The Better SMB Podcast

The Better SMB Limited
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Join hosts David Altena and Rob Bull as they delve into the subject of small and medium- business productivity in New Zealand. With a focus on driving operational excellence and business improvement, The Better SMB Podcast is your go-to resource for strategies, insights, and success stories from the front lines of the SMB sector.  Despite New Zealand’s historical challenges with productivity compared to our OECD peers, David and Rob are on a mission to turn the tide. Tune in to discover actionable tips, expert interviews, and innovative ideas that will help your business thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Better SMB Podcast will equip you with the tools you need to enhance productivity and achieve your business goals. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidAltena and @RobBull

  1. JAN 14

    Innovation Is a Choice: Moving from Comfort to Courage

    Innovation isn’t just about technology or government policy, it’s a leadership choice. In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, we sit down with Sean Doherty, former Callaghan Innovation leader, to unpack why New Zealand’s prosperity depends on the decisions business leaders make today. Sean shares insights from decades in engineering, manufacturing, and national innovation programmes, challenging SMB owners to step out of their comfort zone and start building capacity for growth.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  Why New Zealand is “poor because it chooses to be”  The real difference between R&D, innovation and adoption  How leadership, not funding, is the biggest barrier to progress  Practical steps to shift from cost-cutting to growth  Episode Highlights:  “Innovation isn’t a destination—it’s a daily choice.”  The three barriers holding SMBs back: funding, lack of strategy, and comfort  Why waiting for government support is a losing game  How small acts of leadership courage, like listening to staff ideas, can unlock big breakthroughs   ---------------------  The Better SMB Podcast is sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com  ---------------------  Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn  Rob Bull  David Altena  Learn more about New Zealand Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business   Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today

    51 min
  2. Scaling with Purpose: Ray Everest on Leadership, Innovation & Impact

    12/29/2025

    Scaling with Purpose: Ray Everest on Leadership, Innovation & Impact

    In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, hosts Rob Bull and David Altena sit down with Ray Everest, educator, entrepreneur and co-founder of Future Focus, to explore what it takes to build a business that thrives without you. From humble beginnings in Tokoroa to leading six early learning centres in Papamoa, Ray shares his journey of scaling with purpose, removing ego from leadership, and creating deep societal impact through innovation.  Ray’s story is one of resilience, vision and continuous improvement. He discusses how he and his wife Courtney built Future Focus from the ground up, the importance of leadership development, and how their new AI-powered platform, Auro, is transforming early childhood education by helping teachers intervene earlier and more effectively with children needing behavioural and learning support.  Whether you’re an SMB owner, educational leader or someone passionate about building high-performing teams, this episode is packed with insights on sustainable growth, leadership behaviours, and creating scalable impact.  Highlights:  How Ray scaled Future Focus to six centres in seven years with over 120 staff supporting 550 children  Why removing your DNA from the business is key to sustainable growth  The genesis of Oro, an AI-driven platform set to revolutionise early learning support and the education industry  Ray’s leadership philosophy: empowering people to exceed expectations and make mistakes safely   ---------------------   The Better SMB Podcast is sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com   ---------------------   Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn  Rob Bull  David Altena  Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business   Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more higher performing business today

    1h 2m

  3. 12/05/2025

    Panic to Platform to Partnership: Chris Parnell’s Bold Journey with SetSeed and The Better SMB

    In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, we welcome Chris Parnell, Co-Founder and CEO of SetSeed, as both our guest and announce their official sponsorship of The Better SMB podcast. Chris shares his inspiring journey from Rotorua to building a global Customer Experience Platform that simplifies websites, CRMs, e-commerce, and email marketing for businesses worldwide.  We dive into why SetSeed chose to partner with The Better SMB, explore Chris’s entrepreneurial story, and uncover practical lessons for SMB leaders who want to lift performance and embrace bold moves.  Highlights  SetSeed + The Better SMB: Why this partnership matters and what success looks like.  From panic attacks to global impact: How Chris turned challenges into opportunities and built SetSeed from the ground up.  Customer Experience vs. CMS: What makes SetSeed different and why it matters for SMB productivity.  Actionable advice for SMB leaders: Mindset shifts, tech as an enabler, and the bold moves that drive growth.  Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that bold decisions shape better businesses. If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with another business leader who could use some inspiration, and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.  ---------------------   The Better SMB Podcast is sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com   ---------------------   Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn  Rob Bull  David Altena  Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business   Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today

    47 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    The Power of Community: Danielle Hancock on Strengthening Local Business in North West Country Business Association

    In this episode, we spend some time with Danielle Hancock, General Manager of the North West Country Business Association, to explore one of Aotearoa’s most connected, community-driven business regions. We talk about what makes the North West so unique, the generational businesses that continue to thrive, and the deep sense of collaboration that sets this region apart.  We also unpack the partnership between The Better SMB and the North West Country Business Association, including the launch of the Better SMB High-Performance Award – supporting SMEs with benchmarking, insights and practical next steps for lifting business performance.  We discuss:  What defines the North West Country business community  The small-town collaboration and multi-generation businesses shaping the region  Challenges facing “mum and dad” SMEs and why decision-making can feel lonely  Why North West Country partnered with The Better SMB to lift productivity  How performance reporting can strengthen business confidence and capability  Listen out for some of these highlights:   “This is the only community where everyone walks into the awards hugging each other.”   “Mum and dad businesses make decisions quickly — they just need the right support.”   “We want to create a bit of FOMO — we want others to say, ‘How do we get what they’ve got?’”  Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.  ---------------------   The Better SMB Podcast is sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com   ---------------------   Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn  Rob Bull  David Altena  Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business   Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today

