“You’ve built the arena, now get in it.”
This week we met with Di Foster. She’s kind of a big deal. Between Two Beers Podcast listeners will know what I’m talking about. She’s helped Seamus and Steven and other guests like Dave Wood to take what they have and supercharge it.
In Di’s words, she’s a coach that helps accidental business owners (or accidental charity owners in our case with BetterMan NZ). Those that are good at their craft but could be better in terms of strategy, finances and planning. Those that want to go the next level; to have a greater impact.
So on a dark and wet winter morning, at 6:30am, Ged, Todd and I met Di in her new office.
At the end of a corridor, in a shared working space, Di’s office is perfectly Di. A few tastefully chosen pieces of furniture, a bookcase of self-help and business books, a desk scattered with papers. Her walls are plastered with blue post-it notes. I comment it’s like “A beautiful mind”. Di misses the movie reference and says thank you, mentions she thinks she’s a bit dyslexic and it helps her make sense of the world. I’m glad she misses the reference because it makes me look good (and, in retrospect, I realise it's true anyway - she does have a beautiful mind).
Upon the floor are a bunch of BetterMan documents that we’ve sent her. They’re spread everywhere and Di has clearly looked them over.
She starts by asking “what problem do you solve?”
She directs it at me. Waits for an answer then asks Todd and Ged the same. She’s thinking deeply as we answer.
Di then gets stuck in.
To both the work at hand and to us. There are no holds barred, she calls our bullshit and gets to the crux of the problem.
We spend four hours dissecting this and that. At times it’s a bit all over the show. And I say that in a good way, you don’t know where Di is taking you, but strap yourself in because boy does she produce some gold down those rabbit holes.
Morbid as it sounds, Di’s main aim is to have a good death. If you know Di’s backstory around surviving cancer you’ll understand. In order to do that she lives the shit out of life. It’s infectious.
And just like that, four hours have flown by, the sun is now up, we get a quick photo and head off equipped with a lot to get stuck into including getting more into the arena we've built.
More on that soon…
Thanks Di.

– Ryan Astle, Co-Founder of BetterMan. Digital Marketing Manager at ANZCO Foods

“The most inspiring people on this earth are those that take responsibility to be the best person they can possibly be and live the best life they possible can. Di Foster is the perfect example of this.

Di is a story teller who captures audiences for lengths of time in a way that you cannot hear a pin drop. She has an incredible story and is completely raw when she tells it. She uses this truth and honestly to inspire those listening to be brave and take responsibility for the life you want to lead.

Di does not repeat trendy philosophies about happiness. Instead she takes into the deep depths of life in the dark and the worst times before taking you on a journey to creating a life well above this. In a place of creativity, happiness, deep thinking, openness and calm. She is not interested in any sympathy instead has dedicated her communication to real and, again, raw inspiration.

We all need to hear Di’s story of devastation and then the strength of mind that it took to take responsibility for her life and the type of life she was going to lead… down to the detail of the importance of each day.

Di will leave a room stunned. Afterwards there will be deep reflection and conversations that need to be had.

Di and her insight is a genuine treasure.”

-Bridget Legnavsky, GM Cardrona Alpine Resort

“Di Foster spoke at my Real Women Raw Stories event (to 500 people) and delivered a personal, polished, and engaging talk. Her dynamic and almost theatrical approach captivated the audience during her 20-minute presentation, inspiring everyone to take charge of their own lives.”

-Moria Murphy, Creative Director at I Do For You -Event Planner

“Di Foster is an amazing lady with a fantastic attitude and an innate way of drawing the best out of people. I took the opportunity to see Di in her professional capacity. This was a fun journey that made me reflect on myself, identifying what I was doing well, where I could improve, and, more importantly, what was truly important in life. I highly recommend experiencing Di's methodology, insight, genuine interest in your future, and wonderful approach to living.

– Robert Sharkie, GM Agritech Animal Nutrition

“Di is a very giving person without the expectation of anything in return. She questions your motives, makes you think harder about your “why”, holds you accountable and is very much your partner in success not just in business, but in life. I highly recommend Di for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally, her energy is contagious.”

– Jack Fraser, Director - Fraser Flynn Property Management

“Fantastic speaker, scores 11/10; you could have heard a pin drop throughout; very moving; not many dry eyes in the audience. Inspirational, extraordinary story of beating the odds. I highly recommend Di..”

– Peri Drysdale, CEO and Founder - Untouched World