The Real Solutions Business Podcast

In this episode I am joined by Noel MacDonald from Oxygen8 Consulting to talk about the Business Success Program that he delivers to SME owners. Noel MacDonald brings wide-ranging expertise earned over 35 years in business overseas and in New Zealand. Having held senior transformation roles in operations, finance and logistics Noel considers himself a generalist who “speaks accounting, IT, marketi...

In this episode I am joined by Sarah Robb from Spring with Sarah (www.springwithsarah.com). Sarah is a certified coach and NLP Master Practitioner. Sarah helps her clients to retrain their brains and breakthrough beliefs and patterns that keep them stuck. Sarah and I talk about the power of mindset and the subconscious and how you can look to breakthrough and change thought patterns that might be...

In this episode of the Real Business Solutions podcast I am joined by Chris White from Rise Wellness ( www.risewellness.co.nz ). This is a welcome return to the podcast for Chris having previously guested. Chris talks to me about the concept of stress in the workplace, the narratives we tell ourselves about the nature of stress (and our responses to it) and whether a little stress is, or can be, i...

In this episode I am joined by Jon Foulkes, Senior Consultant from Redvespa Consultants a national business consultancy firm with an office here in Christchurch. Jon talks with me about the concept of Risk Management considerations for NZ SMEs when looking at and deploying new projects within their organisations. Jon talks with me about the fact the there is no avoiding every risk in a new project...

In this episode I am joined by Max John from White-Mirror Cyber Security Awareness and Consulting to discuss the emergence of AI in business. Aside from consulting in the cyber security space, Max has a number of years’ experience in IT across a diverse range of industries and professions. Max talks with me about the emergence of AI and what it may mean alongside ChatGPT and the dangers of exposin...

In this episode I am joined by Max John from White-Mirror Cyber Security Awareness and Consulting to talk about the topic of “end user cyber security” in your business. In this context an “end user” is anyone in your business who has access to your computer system including email and the internet, read pretty much most team members in any SME in New Zealand. Max talks with me about the importance...

In this episode I do my first podcast recording over Zoom with the wonderful Alex Davids from Next Evolution Performance. Alex is co-founder of this high-performance coaching business. She has a background in psychology and over 20 years of coaching experience working with SMEs and large corporate to help leaders achieve high performing cultures by increasing energy, profitability, mindset, accoun...

In this episode I am joined by Judy Celmins from ThriveableBIZ. Judy and her partner run a marketing consulting business for small businesses. Judy is a practical, pull-no-punches, creative problem solver. She is a big picture thinker who challenges the status quo thereby opening opportunities for small businesses to take their marketing game to the next level. I had a great time talking with Judy...

In this episode I am joined by James Hobcraft (employment law specialist) to discuss changes to employment law over the last year or so, possible upcoming changes, things you must get right and resources available to help employers comply with their obligations. James discusses some recent case law and casts his eye across his crystal ball to see what might be around the corner for employers in 20...

In this Episode I am joined by our very own Charles Mullins who is a senior associate who practices in our relationship property team. Charles talks to me about the importance of business owners turning their minds to how best they look to protect their business in the event of a separation and what sort of risks can be faced. This is a hugely topical and important issue that often makes new headl...

Today I am joined by Shelly Stevens from OneLife. Shelly is a holistic lifestyle and nutrition coach who supports people with coaching to provide education, inspiration and support in finding their best health so that they can live their best lives and share that with others in the community. Shelly has been in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience and kn...

In this episode I am joined by Sally Cunneen, senior solicitor, who is a member of our commercial and litigation team. Sally walks me through the processes involved in pursuing debts against individuals and companies. We all know that cashflow is the lifeblood of any business. Sally talks about the importance of terms of trade and being proactive when it comes to your debt collection processes so...

