It sort of broke me, but I wouldn't admit that at the time

Dame Susan Devoy dominated international squash through the 1980s: world number one for nearly a decade, four-time world champion, eight-time British Open winner, and the most decorated player in New Zealand squash history.

Her achievements were recognised with numerous honours, and she went on to serve in prominent leadership roles — including five years as New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner.

In this conversation, Kaila and Dame Susan explore:

• what it took to leave New Zealand and become world champion at just 17,

• the specific techniques her parents used to build both fierce independence and wild ambition, and

• how she sees her journey differently in hindsight.

A huge thanks to Celebrity Speakers for supporting this episode. If you want to book Dame Susan for a keynote and leave your audience buzzing, visit celebrityspeakers.co.nz.