Loving life is a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it grows
Few leadership coaches have hitchhiked in over 700 cars across New Zealand, but Eddie Rakanui has - gaining unparalleled insights on how risk, trust and connection can be transformative.
These experiences, combined with his professional journey, shaped his Be Uncomfortable and Grow (BUAG) framework—a proven method for building confidence, accelerating trust, and thriving under pressure.
Eddie is a leadership coach, MC and keynote speaker known for his energy, relatability, and practical tools. He has advised government agencies, Iwi, and executives across sectors, helping them navigate change, improve resilience, and lift capability.
A TEDx curator and speaker coach, he has guided winners of the Westpac Bank Innovation Award and authored books on time efficiency and transformational lessons from hitchhiking.
As host of the Big Life Mindset podcast - ranked in the Top 10% most shared worldwide on Spotify - and a familiar voice on radio, Eddie is a natural storyteller.
He uses humour, honesty, and optimism to connect deeply with audiences, whether corporate leaders, government agencies, or everyday people wanting to achieve more in life.
Talking Points
Be Uncomfortable and Grow
When we step beyond comfort, we unlock confidence, speed up trust and unlock massive growth. Be Uncomfortable and Grow
Eddie introduces his BUAG framework -Be Uncomfortable And Grow -and shows audiences how to turn confidence into a repeatable habit.
He draws on lived examples (from resigning without a safety net to hitchhiking New Zealand) and shares simple tools audiences can use straight away.
Key Takeaways
• Discomfort → Growth Engine: Reframe discomfort as a place where skills, confidence and results compound; learn micro-stretches that expand your comfort zone.
• Lead through Vulnerability: Design environments that accelerate trust—the fastest route to problem-solving and stronger relationships.
• From Wishful to Action: Convert goals into action with simple planning moves so progress is inevitable—not optional. Ideal for workshops or hands on seminars.
• Culture Shift, Not Hype: Embed BUAG as a shared language so teams normalise smart risk and continuous improvement.
Perfect for:
Audiences wanting to stretch beyond their comfort zones—leaders, teams, and individuals looking to build confidence, strengthen trust, and embrace change as a driver of growth.
Do More, Faster, but with Less Stress
Overwhelm and burnout have become the norm. Do More, Faster, but with Less Stress
The push to do more with less leaves people juggling priorities at the expense of their well-being.
In this keynote, Eddie reveals strategies and tools to sustain high performance. Blending scientific research with lived experience, he equips audiences with practical ways to achieve more, faster, but with less stress.
Key Takeaways
• The Power of Pause: Use intentional pauses to increase clarity, decision quality and long-term productivity.
• High-ROI Habits: Learn quick, repeatable techniques that boost performance in work and life, without the burnout tax.
• Well-being as Strategy: Move beyond wellness jargon and embed practices that protect both people and performance.
Perfect for
Anyone facing the pressure to deliver more with less—professionals, managers, and teams who need practical strategies to sustain performance while protecting well-being.
The Keys to Love Life More
Loving life is like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it grows. The Keys to Love Life More
Too many people feel like passengers in their own lives. The constant battle with self-inflicted doubt, imposter syndrome or fear of failure clouding their compass.
In this inspiring keynote, Eddie introduces Love Life More as both a message and a mindset. Using evidence based tools and strategies, these game changer insights can unlock exponential confidence and growth.
Key Takeaways
• Future-Proof Motivation: Replace “I wish I had…” moments with a mindset that fuels resilience, confidence and growth.
• The Compass: define your ‘pull’ factors, made by you, for you.
• Break Through Barriers: Identify and overcome the self inflicted ceiling that holds people back - self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear of failure and more.
• Love Life as a Strategy: Learn how to design a life you love, with simple tools that align with your compass.
Perfect for
People seeking greater clarity, courage, and joy—those who want to overcome self-doubt, reclaim control, and design more fulfilling lives.
MC / Facilitator
Eddie Rakanui is an experienced MC who creates memorable events.MC / Facilitator
With a life of leadership, facilitation, and broadcasting, he knows how to hold attention and keep audiences connected.
“Captivating and relatable” are words often used to describe Eddie’s style. He is renowned for reading the room and fine-tuning his approach so everyone feels invested. Quick to adapt when plans change, he keeps events entertaining and on track.
Confident working across sectors, cultures and communities, Eddie is a master of creating safe spaces. His award winning leadership coaching, incredible wealth of experiences, and event preparation, give him the tools to make any event a success.
Eddie’s experience and steady presence give organisers confidence, while his engaging style ensures audiences enjoy a positive, lasting impression.