Strength In Numbers

Jason Topp

This is Strength In Numbers, where real business owners share their raw, unfiltered stories. I'm Jason Topp, your host from SMYD Accounting & Advisory, bringing you the incredible journeys of remarkable individuals we've been fortunate to work with. Join us as we delve into the highs, lows, victories, and setbacks of entrepreneurship across diverse industries. We even touch on juggling parenthood and business, as well as working with your significant other. Discover the strategies, the support networks, and the resilience that fuel these journeys, with new episodes every Thursday on your favourite podcast platforms. Follow us on Instagram @smyd.nz for more inspiration, motivation, and the assurance that you're not alone in your entrepreneurial voyage.

  1. Balancing Business and Family: Real Stories of Partnership and Growing a Business from the Women Behind the Scenes

    07/08/2024

    Balancing Business and Family: Real Stories of Partnership and Growing a Business from the Women Behind the Scenes

    In the final episode of Season 2 of 'Strength in Numbers,' host Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting / Advisory chats with Leah, SMYD's marketing director and Jason's wife, along with long-time friend Abby Linn from Rhombus Construction. The episode delves into the fascinating dynamics of working with a spouse in business. Abby shares her experience transitioning from a career in psychology to joining her husband Matt's construction business, highlighting the support system and challenges encountered. Leah shares her journey of pivoting from public relations to significantly contributing to building their accounting firm. Both women discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing work-life with family responsibilities, and the importance of taking breaks. Their stories offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating similar paths in family-run businesses. Abby - Rhombus Website Instagram Facebook  Leah - SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Final Episode of Season Two 00:35 Introducing Today's Guests -"The Work Wives" 00:56 Leah and Abby's Backgrounds 01:42 The Transition to Business Partnership 01:59 How Leah and Abby Met 03:14 Balancing Business and Personal Life 04:15 Proving Their Worth 05:54 Challenges and Growth 08:48 Stepping into Leadership Roles 12:51 Owning Their Roles 19:51 Hiring and Expanding the Team 25:14 Advice for Couples in Business 30:34 The Office Transition: From Home to Headquarters 31:42 Balancing Work and Family Life 32:41 Creating Boundaries in Business 35:39 Taking Time Off: The Importance of Holidays 38:18 Defining Roles in the Business 41:12 Women in Business: Challenges and Triumphs 46:02 Reflecting on Growth and Success 54:00 Acknowledging Support and Teamwork 58:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    59 min
  2. The Resilient Journey of Bear & Moo: A Conversation with Hannah Porter

    31/07/2024

    The Resilient Journey of Bear & Moo: A Conversation with Hannah Porter

    In this episode of 'Strength in Numbers,' host Jason Topp sits down with Hannah Porter, the founder of Bear & Moo, an eco-friendly parenting brand based in Hamilton.  Launched in 2018, Bear & Moo offers affordable reusable cloth nappies and other baby products. Hannah shares her story from her university days to becoming an accidental entrepreneur driven by a passion for reducing waste and saving money.  The discussion delves into the challenges of starting and growing a business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she built a loyal customer base through authenticity on social media. Hannah also talks about the importance of balancing work and family, the value of having a strong support network, and strategic decisions that have helped sustain her business. Bear and Moo Website Instagram Facebook  SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Season Two 00:38 Meet Hannah Porter of Bear and Moo 01:27 University Days and Early Ambitions 03:18 The Birth of Bear and Moo 04:30 The Cloth Nappy Journey 07:35 Starting the Business 12:12 Navigating Social Media and Community Building 18:21 COVID-19 Impact and Business Growth 24:06 Connecting with Customers and Social Media Impact 26:30 Balancing Work and Family Life 27:44 The Importance of Support Systems 32:49 Setting Boundaries in Business 34:54 Strategic Business Growth 38:54 Overcoming Financial Challenges 45:05 Looking Forward with Optimism 46:08 Conclusion and Gratitude

    47 min
  3. Cultivating Confidence Through Personal Style: Insights into business and fashion with Caitlin Taylor - The Style Coach

    24/07/2024

    Cultivating Confidence Through Personal Style: Insights into business and fashion with Caitlin Taylor - The Style Coach

