Founders in the Wild: Sharesies co-founder Brooke Roberts

‍As part of our mission to foster wellbeing for our startup community, we’re sending two of New Zealand’s top founders to Unyoked’s beautiful off-grid cabins for a digital detox and to reflect on whatever they’ve been grappling with.

You’ll hear in their own words what the experience meant to them, starting with how they were feeling before and then what changed after.    

First into the wilderness, Sharesies co-founder, Brooke Roberts.  

Being off-the-grid is an odd feeling. The last time I was off-the-grid was approximately four years ago, with a handful of my friends and colleagues. During that time, we enjoyed deep conversations and experimented with being silent for a day. I found myself writing, drawing and going for a hīkoi in nature. It felt wholesome and calming - though I also found my thoughts would often wander to what was happening in the wider world and how my daughter was going as well.

I anticipate while I’m staying with Unyoked that I’ll find my mind wandering to those thoughts again. However this time, I recognise that this is wasted energy and that I need to try and be present within the moment.

Being present in the moment is something I continue to work on. As a co-founder and co-CEO, I can be managing teams, communicating, learning, attending and speaking at events, as well as balancing being a mum to my two tāmariki and a great mate to my friends. It’s an incredible privilege to be a founder, with such a talented team to support, but it’s something that comes with a lot of responsibility. The need to ruthlessly prioritise is a daily challenge and ensuring my cup is full so I can support others in the best way possible is important too.

I have a few intentions going into my two-day stay with Unyoked, these are:

1. Think deeper. Days can fly by and there are a few things I’m looking forward to diving deeper into. I’m so passionate about the vision of our company, Sharesies, which is to create financial empowerment for everyone, but often I don’t have the time to truly explore any models or finish my thoughts on how we can continue to innovate to achieve this. 
2. Reset my energy: My kids are growing up and entering a new phase of life. I’ve been really thinking about how I balance and put my energy into showing up for them in the best way. 
3. Take notice of my surroundings: Taking a moment to listen to the birds, the weather as it rolls through and the wood cracking on the fire. Go for a run - not for the sake of exercise but to explore some of the world.
4. Create space for the creative:  Allowing myself to see where my creativity takes me. Do I want to draw, build…who knows.
5. Active relaxation: Some people like to have naps during the day, whereas I’m an active relaxer. However, the idea of swinging in a hammock is something I’m happy as to do. 

To be honest as I write this, I realise I’ve got a lot of intentions for this stay. Am I a bit apprehensive of being alone? Yes. Is it debilitating? No. I’ve recently conquered a fear I had with the ocean and now love surfing, so feel confident I have the ability to lean into what the two days could bring.

What I’m planning on taking in with me (aside from the essentials):

• Te reo notes ans Te Aka app that works offline 
• Downloaded music
• Books and an audio book

‍We'll follow up with Brooke's reflection on her experience with Unyoked soon