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
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
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
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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
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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
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
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
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.
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🔗 Connect with Rob and David
👉 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.
In this episode, David and Rob dive back into the world of economic reports and ask a tough question: who are they really for? They take some time to revisit one of the first and most popular topics, they ever covered on the show and explore what’s changed over the past 12 months.
The discussion covers:
Why reports from Stats NZ, MBIE, and MFAT fail to provide practical value for SMBs
How productivity has become New Zealand’s biggest economic challenge, and why we’re still asking the same questions decades later
What meaningful support for SMBs should look like, including leadership development, actionable data, and incentives that actually drive performance
Highlights include:
“You cannot improve productivity by measuring and coming up with numbers. We’ve got to improve productivity by lifting how our businesses perform”
“Until one of those reports is written in plain language with a one-pager of concrete actions, SMB leaders won’t find them useful”
“Don’t settle for the BMW, the batch, and the boat; carry on and play for the win”
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Better SMB! Please support us by liking, subscribing and leaving a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
In this episode, we dive deep into the role of leadership from the top, exploring how government can model performance and create the conditions for business to thrive. Our guest, Hon Chris Penk (Minister for Small Business, Manufacturing, Building & Construction, and more), shares his perspectives on aligning public and private efforts to lift New Zealand’s productivity.
We discuss:
Why leadership from the top is about clarity, consistency, and execution
How the government can move from a prescriptive approach to an enabling one
The importance of hearing solutions directly from businesses and building shared outcomes
Highlights:
"The closer to the coalface that the solutions come... the more likely it is that it's going to be politically palatable"
"As long as you can build to high quality, it doesn't matter how you do it"
"We need to be as enabling of businesses as possible"
"The most productive businesses and nations don't succeed by accident. They choose to align, to act and to raise the bar."
Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
In this episode, David and Rob take stock of The Better SMB's podcast's progress halfway through the year. It’s an honest look at what’s gone well, what’s been challenging, and where they’re heading next in their mission to become the go-to voice for small and medium business owners in New Zealand.
They share real numbers, like a 50% growth in Spotify followers and 65% increase in episode plays, and reflect on what’s driving that momentum: consistent content, strong guest insights, and a shared goal of making business success more accessible for SMBs.
But this episode isn’t just about them, it’s packed with relatable lessons for business owners too.
Key insights for SMB owners:
Planning matters: Set a clear target, track your progress, and adjust regularly—don’t let your business plan gather dust.
Just ship it: Don’t wait for perfect. Consistency and iteration beat perfection every time.
Know your data: Look at the numbers to spot trends, make decisions, and push performance forward.
Adapt as you grow: What worked at the start might not be enough now—refine your tools and systems to stay on track.
Think long term: Whether it's business planning or engaging with politics, don’t just chase short-term wins, build for the future.
Highlights:
“Don’t try to polish it. Ship it.” — The power of consistent action over perfection.
Their New Zealand Manufacturer article made the front page—a big milestone.
A growing pipeline of high-impact guests and a call for more stories from the SME world.
This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at building something from scratch, and why the same principles apply to any small or medium business looking to grow. Whether you're reviewing your own business plan or thinking about how to better measure performance, there's something in here for you.
Tune in. Reflect. And keep moving forward with us.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
In this episode, David and Rob break down the themes from their latest NZ Manufacturer column, Own It: Leadership is a personal responsibility, not a title.
This candid and practical conversation explores how business performance is inextricably linked to leadership quality and why many SMB owners unknowingly hold their teams back.
They dive deep into the cultural, structural and behavioural shifts needed to lead high-performing, sustainable teams and challenge listeners to take a long look in the mirror.
Highlights:
“You can’t scale a business by working harder; you scale it by leading better.”
Why reactive leadership creates chaos and burnout and how intentional leadership builds resilient, thriving teams.
The power of standardising work, designing your “perfect week,” to shift from hustle to high performance
How to create psychological safety and team ownership, so leaders stop playing hero and start creating more leaders
Real-world lessons from Toyota’s team structure and problem-solving culture and how NZ manufacturers can adapt the same principles
This episode is a must-listen for any business owner or leader ready to move from burnout to strategic impact. The bad news? Your business is a reflection of you. The good news? You have the power to change it.