    30 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    Beyond the BA5: Redefining What a Chamber of Commerce Can Be With Patrick McKibbin

    In this episode, Rob and David sit down with Patrick McKibbin, Chief Executive of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, to explore how one region is redefining what local business leadership can look like.  Patrick shares how the Chamber has evolved from being a traditional networking body into a hub for innovation, collaboration and advocacy, supporting a $10 billion economy with the ambition to grow by 35% by 2035 through the “35 by 35” initiative.  From connecting SMEs to government and industry opportunities, to showcasing world-leading manufacturing and research at the Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation Expo, Patrick’s passion for his region is clear, and contagious.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why Chambers of Commerce still matter in a modern business ecosystem  The power of local collaboration and shared purpose  How the “35 by 35” plan is driving measurable growth  What SME leaders can do to lift their game and tap into networks that deliver real results  Highlights:   “We’re not a relic of the past, we’re a platform for innovation, talent, and connection.”   “The Hutt Valley may be small, but it’s a $10 billion economy... and it’s just getting started.”   “Business success doesn’t happen in isolation. Collaboration is our competitive advantage.”  Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.  ---------------------  The Better SMB Podcast is sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com  ---------------------  Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn  Rob Bull  David Altena  Learn more about New Zealand Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business   Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today

    52 min

  6. 10/23/2025

    No Easy Button: The Real Leadership we Need From Cabinet to the Shop Floor

    In this episode of The Better SMB, Rob Bull and David Altena go behind their NZ Manufacturer article “Leadership from the Top: How Government Must Reflect What It Asks of Business.” They explore what genuine leadership across the system looks like, from the Beehive to the boardroom, and why consistency, accountability and execution matter more than ever.  Building on their conversation with Minister Chris Penk, the hosts discuss where government is showing signs of progress, where leadership gaps remain, and how small and medium businesses can lead the productivity movement themselves instead of waiting for permission.  Highlights:  Government acts as a monopoly, so who holds it accountable for performance?  The “easy button” approach: why raising taxes and levies undermines innovation  Lessons from top-performing countries like Singapore and Norway  The case for a public sector performance dashboard, transparency that builds trust  Leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about consistency, clarity and execution  ---------------------  The Better SMB Podcast is sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com   ---------------------   Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn   Rob Bull   David Altena   Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business    Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today

    47 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    Beyond the Quarter: Tikanga Māori, Values and Long-Term Success with Katia Holland

    In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, we sit down with Katia Holland, Associate at McCaw Lewis, to explore how Māori worldviews and tikanga reshape how businesses in Aotearoa think about success.  We unpack what it means to prioritise intergenerational responsibility over short-term wins, and how principles like whakapapa, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga can be applied to strategy, governance and partnerships.  Katia shares her experiences supporting Māori businesses and iwi, and challenges all SMB leaders to pause and ask: What am I building — and who am I building it for?  Highlights:  The 2050 Test: Would you still be proud of today’s decisions in 25 years?  Why authentic partnerships with Māori organisations require respect and patience, not just transactions.  How Treaty settlements catalysed growth in the Māori economy, now worth $126 billion. What all businesses can learn from a values-first approach that builds legacy, not just profit Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB Podcast, sponsored by SetSeed, the all-in-one platform that redefines what a website can be. Smart, secure and AI-tailored to reflect your brand. No plugins, no patchwork, no problems. Just world-class software and support in one subscription. Discover more at setseed.com  ---------------------  Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn  Rob Bull  David Altena  Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business   Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today

    49 min

  8. 09/29/2025

    Expect to Win: Building a Culture of Excellence in Your Business

    In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, sponsored by SetSeed, David and Rob reflect on their recent interview with Dave Bunting of Architectural Glass Products (AGP) and connect it to a recent NZ Manufacturer column: Expect to Win: Raising the Bar and Aiming at Excellence  They explore how AGP became one of New Zealand’s most operationally excellent manufacturers, and, more importantly, how any SMB can apply the same principles to their own business. This conversation cuts through the myth that excellence requires massive capital investment, proving instead that discipline, daily habits and a clear vision make the difference.  Highlights:  Excellence isn’t sexy, it’s built on discipline, dedication, and daily habits  Why world-class performance is possible without expensive tech. Stopwatches and clipboards are enough to start  How to launch your own 90-day performance sprint with simple tools like scoreboards and morning huddles  The importance of humility, ownership and measuring what truly matters in your business.  Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB, sponsored by SetSeed. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.   ------------------------- 🔗 Connect with Rob and David  Rob Bull  David Altena  👉 Learn more about NZ Lean Academy and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business. 👉 Download David’s NBR-featured report “Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs” by joining the mailing list on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a higher-performing business today.

    40 min
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About

Join hosts David Altena and Rob Bull as they delve into the subject of small and medium- business productivity in New Zealand. With a focus on driving operational excellence and business improvement, The Better SMB Podcast is your go-to resource for strategies, insights, and success stories from the front lines of the SMB sector.  Despite New Zealand’s historical challenges with productivity compared to our OECD peers, David and Rob are on a mission to turn the tide. Tune in to discover actionable tips, expert interviews, and innovative ideas that will help your business thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Better SMB Podcast will equip you with the tools you need to enhance productivity and achieve your business goals. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidAltena and @RobBull

Information

  • Creator
    The Better SMB Limited
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Better SMB Limited
  • Show Website
    The Better SMB Podcast