At the heart of every authentic story is a spark of curiosity.
For Heidi Renata, that spark has never been quiet. Raised in Milton, Aotearoa, Heidi grew up with big dreams, a strong sense of whānau, and a natural curiosity about people, possibility and the world beyond her doorstep. That curiosity would go on to shape a career defined by innovation, leadership, technology and a deep commitment to helping others see what they are capable of becoming.
Known as the Curious Wahinepreneur, Heidi has carved a pathway that brings together indigenous leadership, entrepreneurship, technology and lived experience. From humble beginnings to global stages, boardrooms, podcasts and community spaces, her work has always centred on one powerful question: how do we create a future where more people can thrive?
Her journey is shaped by more than 25 years of navigating change, connection and the evolving world of work. Along the way, Heidi has become an award-winning leader, speaker and storyteller, known for turning big ideas into practical pathways and inspiring others to back themselves with courage, clarity and purpose.
INNOV8HQ was born from that same fire in her belly. For Heidi, entrepreneurship has never been just about building a business. It has been about building people, confidence, communities and legacy. Grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, INNOV8HQ reflects a kaupapa that values connection, care and guardianship while preparing people for the opportunities and challenges of a fast-changing world.
Through INNOV8HQ, Heidi continues to support youth, communities, leaders and organisations to grow their capability, unlock their potential and reimagine what leadership can look like in the modern workforce and workplace.This is a story of curiosity, courage, culture and innovation.
Read on to discover the journey behind the Curious Wahinepreneur. here
Made in 75, cheeky and ambitious -
Heidi Renata, Co-founder and CEO of INNOV8HQ is a proud blend of her Māori and Pākehā heritage, reflected in her business's koru and tartan logo.
As a renowned global keynote speaker and "Culturally Curious Wahinepreneur," Heidi Renata has forged a 25-year career in technology, including a pivotal 13-year stint at Vodafone NZ. Her approach is centred on fostering transformative journeys through strategic collaborations.
This philosophy is integral to her work with rangatahi, where she leverages her extensive experience to inspire and equip young leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in a technologically evolving world. Heidi's commitment to mentorship enriches her engagements, guiding the next generation towards innovative thinking and dynamic leadership
Her leadership has earned accolades like the Otago Daily Times Business Leader of the Year in 2022, ACE Aotearoa Programme of the Year in 2023 for her Mana Rangatahi Programme and IWA - Inspirational Women Awards, 2024 Entrepreneurial Women of the Year.
As an advisor to government and the education sector, Heidi is dedicated to bridging the gap for learners, ensuring they are equipped with the essential tools and skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Her life’s mantra: "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something, because you can and you will. Feel the fear and do it anyway—it's worth it."
Made in 66, "Big bro" Steve is eldest of the Renata whanau siblings and key shareholder of INNOV8HQ. Steven is an avid supporter of whanau wellness, entrepreneurship and cultural intelligence. As a Business Development expert and Director he brings two decades of experience through ownership and positions in global and national organisations. He was a founding shareholder of Les Mills International and is now the current CEO and co-owner of KIWA Digital, a global trans-media company based in Auckland
New Zealand.
As siblings from a proud blended family with Pakeha and Māori ancestry, our family philosophy was to work hard, stand up for what you believe in and be gracious in all that you do. Having grown up as children of the 60s and 70s, we inherently lived dual lives not always comfortable in one or the other, but unconsciously searching for the authentic blend.
After travelling the world for two decades and settling back in Aotearoa we could sense the shifts; colony to nation, western world view to TeAo Māori world view, adults to guardians and employees to employers.
Armed with a new sense of duality we’ve embarked on designing and delivering an innovative coworking model that will help navigate the future.