🎧 Tune in, share with your team, and take the first step toward sustainable leadership.
Thank you for listening to The Better SMB. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
David and Rob are joined by Dave Bunting, Managing Director of Architectural Glass Products in Cambridge.
They dive deep into operational excellence and manufacturing leadership, exploring Dave’s key insights and perspectives on planning for and expecting excellence.
Listen to the discussion centred on the power of a continuous improvement mindset, the importance of building a high-performing culture and how New Zealand manufacturers can transform their approach to leadership and high performance.
Highlights:
"Anyone can buy the equipment. It's culture and operational excellence that set you apart." - Dave Bunting on creating competitive advantage in manufacturing
"Leadership is about taking teams to places they didn't think they could go before. It's not always a nice journey, but it's about channelling problem-solving skills in the right way."
"What gets measured gets worked on. Being deliberate with discipline is key - you can't just do it for a week and then forget about it for six weeks."
Key Takeaways:
AGP's approach to operational excellence includes a flat organizational structure, daily 8:30 meetings, and a focus on data-driven improvements
The importance of hiring for cultural fit and training employees in continuous improvement
Insights into leadership development and the need to make manufacturing a more attractive career path
Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
In this episode, we explore the hidden dangers of working at an unsustainable pace and why "being busy" is not the same as being productive. Our guest, executive coach Rachel King, shares powerful insights on the causes of burnout, why New Zealanders are particularly affected, and how leaders can shift towards sustainable, thriving work environments.
Highlights:
How stress impacts health, engagement, and life satisfaction.
Why clearing more emails doesn't mean you're achieving more.
The four pillars of shifting from burnout to thriving: Awareness, Filter, Understand Yourself, and Manage Energy.
Practical strategies to manage physical, mental, and emotional energy at work.
Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Please support us by liking, subscribing and leaving a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
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
We’re diving deep into intellectual property (IP) protection, exploring key insights and perspectives from Ben Cain, Partner at James & Wells and former marketing executive turned IP specialist. We discuss how small businesses can safeguard their innovations, build brand value, and create competitive barriers through strategic IP management.
We cover:
Why early-stage IP strategy is mission-critical for future valuation and investor confidence.
Budgeting for trademarks, designs, and patents - what real-world costs look like and how to prioritise them.
Sector-specific IP pitfalls and opportunities in FMCG, food & beverage, professional services, and tech.
Highlights include:
“If you delay securing IP protection, it becomes too easy for somebody to copy you.” - Ben on the high price of procrastination
“Investors always look for IP rights as evidence of a protected, valuable business” - why a clean IP register boosts your multiple
“Cast your mind forward. Where do you want to be in three years, then work back to plan your IP strategy.” - Ben’s blueprint for proactive founders
Key Takeaways:
Grasp the differences between trademarks, registered designs and patents, and when each matters.
It’s not as expensive as you may think, NZ $200 to NZ $5,000 may cover a lot of your initial needs; map these into your growth budget early.
Strong IP positions raise market value, deter copycats, and shorten investor due diligence cycles.
Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Don't forget to like, subscribe, leave us a review and share this with a friend
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
In this episode, we explore the so-called “skills shortage” in New Zealand manufacturing. David and Rob unpack their NZ Manufacturer article, arguing that talent shortages are often a smokescreen for deeper issues in leadership, workplace culture, and internal systems.
Rather than chasing unicorn hires, they challenge business leaders to rethink how they structure work, engage teams and build inspiring environments people want to be part of. Drawing on a compelling case study from Jones and Sandford Joinery, they show what’s possible when leaders focus on trust, coaching and continuous improvement.
Listen to the discussion on the pitfalls of relying on outdated leadership models, how onboarding sets the tone for long-term retention and why the ultimate test for any workplace is: Would you want your kids to work here?
Key Takeaways
40% of manufacturing roles are low-skilled, but businesses still blame talent shortages instead of fixing internal systems.
