are a mix of leadership insights, AI trends, and startup advice, perfect for anyone thinking of starting their own tech venture.
Who Should Follow Craig Fenton?
- Aspiring entrepreneurs curious about AI and innovation
- Business leaders seeking to understand how AI can transform their operations
- Start-up founders looking for real, unfiltered stories of success and failure
About Fenton Innovation
Fenton Innovation is a cutting-edge AI automation agency that provides AI solutions and strategic consulting to businesses across New Zealand and beyond.
Since its founding, the company has rapidly gained recognition for its ability to bring AI to life, transforming businesses and helping them scale efficiently. Within just months of its launch, Fenton Innovation secured multiple key clients, all while building a robust pipeline for the future.
Craig's focus is on using AI to drive growth while also making the technology approachable and scalable for all businesses.
LinkedIn Content Strategy
Craig’s LinkedIn presence is all about transparency. He shares raw, unfiltered insights about running a startup, dealing with challenges, and making tough decisions.
His posts dive deep into the reality of building a business, showing not just the good times but the hurdles along the way. By sharing his startup’s journey in real time, Craig builds trust and offers value to his followers who are on their own entrepreneurial path.
How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Posts frequently about his startup’s milestones, both big and small
- Focuses on the realities of AI in business, demystifying the technology
- Uses LinkedIn to showcase company achievements and client success stories
What Makes Craig Fenton Different?
What sets Craig apart is his vulnerability. He doesn’t just share his wins; he shares his struggles and the lessons learned from them.
This makes him highly relatable to anyone thinking about launching a startup or diving into the AI space. His transparency builds trust, making him not just an entrepreneur, but a mentor to others in the community.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Share personal and strategic milestones immediately
- Be transparent about challenges and decisions
- Show your company’s journey rather than polished outcomes
Where Craig Fenton Can Grow (on LinkedIn)
Craig could benefit from a stronger content mix, incorporating short video clips, client testimonials, or behind-the-scenes footage.
This could further humanize his brand and allow him to connect with followers on a deeper level. Additionally, guest collaborations or LinkedIn Lives with other AI experts could increase visibility and attract new followers.
Angie Judge – CEO, Dexibit
What do you get when you mix a childhood spent exploring museums with a tech career spanning government and global enterprise?
You get Angie Judge who turned her lifelong love for culture into a company transforming how museums work behind the scenes.
The spark for Dexibit came when Angie saw museum guards still counting visitors with hand‑clickers. That simple moment led her to build a platform powering global cultural venues with predictive analytics and dashboards.
She pursued more than a business idea. She pursued a mission.
Now cultural institutions like Te Papa and the Smithsonian use her tools to forecast attendance, plan exhibitions and strengthen operations.
Who Should Follow Angie?
- Museum, gallery or attraction professionals tired of flying blind on visitor insights
- SaaS founders building in overlooked industries
- Data geeks who love seeing numbers come to life in unexpected ways
About Dexibit
Dexibit powers data insights for museums, galleries and theme parks.
It merges foot traffic, revenue and engagement into a unified view. Then it uses AI to forecast trends and support strategic decisions.
Since launching in 2015, it serves global clients including national galleries and transport museums. Its tools transform raw numbers into stories institutions use to secure funding and improve exhibitions.
LinkedIn Content Strategy
Angie balances thought leadership with behind‑the‑scenes stories.
She talks museum case studies, milestones for Dexibit and reflections on innovation in heritage tech.
How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Celebrates wins like new museum partnerships or product rollouts
- Breaks data into small, digestible insights
- Highlights the cultural sector’s role in tech discussions
What Makes Angie Judge different?
Angie doesn’t fit the usual tech mold. She bridges heritage and data innovation.
Her writing, voice and event work show she champions sectors often overlooked in analytics conversations.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Share what’s happening in your niche
- Show how your tools solve real world problems
- Let your passion light up your posts
Where Angie Can Grow on LinkedIn
She could add client voices such as museum directors or team members sharing stories.
That would bring added depth and human connection to her feed.
Ben Gleisner – Founder & CEO, Cogo
Ben Gleisner once worked as an economist for New Zealand’s Treasury.
But crunching numbers for climate policy led him to ask: how can everyday people actually take climate action?
That question became Cogo.
Ben turned a daily habit like spending into a tool for impact.
Now Cogo connects to banks and shows users the carbon footprint of each purchase.
It highlights how choices can shrink emissions—and offers easy steps to act.
Who Should Follow Ben?
- Climate conscious consumers who want to align spending with values
- Fintech professionals building sustainable tools
- Bankers and execs exploring practical ESG strategies
About Cogo
Cogo began in New Zealand in 2011 under the name Conscious Consumers.
By leveraging open banking, it plugs into 40 + banks globally. This includes NatWest, ING, Westpac and Xero.
The platform reaches some 20 million users who can track and reduce carbon footprints through everyday spending insights.
LinkedIn Content Strategy
Ben leans into thoughtful posts.
