Meet Grace & Blair.
The Guest Speaker is a podcast and platform proudly created by Blair Ludlam and Grace Lewis — we’re hoping to create an educational career platform built to support rangatahi across Aotearoa. And their support systems.
The Guest Speaker all began with an idea to change the way kiwis approach ‘life after school.’ But before that idea, there was a classic smart-ass teacher and legendary student combo (yes, Grace writes the website copy).
Now The Guest Speaker is here and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building. Thank YOU for being here!!
Blair brings decades (like 30 years!!) of experience as an educator, advisor, and mentor, known for his calm wisdom and unwavering belief in young people. Grace, a former student-athlete turned speaker and creative, brings fresh perspective, real questions, and a deep love for stories that move.
Together, we started The Guest Speaker to create something we wish we’d had at 17 — honest conversations about what happens after high school. Each episode features a different guest sharing their path, their pivots, and the things they’ve learned along the way.
From trades to uni, business to the arts, gap years to big goals — this is the good stuff. The human stuff. The stuff that makes you feel a little more seen, a little more ready, and a lot less alone.
Blair Ludlam
“We’re creating this podcast series to empower students, parents, and teachers with meaningful insights into the pathways available after school, helping them make informed decisions. By featuring guest speakers, we aim to expose listeners to diverse career options, real-world advice, and opportunities for direct interaction and support. Ultimately, we want to ensure that students’ futures aren’t left to chance, recognizing that they can only aspire to what they see and fully understand.”
Grace Lewis