Leadership is the real shortage, not people. Most owners are still acting as technicians, not coaches.
Culture is built through daily actions: trust, transparency and communication are the foundation.
Case studies like Jones and Sandford prove you can triple output without hiring more staff if you focus on the right things.
Hiring for potential beats chasing perfection, use personality and communication profiling to build better teams.
Effective onboarding is an investment, not a task to rush through in panic mode.
Ask the ultimate question: Would I want my kids to work here?
Highlights
"If you're blaming the market, you're probably not fixing the things you can control."
"Create an environment where people say, 'I get to go to work today', not 'I've got to go to work.'"
"A highly engaged workforce is around 20% more productive, why aren't we designing for that?"
Our Mission
We want to support 100,000 businesses to lift their performance by focusing on what’s within their control: building leadership capability, improving systems and creating workplaces where people thrive. Please help us by liking, subscribing, leaving a review and sharing the show
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
In this episode, we dive deep into the book "The E Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, exploring key insights about business roles and growth. Hosts Rob and David discuss the three critical personas in business: the technician, manager and entrepreneur.
Highlights:
Key Takeaways:
By being intentional about developing your business, creating clear organisational structures on focusing on continuously improving business systems the e-Myth is a great blueprint to move through the phases of business maturity.
Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB! Please help us spread this message by subscribing, sharing the show with people in your network and leaving a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
In this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull dive into New Zealand’s longstanding productivity crisis and why waiting for government intervention won’t solve it. Instead, they argue that manufacturers must take the lead, turning challenges like labour shortages and rising costs into opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency.
Drawing from their recent column in NZ Manufacturer magazine, David and Rob unpack:
Key Takeaways:
🚀 “If we want to see real economic progress, we need at least 15,000 manufacturing businesses to make improving business performance their top priority over the next five years.”
🔧 “You don’t need money to start this journey—just time. Small changes, like reducing meeting times or organising workspaces, can have a compounding impact on your productivity.”
💡 “Stop making excuses and start taking control of your business's performance. The time to act is now.”
Join us for a no-nonsense, action-packed discussion on how businesses can break free from stagnation and start driving real change today.
Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review to help us keep these important conversations going!
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
In this episode, David hosts solo while Rob takes a well-earned break. He shares a recording of his recent talk at the Mahi Tahi Collective 2025 TechFest. This event brought together leading tech companies—including Optimation Group, Silicon Systems, Montage, Team Cloud, Xtracta, Zen Consulting, and SmartSpace—to explore how technology and collaboration can drive business performance and productivity.
David dives into why productivity has been a longstanding challenge for New Zealand businesses, why GDP isn’t the best measure for business owners and introduces his Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): helping 100,000 businesses take action to improve their performance. He also outlines a practical approach that businesses can start using immediately to improve operations and drive better results.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why productivity is a critical challenge for SMBs in New Zealand
✅ Why GDP isn’t the best measure for business owners and operators
✅ The vision behind helping 100,000 businesses take action
✅ A structured roadmap for improving productivity—starting as soon as tomorrow
✅ How technology and leadership go hand in hand in driving business success
Know a business owner or leader who could benefit from this conversation? Share this episode with them! Let’s help more businesses take real action on productivity.
🎧 Thanks for listening to The Better SMB Podcast! Keep pushing forward and making your business better.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
In this first episode recorded in 2025, The Better SMB Podcast kicks off the year with a deep dive into goal setting and making meaningful business progress.
Hosts David Altena and Rob Bull reflect on their journey over the past year—celebrating wins, acknowledging challenges, and sharing key lessons learned from unexpected opportunities and connections that have come from launching and growing the podcast.
They break down the long-term vision for The Better SMB Podcast and how that translates into goal setting, lead and lag measures, and accountability structures to drive success. The discussion highlights ambitious plans, including securing high-profile guests, attracting sponsorship, and raising the podcast’s profile over the next 12–18 months—with a bold goal of becoming a leading voice for SMBs in New Zealand’s next election cycle.