He shares podcast interviews, policy commentary and honest reflections about building a climate tech movement.
How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Shares media appearances and interviews
- Invites readers into his bigger purpose behind Cogo
- Highlights partnerships making real impact
What Makes Ben Gleisner Different?
Ben blends policy experience and social entrepreneurship.
He sees climate change as personal and practical. That grounded clarity keeps his posts powerful without preaching.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Build content around your values
- Use interviews to add credibility
- Talk about the mission, not just the product
Where Ben Can Grow on LinkedIn
Sharing visuals like impact graphs or user stories could lift engagement.
Short video clips or infographics about Cogo’s impact would make the message feel more immediate.
Alyona Medelyan – CEO & Founder, Thematic
When Alyona Medelyan moved from Ukraine to New Zealand to study AI she didn’t know she’d lead a top customer insights startup.
But that’s what happened.
She earned a PhD in natural language processing, built tools to analyze feedback in real time, and turned it into Thematic.
Thematic now serves brands like LinkedIn, DoorDash and Atlassian to turn feedback into clear themes.
Alyona is not just decoding feedback.
She’s turning it into a map companies can follow.
Ever wonder why someone churned or why your NPS dropped?
Thematic helps answer that in seconds.
Who Should Follow Alyona?
- Product managers overwhelmed by feedback
- CX leaders looking for smarter ways than scores
- AI and ML enthusiasts interested in applied real work
About Thematic
Thematic uses AI to analyze text feedback from reviews, support chats and surveys.
It groups feedback into actionable themes and ties insights to metrics like NPS. Everything is transparent. You can trace insights back to customer comments.
It supports both global enterprises and fast-moving small teams.
LinkedIn Content Strategy
Alyona’s posts pack practical insights.
She writes about ethical AI use, shares customer examples and previews product releases.
She explains complex ideas without tech jargon or assumptions.
How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Breaks feedback trends into plain language
- Shares real fix stories: how data solved problems
- Publishes regularly and drives clarity
What Makes Alyona Medelyan Different?
Alyona pairs depth with accessibility.
She connects research rigor with real business results. She doesn’t throw buzzwords around. She explains with clarity.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Make your expertise relatable
- Show what your users do, not just what you build
- Be consistent and deliberate
Where Alyona Can Grow on LinkedIn
She could share more customer success stories tied to retention or revenue improvements.
Story‑driven posts about real outcomes can raise trust and motivate others.
Ricky Sevta – CEO, Deep Space
Ricky Sevta is a builder at heart.
After leading several successful ventures in software and innovation, he took the helm at Deep Space, a tech company focused on solving big problems in aerospace and defense.
His mission? Make space tech smarter, faster, and more collaborative.
He’s only recently joined the company, but his voice on LinkedIn already carries the mix of curiosity and clarity you want from a CEO breaking new ground.
Who Should Follow Ricky?
- Engineers and builders in emerging tech
- B2B SaaS founders looking for leadership insight
- Anyone fascinated by space, strategy, or deep tech growth
About Deep Space
Deep Space is developing next-gen data and intelligence platforms for governments and the space industry.
Their tech helps defense organizations manage risk and make decisions faster.
With a team spanning experts in AI, geopolitics, and satellite systems, they’re at the edge of what’s possible.
His LinkedIn Content Strategy
Ricky’s early posts show a focus on ecosystem-building. He shares updates from the team, reflections on leadership, and thoughts on scaling responsibly.
He doesn’t post just to post. Each one feels intentional and tied to a bigger narrative.
How He Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Introduces Deep Space’s work in simple, digestible ways
- Signals values like transparency and cross-border collaboration
- Highlights the people behind the product
What Makes Ricky Different?
You can tell he’s new at the company, but not new to leadership.
His posts are forward-looking and full of questions. There’s no posturing. Just someone genuinely trying to move something big, one smart step at a time.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Speak from your transition moments
- Share early thoughts, not just polished wins
- Use LinkedIn to map your thinking in public
Where Ricky Can Grow
As he settles in, more consistent posting especially showing day-to-day challenges will only amplify his credibility and invite collaboration.
Lauren Peate – Founder & CEO, Multitudes
Lauren Peate wants teams to work better not just for productivity, but for people.
After seeing too many high-performing groups fall apart from bad dynamics, she built Multitudes: a tool that helps engineering teams improve culture through data.
Her LinkedIn presence? It’s a mix of big ideas and real lessons from startup life. And it’s clear she’s not just building a product, she’s pushing for a better way to work.
Who Should Follow Lauren?
- Engineering leaders focused on team health
- HR and PeopleOps pros seeking measurable impact
- Startup founders navigating growth and culture
About Multitudes
Multitudes gives engineering teams insights into collaboration, wellbeing, and inclusion using data from tools they already use.
Instead of just tracking commits or burndown charts, it surfaces blind spots in communication and burnout risk.
Backed by investors like Blackbird and Icehouse Ventures, Multitudes is gaining traction across the APAC region.
