Around 80 women gathered at North Harbour Hockey for the Business North Harbour Women in Business event, an occasion focused on connection, learning, and shared experiences within the local business community. The event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to hear firsthand from Wendy Petrie, whose transition from a high-profile media career into business ownership offered both inspiration and practical insight. 

Speaking with honesty, humour, and authenticity, Wendy shared her entrepreneurial journey as the new owner of Speedy Signs Albany in Rosedale. Her story resonated strongly with the audience, blending reflections on a successful broadcasting career with the realities of stepping into an entirely new industry. 

Living the Dream in Broadcast News 

Wendy’s journey from journalism to business ownership is always inspiring, and she gave great insight into the career that shaped her. Reflecting on her early days of gaining international experience, working in television in Canada, then working across multiple roles during what she called “the heydays of the news,” where she was “doing news breaks, the weather, and reporting on the 6 o’clock news.” At the time, she said, “I thought I’d landed my dream job!” 

“Being in the spotlight was good, but there was always an uneasy feeling too,” she admitted. “The responsibility of people depending on you for the 6 o’clock news every night was quite scary.” Despite the pressure, she spent 14 years in the role while raising three children and balancing a demanding career. 

The 2020 Restructure and What Came Next 

A major turning point came in 2020, when TVNZ restructured, and her role was among those cut. Reflecting on that time, she said, “What does my next chapter look like?” What followed was a period of reflection and growth. “Through that upheaval did come growth and renewal… I figured out that the world does not owe me a thing.” 

After more than a decade in a role she once thought would last forever, she recognised, “I was comfortable… I was no longer facing the challenges I had when I first started.” That realisation sparked a shift in mindset. “The sooner I stopped feeling sorry for myself, the better,” she said, as she began to redefine her identity and purpose beyond her career. “The key for me was to redefine my purpose… and figure out what is important in my life.” 

As the media landscape continued to evolve, Wendy and her family made a bold decision. “We could see the writing on the wall… we can’t keep being in the media. What else can we do?” she said. That question led them to explore business ownership. 

“Why don’t we buy a business? How hard can a business be?” she laughed, recalling the early days of their search. They explored multiple options, from pool cleaning to party hire and car hire businesses, undertaking extensive due diligence along the way. “We looked at a lot of businesses… a lot of P&Ls… and really dug into how we could make something successful.” 

Stepping Into Business Ownership 

A defining moment came when they discovered the franchise model. “We’d never really considered it before, but actually it made sense. The wraparound support, a well-known trusted brand,” she explained. That journey led them to purchase Speedy Signs Albany, a long-established business based in Rosedale with more than two decades of history. 

“After weeks of due diligence, we signed on the dotted line, we were all in,” she said. But she was quick to add, “the euphoria is short-lived, because the work is just beginning.” 

Transitioning from journalism to business ownership came with a steep learning curve. “People say your network is your net worth… but I’d never thought of myself as having a network,” she admitted. “I’m a journalist, I’d never thought about selling or business connections.” 

Attending her first franchise conference was an eye-opening experience. Surrounded by experienced business owners, she found herself immersed in unfamiliar language and concepts. “People were saying words I didn’t understand… and you do feel like you’re faking it a bit,” she said candidly. Yet it was all part of stepping into a completely new world. 

Self-Awareness and Intentional Living 

Throughout her talk, Wendy reinforced that change is something we all face. “Change is something we can’t control, and it happens to all of us… It’s always happening.” She also shared a powerful mindset shift that helped her move forward: “Change is happening FOR me, not TO me.” 

A strong theme throughout her talk was self-awareness and intentional living. Wendy shared how she now prioritises small moments of mindfulness: “Just 10 minutes a day… to stop and check in with yourself has helped me so much.” She encouraged the audience to reflect with simple questions like, “Where am I winning today? What will I let go of? What am I grateful for?” 

She also reminded everyone to find joy in the everyday: “Get excited about the small things… even that morning cup of coffee,” while reassuring the audience that perfection isn’t the goal. “It’s okay to be a bit sloppy… it doesn’t have to be perfect.” 

Events like this are a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and talent within our local business community. Wendy’s story highlighted the importance of backing yourself, staying adaptable, and being open to redefining your path. 

I hope everyone enjoyed the insights, knowledge and experience Wendy brought along and left feeling inspired, connected, and motivated.