As a YES student, Ryan and his team established "Antarctica Organics," a company that created organic toothpaste in reusable glass jars—a concept that was relatively rare at the time. They developed a range of flavours, from mint to orange and even bubblegum for kids. Their hard work paid off, as they not only found success in selling around 50 products, but also clinched victory at the Hutt Valley Regional Finals.

Ryan also took advantage of the Extreme Experiences on offer during his time in YES, participating in Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA) and had the opportunity of a lifetime with a business trip to São Paulo through LATAM CAPE. This experience broadened his horizons, providing insights into economics and small businesses that he wouldn't have gained in a traditional classroom setting.

“YES helped me to gain a greater interest and understanding of economics and small businesses. It taught me invaluable skills that I would’ve otherwise not developed in school, and has built me up to be the person I am today."

When asked why he decided to participate in YES, Ryan explained, "It was something different. I wanted to learn a bit more about business and the economy, and this was a great, hands-on way to do it." His willingness to explore new avenues and take on challenges set him on a path of continuous growth.

Through YES, Ryan learned a range of life and business lessons, including the importance of embracing opportunities that come your way while also learning when to say no. "Sometimes life can feel like running your YES business," he noted, "there’s lots of moving parts, and if something small goes wrong, it can all fall apart. Learning how to manage that and move on is important."

Ryan's advice to current YES students is clear: "Ask for a mentor. It’s so important to have someone outside of the YES and school environments to guide you and help you develop your business and yourself."

Today, Ryan currently works as an Advisor at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand. He is involved in the Budget process, growing skills and understanding of policy and the finances of large government departments. His journey from YES to a career at large government agency is a testament to the skills and experiences he gained through the program.

Ryan leaves us with a valuable piece of advice he received in his career: "You’re young. You don’t need to do everything by 21, let alone 25. You have your whole life ahead of you, and you can always change things if you don’t like where they’re heading."

Ryan’s story serves as a reminder that YES is not just about entrepreneurship but also about personal development and the potential to shape a bright future.

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