Her LinkedIn Content Strategy
Lauren shares what she’s learning in real-time. From product launches to fundraising updates, it’s all tied back to her mission: healthier teams.
Her tone is candid, occasionally vulnerable, and always informative.
How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Opens up about wins and hard calls
- Ties company updates to broader workplace trends
- Uses visuals and metrics to keep things concrete
What Makes Lauren Different?
She doesn’t try to sound like a typical CEO.
Instead, she sounds like a builder figuring things out alongside her team. That honesty builds trust and keeps people rooting for her.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Vulnerability builds connection
- Product updates should always answer “why now?”
- Thought leadership doesn’t mean pretending to know it all
Where Lauren Can Grow
More behind-the-scenes content especially how her team uses their own product could help Multitudes stand out even more.
Penelope Barton – CEO & Co-Founder, Crimson Global Academy
Penelope Barton’s path to leading Crimson Global Academy started with a simple belief: education should be limitless.
After years working in tech startups like Xero and Vend, she saw how traditional schools just weren’t cutting it for high-potential students worldwide.
So, she co-founded CGA, a global online high school that blends rigorous academics with real flexibility.
Her journey isn’t just about building a school. It’s about building a global community where students from 70+ countries thrive together and prepare for top universities. Penelope’s posts give you a front-row seat to that mission, packed with real stories and a clear vision.
Who Should Follow Penelope?
- Parents exploring next-level education options for their kids
- Educators curious about innovative online learning models
- Anyone passionate about transforming education with tech
About Crimson Global Academy
Crimson Global Academy is a fast-growing online high school with over 2,000 students in more than 70 countries.
They offer an accredited, challenging curriculum tailored to students aged 13-18 who want more than what traditional schools offer.
With a focus on personalized learning and community, CGA prepares students for top universities like Oxford, Stanford, and MIT.
🔗 Visit Crimson Global Academy
Penelope’s LinkedIn Content Strategy
Penelope shares thoughtful updates on CGA’s growth, student achievements, and education trends.
Her posts are a mix of personal reflections and industry insights, inviting followers into the future of schooling.
Penelope connects, educates, and inspires.
How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Highlights real student and teacher stories
- Explains the ‘why’ behind CGA’s mission
- Shares milestones with authenticity and warmth
What Makes Penelope Different?
Penelope leads with heart and vision.
She understands both the tech behind online education and the real-world challenges families face.
Her approach is steady, thoughtful, and focused on impact over hype.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Use stories to build emotional connection
- Show the people behind your brand
- Focus on meaningful content, not just promotion
Where Penelope Can Grow
Adding more video content and behind-the-scenes glimpses could help her reach younger audiences and deepen engagement.
Michelle Allbon – CEO & Co-Founder, The Fractional Directory
Michelle Allbon's journey into the world of fractional leadership began with a personal challenge.
As a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for high-growth tech companies, she recognized the need for flexible, high-caliber leadership roles that didn't require full-time commitments.
This realization led her to co-found The Fractional Directory, a platform designed to connect businesses with experienced fractional leaders across various functions.
Who Should Follow Michelle?
- Startup Founders: Looking to scale without the overhead of full-time executive hires
- Business Leaders: Interested in exploring flexible leadership models
- HR Professionals: Seeking innovative solutions for talent acquisition and management
About The Fractional Directory
The Fractional Directory is a comprehensive platform that connects businesses with experienced fractional leaders across various functions, including revenue, technology, and operations.
By providing access to a diverse pool of talent, the directory enables companies to find the right expertise tailored to their specific needs.
The platform serves as a valuable resource for organizations considering fractional leadership as a viable model for growth and efficiency.
🔗 Visit The Fractional Directory
Michelle's LinkedIn Content Strategy
Michelle's LinkedIn presence is characterized by a blend of thought leadership and practical insights.
She shares articles, case studies, and personal experiences that highlight the benefits and challenges of fractional leadership.
Her content serves as a valuable resource for organizations considering this model, offering guidance on implementation and best practices.
How She Uses LinkedIn as a Branding Tool
- Educational Posts: Explaining the concept and advantages of fractional leadership
- Case Studies: Demonstrating successful implementations of fractional roles
- Engagement: Interacting with followers through comments and discussions
What Makes Michelle Different?
Michelle's approach to leadership is grounded in empathy and empowerment.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual strengths and fostering a collaborative environment.
Her commitment to flexible leadership models reflects a forward-thinking mindset that challenges traditional organizational structures.
Key Takeaways for Your LinkedIn Strategy
- Share Knowledge: Provide valuable insights that educate your audience
- Be Authentic: Share personal experiences that resonate with followers
- Engage Actively: Participate in conversations and respond to comments
Where Michelle Can Grow
Expanding her content to include video formats and hosting webinars could further enhance her reach and engagement on LinkedIn.
Additionally, collaborating with other thought leaders in the fractional leadership space could provide new perspectives and broaden her audience.
