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Pacific Empowerment
Pacific Empowerment Podcast was founded by a Tongan woman entrepreneur, Akanesi Kaufusi, to uplift and inspire Pacific Island people to take bold action, chase their dreams, and dream as big as they dare. This podcast challenges the limitations of traditional thinking and cultural expectations that often hold our people back. It’s a space to break free from fear, take risks, and rewrite what’s possible - no matter your background or environment. Your situation doesn’t define you. Your vision does.
Episodes
14 episodes
Episode 14 - TOU'A: Women’s Testimonies from the Faikava
In this episode, we dive into the history and role of the tou‘a - women who serve kava in Tongan faikava circles, and why Tonga’s practice is different from other Pacific regions. We explore how the role connects to kinsh...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:01:26
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Episode 13 - Why the Old Mindset Needs to Change
In this episode, I sit down with Laki Mafi, founder of Legacy in Motion, to dive deep into men’s mental health and healing. We begin with an open conversation about the faikava culture and tou‘a issues from a man’s perspe...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:07:06
How to Deal with Bullies
In this powerful episode of Pacific Empowerment, Akanesi Kaufusi opens up about facing online bullies after speaking out on faikava and the harmful customs that silence women. Instead of letting the attacks win, she transformed the exp...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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37:18
Episode 11 - Surviving Domestic Violence
In this episode, I sit down with domestic violence survivor Lizzie Wong as she bravely shares her personal story. Today, Lizzie works in a Domestic Violence Center, supporting survivors and strengthening services across communities. Sh...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:28:12
Sexualising Women in Kava Sessions, Church Donations, and the #MeToo Movement
In this powerful episode, we tackle three big topics that are shaping conversations in our Pacific communities.First, we address the growing issue of sexualising women in modern kava sessions - how a respected cultural role is being dis...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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28:21
Episode 9 - How to Build Wealth Without Losing Your Soul
What does it really mean to be rich the right way? In this episode, we dive deep into the truth about money, success, and faith. From Shannon Sharpe’s recent downfall to the story of Job’s unshakable faith, and even the billion-dollar ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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25:13
Episode 8 - Why Most People Quit Too Soon
In this heartfelt episode of Pacific Empowerment, we honor the life and legacy of George “Fiji” Veikoso, whose journey from humble beginnings in Fiji to becoming the voice of the Pacific is a true testimony of persistence and passion. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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20:51
Episode 7 - Leadership & Marital Affairs
We start this episode by talking about the recent CEO-employee affair at the Coldplay concert, and the lessons we can all learn from it. From there, we dive into a topic many avoid: Leadership, Marriage, and Affairs.Why do some leaders ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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44:14
Episode 6 - The Power of Speaking Up
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we dive into the importance of speaking up against injustice, even when it feels like you're standing alone.I explore the stories of global heroes like Rosa Parks, Malala Yousafzai, Nelson M...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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25:13
Episode 5 - Tackling Tall Poppy Syndrome in the Pacific
In this episode, I open up about the real challenges I’ve faced building Siuhuu, a fully operational e-commerce platform for the Pacific, and how Tall Poppy Syndrome is blocking the growth our region desperately needs.
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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49:46
Episode 4 - How to Break the Cycle
Is faith alone enough to truly change us? In this episode, we dive deep into a topic often considered taboo in our Pacific communities: the connection between faith, hidden wounds, and true healing. Growing up in the church, many of us were tau...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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28:08
Episode 3 - How to Build Mental Toughness
In this episode, I dive deep into what it really takes to build mental toughness - especially as a Pacific Islander navigating the pressures of life, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. I share stories from my own journey, lessons from books...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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20:41
Episode 2 - How I Changed My Mindset
In this episode, I share how I transformed my mindset - from self-doubt and pressure to self-belief and purpose. I talk about the principles I applied, the steps I took, and the books that helped me grow, including Think and Grow Rich ...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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29:27
Episode 1 – Humble Beginnings
In this first episode, I open up about my childhood, the struggles I’ve faced, and the journey that led me to become an entrepreneur. I share the real story behind why I started this podcast - to inspire, uplift, and empower Pacific Islanders t...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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26:49