    In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting Advisory welcomes Caitlin Taylor, a personal stylist and style coach with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry.    Caitlin shares her unique approach to styling by combining her expertise in psychology and passion for fashion with an emphasis on body positivity and confidence. She discusses her personalized styling packages, wardrobe audits, and virtual consultations, as well as hosting events and working with both individual and corporate clients. They also explore the dynamics of building a supportive business network, citing Caitlin's involvement with the Venus network as a pivotal factor in her business growth.   Balancing work and family life is another topic of discussion, where Caitlin outlines her strategies for organizing her schedule to give her best to her clients while managing family responsibilities. Looking ahead, Caitlin reveals her exciting future plans, including writing a book that encapsulates her extensive knowledge and practical advice on styling.    Caitlin Taylor - The Style Coach Website Instagram Facebook    SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Season Two 00:37 Meet Caitlin Taylor: Personal Stylist and Style Coach 03:36 Caitlin's Journey and Philosophy 04:50 The Importance of Mindset in Style 11:21 Shopping Smarter: Conscious Purchasing Decisions 15:51 Building a Community and Business Growth 22:44 The Style Circle Membership 28:12 Creating a Comfortable Environment 28:33 Journey to Body Confidence 28:42 Impact of Parental Influence 29:29 Body Neutrality vs. Body Positivity 30:43 Raising Body-Positive Children 31:58 Client Struggles and Support 33:51 Balancing Work and Family Life 36:45 Fashion Trends and Personal Style 46:57 Future Plans and Aspirations 49:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

    51 min
  4. Navigating Wellness and Entrepreneurship with Sara Higgins from HANA

    17/07/2024

    Navigating Wellness and Entrepreneurship with Sara Higgins from HANA

    In this episode of Strength in Numbers, host Jason Topp speaks with Sara Higgins, founder of HANA, a health and wellness company.  Sara shares her transition from a pharmacist to a wellness entrepreneur, driven by her personal health challenges. The episode explores her journey in establishing HANA, which offers infrared saunas, ice baths, red light therapy, and other holistic treatments.    Sara discusses her commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness and educating the community. The conversation also delves into navigating business challenges, including the impact of COVID-19, and how Sara has built a supportive team to help grow her business. Sara Higgins - HANA Website Instagram Facebook  SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 00:37 Meet Sara Higgins from HANA 01:24 Sara's Journey to Wellness 03:01 The Birth of HANA 04:43 HANA's Offerings and Benefits 06:00 The Science Behind Infrared Saunas and Ice Baths 07:01 The Holistic Approach to Wellness 17:43 Personal Wellness and Business Challenges 20:17 Navigating Business Challenges During COVID-19 20:36 Personal Stress and Coping Mechanisms 21:35 The Importance of Outdoor Time and Relocation 22:09 Starting a Business During Lockdown 24:41 Expanding the Business and Team 29:01 Adapting and Innovating in Business 32:20 Future Plans and Industry Trends 36:39 Advice for Starting a Wellness Journey 37:29 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

    40 min
  5. Empowering Business Growth Through Expertise and Values with Chris from Daring Digital

    03/07/2024

    Empowering Business Growth Through Expertise and Values with Chris from Daring Digital

    Empowering Business Growth Through Expertise and Values with Chris from Daring Digital  In this episode of Strength in Numbers,  Jason catches up with Christine Rogers about her entrepreneurial journey as the founder of digital marketing agency Daring Digital.  Chris shares her transition from television script writer to digital marketing expert, freelancing, and eventually building her thriving agency. She discusses her strategic approach, the importance of specialization, and the necessity of a supportive team and leadership coaching. Chris also emphasizes the importance of maintaining values, setting boundaries, and nurturing both clients and her team. Chris's resilience and innovative mindset have propelled Daring Digital to success. Daring Digital Website Instagram Facebook  LinkedIn SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Season Two 00:37 Meet Christine Rogers from Daring Digital 01:23 Chris's Journey into Digital Marketing 02:54 Starting Daring Digital 03:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life 04:07 Building a Resilient Business During Lockdown 05:37 Managing and Growing a Team 13:37 The Importance of Values in Business 18:35 What is Digital Marketing? 20:23 Defining Your Marketing Objectives 20:40 The Role of Social Media in Client Nurturing 21:36 Building a Comprehensive Marketing Ecosystem 22:52 Understanding Daring Digital's Services 24:32 The Importance of Specialization 29:01 Strategies for Social Media Success 35:41 Maintaining Boundaries and Values in Business 39:06 Contacting Daring Digital 40:04 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