In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Dame Sue Bagshaw about the challenges and rewards of employing young people in your business. Sue helps unpack the question of brain development in young people and why that is relevant on the job, the need for employers to ascertain the learning style of their young employees alongside some practical ideas and tools you can deploy to unlock you...

In this episode I am joined by local real estate superstar Vanessa Golightly from Ray White Papanui. Vanessa has built an exceptionally loyal base of clients over her time in real estate and she has done so by communicating authentically, with relevance and integrity. If you want to know how to connect authentically with your clients then definitely give this episode a listen and learn some tips f...

In this episode I am joined by Ginny Rhodes the Executive Manager of Dress for Success Christchurch. Ginny talks with me about her background, the dress for success vision and the multitude of ways that this wonderful local organisation (with a global reach) helps empower the women of Christchurch every day. We talk about the ways you can get involved from volunteering your time to making financia...

Artificial Intelligence or AI has been around for some time - when you use your face to unlock your phone, or when Gmail suggests an end to the sentence you're typing - but Chat GPT has brought the AI discussion out of the tech world and into the mainstream. By now much of the world has heard about ChatGPT and how it is revolutionising the world as we know it.   Here to discuss whether AI can...

Llivia Puig from SBS Wealth joins me to discuss transitioning to retirement and your finances including how much do you need and where do you start planning. This episode includes a special focus on the upcoming women and wealth workshops beginning end of May 2023. Is there a topic you want covered or a person you want to hear from? You can contact us through the Godfreys Law website, or you can m...

Llivia Puig from SBS Wealth joins me to discuss Financial Buckets and how to structure your finances according to goals and time frames. The benefits and importance of having s structure to help you in the now and in the future. Is there a topic you want covered or a person you want to hear from? You can contact us through the Godfreys Law website, or you can message the Godfreys Law Facebook page...

In this episode I talk with Derek about what business brokers do, how they add value and how you can use them to maximise the value of your business if you are thinking of selling. Derek talks through what he and the team at ABC can do to supercharge your business sale. Is there a topic you want covered or a person you want to hear from? You can contact us through the Godfreys Law website, or you...

In this episode I am joined by Derek Lough, Managing Partner from ABC Business Brokers to discuss the ABC Business Brokers Market Intelligence Report for the quarter ending March 2023. Derek talks through both through the micro trends of the quarter just gone as well as the broader macro trends in the NZ business sales market. This is interesting listening from any business owners out there wonder...

In this episode I am joined by Claire Waghorn the Sustainable Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport. Claire talks to me about her career to date and how she came to be working at Christchurch Airport to help accelerate the transition towards zero emissions. Claire drills down into what tools and frameworks are available to all businesses who want to embark on their transition to more sustainab...

In today’s episode I am joined by Louise Neville, Director, Chartered Accountant and Lead Mentor from Accounting Solutions in Christchurch.  In this episode Louise and I talk about what it takes in 2023 and beyond to run a successful and thriving business.  The simple truth of the matter is that there are so many balls in the air at any one time, business owners must not only learn the a...

Today I am joined by Louise Neville, Director, Chartered Accountant and Lead Mentor from Accounting Solutions in Christchurch.  In this episode Louise and I talk about lessons learned post the Christchurch Earthquake sequence on both on a personal and business level.  We specifically recorded this podcast for the benefit and support of those business owners who have directly suffered fro...

Let's face it, business can be hard. We all face a number of headwinds every day. Aside from cash flow the lifeblood of any business is its clients, without whom there would be no cash flow! Attracting new clients is critical to sustain the lifeblood of any business but many people are left with the question of how do I go about doing this? In this episode I am joined by Cameron Taylor from Timezo...

In this podcast I team up with Kaushik Kumar (Forbes 30 under 30 Asia Pacific) who manages Dark Matter a video production/sale video consultancy alongside Dark Spaces which is a specialist 'done-by-you' studio space in Christchurch. Kaushik has a wealth of experience in this space and just happens to be one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Take a listen to Kaushik demystifying the process th...