The seventh The Profit Unleashed event will bring together an impressive line-up – Rocket Lab launch leader Luke Smith, global entrepreneur Charlie Wallace, and internationally recognised journalist Anna Fifield.
Napier-born Charlie Wallace has built an international reputation as both a musician and entrepreneur. He is the founder of Guitar Mastery Method, a globally successful online guitar education platform that has reached more than two million players worldwide. He is also the guitarist and songwriter for Black Smoke Trigger, a Billboard-charting, internationally touring band. Charlie’s journey from Hawke’s Bay to global audiences reflects a combination of talent, hard work and drive.
Luke Smith oversees launch operations at Rocket Lab’s Māhia site, Launch Complex 1. Luke says, “There’s something pretty special about managing a launch complex in a place your whanau has always called home. I’m excited to share my story, give people a real sense of what goes into making a launch happen, and talk about the genuine economic and community impact Rocket Lab is having across Mahia and Hawke’s Bay.”
Anna Fifield, who grew up in Hastings and attended Hastings Girls’ High School, is one of New Zealand’s most respected journalists and commentators on global affairs. She spent more than 20 years as a foreign correspondent for The Washington Post and The Financial Times, reporting across Asia, the Middle East and the United States. She is the author of The Great Successor, a widely acclaimed book on Kim Jong Un, and writes on New Zealand’s place in the world.
The Unleashed even will take place on May 21 at the Tribune’s Atrium in Hastings.
Event organiser Damon Harvey says, “This is our seventh event and I genuinely believe it’s our strongest lineup yet. We’ve worked hard to bring people back to Hawke’s Bay who are operating on a global stage.”
Damon said the event comes at an important time for the region. “There are real economic challenges across Hawke’s Bay at the moment. Events like Unleashed are about bringing people together, sharing ideas and building energy and momentum in the business community.”
As usual, the event will again feature the Folio Pitch, showcasing an emerging Hawke’s Bay startup. Applications are now open for businesses wanting to present.
Unleashed is proudly supported by Sotheby’s International Realty Hawke’s Bay, Bramwell Bate Lawyers, Int.Workspaces, Ziwi, Gemco and, joining the line-up for the first time, +MORE Hawke’s Bay.
Tickets for the May 21 event are available via Eventfinda:
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/the-profit-unleashed-blasts-off-in-hastings/hastings
Ticket sales have been strong, with previous events each attracting more than 200 attendees from across Hawke’s Bay’s business community.
