Talofa lava and welcome to PEP Talk, the podcast brought to you by Pacific Enterprise People. I'm your host, Marie Young.

PEP Talk brings you alongside some of the Pacific Enterprising Pioneers of contemporary culture and commerce in the 21st century. Some names you would have heard of, and some names you need to hear of. This podcast is about elevating, celebrating and sharing our authentic narratives through the treasures we reap from life's challenges. I'm really excited that you're listening today. It's an honour.

My special guest today hails from the villages of Pu'apu'a in Savai'i, and Lufilufi and Fasito'outa in Upolu, Samoa. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He is Pesetā Fa'amatuainu To'oto'olea'ava Lama Tone, founder of New Pacific Architecture. Born in New Zealand, but moving to Samoa in his late teens, Lama had a lifelong love of sport that began with basketball. His natural height caught the attention of a scout for the local rugby team, and before long, Lama was a professional rugby player for Samoa's national rugby team, Manu Samoa. Starting in 1996. Lama travelled the world with his teammates, in the process being inspired by the work of great architects. In 2001, something happened that would alter Lama's course, permanently. Find out what happened in this candid interview.