    41 min
  6. The Art of Authentic Brand Photography with SheShoots

    26/06/2024

    The Art of Authentic Brand Photography with SheShoots

    The Art of Authentic Brand Photography with SheShoots In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason sits down with Nykie Grove-Eades and Helen Dol, the talented photography duo behind SheShoots, Personal Branding Photography. They delve into their journeys in photography, the organic growth of their partnership in business, and the importance of authentic brand photography.  Nykie and Helen discuss how they bring out the true essence of individuals and businesses through their empathetic and creative approach. They also share insights on working effectively as a team, overcoming challenges like anxiety to build positive and creative environments for their clients, and the significance of showing genuine, human elements in brand imagery to connect better with current or potential clients and stand out in the market. SheShoots Website Instagram Facebook    SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Season Two 00:35 Meet the Dynamic Duo: Nikki and Helen 01:45 Nikki's Journey into Photography 02:32 Helen's Path to Photography 03:42 The Birth of SheShoots 06:01 The Essence of Brand Photography 08:39 Creating Authentic Brand Images 12:40 The Importance of Innovation 19:04 Connecting Through Photography 19:32 The Importance of Comfort in Brand Photography 22:22 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Photography 24:46 Navigating Business Challenges 26:24 Networking and Business Growth 28:27 Advice for Aspiring Photographers 29:10 The Power of Authenticity 29:39 Overcoming Anxiety in Photography 33:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    36 min
  7. Fostering Outdoor Connections and Wellbeing with Michelle Morpeth

    19/06/2024

    Fostering Outdoor Connections and Wellbeing with Michelle Morpeth

    Fostering Outdoor Connections and Wellbeing with Michelle Morpeth In the latest episode of 'Strength in Numbers,'  Jason catches up with Michelle Morpeth, founder of Outdoorsy. Michelle shares her journey from starting a blog to creating an extensive online community of nearly 12,000 members focused on outdoor activities and wellbeing, particularly for mothers. They discuss Michelle's various initiatives, including membership events, retreats, and workplace wellbeing seminars, all aimed at encouraging people to benefit from spending time in nature. The conversation delves into the importance of outdoor activities for mental health, connection, and productivity, providing practical advice for integrating more nature into daily life and fostering better relationships. Whether for mums, business owners, or workplace communities, Michelle's insights on balancing life through outdoor experiences offer inspiration and practical tips for everyone. Michelle Morpeth - Outdoorsy Website Instagram Facebook  SMYD Accounting / Advisory  Website Instagram Facebook Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Season Two 00:37 Meet Michelle Morpeth from Outdoorsy 01:38 Michelle's Journey to Creating Outdoorsy 04:38 The Growth of Outdoorsy 05:59 Upcoming Events and Collaborations 12:10 The Importance of Mom's Wellbeing 18:09 Building Connections Through Nature 21:53 Tips for Starting Outdoor Adventures with Kids 23:53 Challenges of Parenting and Nature's Role 25:05 Impact of Outdoor Activities on Families 26:37 Workplace Wellbeing and Confidence 29:38 The Science Behind Nature's Benefits 38:18 Practical Tips for Integrating Nature 41:31 Future Vision and Final Thoughts

    46 min

About

This is Strength In Numbers, where real business owners share their raw, unfiltered stories. I'm Jason Topp, your host from SMYD Accounting & Advisory, bringing you the incredible journeys of remarkable individuals we've been fortunate to work with. Join us as we delve into the highs, lows, victories, and setbacks of entrepreneurship across diverse industries. We even touch on juggling parenthood and business, as well as working with your significant other. Discover the strategies, the support networks, and the resilience that fuel these journeys, with new episodes every Thursday on your favourite podcast platforms. Follow us on Instagram @smyd.nz for more inspiration, motivation, and the assurance that you're not alone in your entrepreneurial voyage.