Listeners will gain practical insights into:
• Reflecting on the past year to learn and grow
• Setting an inspiring vision that drives motivates and action
• Identifying and track key productivity metrics for meaningful progress
• Building an action plan with structured milestones
• Use Rob and David’s approach as a blueprint for applying these principles to your own business
Beyond just listening, this episode presents a practical approach you can apply directly to your business—just in time for the new financial year in New Zealand.
Whether you're refining your existing strategy or setting bold new goals, this conversation will equip you with the mindset and tools to make 2025 a transformational year for your business.
🚀 Tune in, take action, and make this year your most productive yet!
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
Anthony McMahon, Technology Strategist, Public Speaker and founder of Target State Consulting, joins David and Rob for this episode. Anthony shares his insights on how technology can empower SMBs to innovate, streamline operations, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.
The discussion aims to demystify key technology concepts, such as the role of an enterprise architect, the differences between generative AI and machine learning, and the implications of adopting Industry 4.0 for New Zealand manufacturers. Anthony emphasises the importance of aligning technology investments with business goals, cautioning against jumping on trends without clearly understanding potential benefits and risks.
Key Takeaways:
Start with Problems, Not Solutions: Identify your business's pain points before exploring how AI or other technologies can address them.
Invest Wisely: Consider engaging a business analyst to assess needs, prioritise challenges, and propose tailored solutions.
Understand Industry 4.0: It’s more than automation—it's about connectivity and smarter systems, but it’s not a silver bullet.
Avoid Technology for Technology's Sake: Effective technology adoption hinges on clear processes and a focus on business outcomes.
Be Curious and Seek Help: SMBs should explore real-world examples and collaborate with experts to make informed decisions.
The episode closes with practical advice for SMB leaders: Take time to define success before embarking on a technology journey and remember the value of curiosity and collaboration in navigating today’s fast-moving tech environment.
A must-listen for business owners looking to leverage technology to build smarter, more resilient operations.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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 .
In this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull break down the concept of innovation, distinguishing it from invention and explaining how SMBs can approach innovation purposefully rather than accidentally. They explore the challenges business owners face in prioritising innovation amidst day-to-day operations, the cultural barriers in New Zealand that stifle acknowledgment of innovation, and the importance of leadership in enabling and supporting innovative thinking. David and Rob share practical strategies to embed innovation into your business, focusing on proactive planning, ideation, and disciplined execution. They highlight the need for engaging teams, allocating resources, and maintaining transparency to foster a culture of continuous improvement. The hosts also discuss the significant value that even small changes can deliver, drawing parallels to historical examples like Toyota's production system, which thrived under constraints. Key takeaways include: • The five steps to intentional innovation: discipline, ideation, budgeting, action, and visibility. • Why SMB owners must make time to work on the business rather than just in it. • How simple tools like the Eisenhower matrix can help prioritise impactful ideas. • The importance of storytelling and transparency in encouraging team participation and sustained innovation. Tune in for actionable advice on how to turn constraints into opportunities and drive long-term growth for your SMB. Don’t forget to subscribe and share your thoughts on innovation with the hosts! —————— Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn Rob Bull David Altena Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
This episode dives deep into the implications of the recent US election and what it means for New Zealand’s SMBs, exploring key insights and strategies from hosts David Altena and Rob Bull. With tariffs on exports potentially rising under a Trump presidency, Rob frames this as a wake-up call rather than a crisis, emphasising how such challenges can spur innovation, productivity improvements, and strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global market.
Strategies are discussed for turning obstacles into opportunities, including leveraging constraints to fuel creativity, adopting emerging technologies like AI, and refining business processes for greater efficiency. Real-world examples are shared of businesses already embracing automation and productivity improvements. David and Rob also stress the importance of proactive planning, industry collaboration, and reducing reliance on government support to drive meaningful change.
Highlights include:
Packed with practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for SMB owners looking to embrace change, adopt a growth mindset, and turn global challenges into lasting competitive advantages.
Thank you for tuning in to The Better SMB Podcast! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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
David and Rob dive into productivity misconceptions and political posturing around the term. They discuss recent government statements suggesting that increasing speed limits and returning to in-office work will improve productivity and argue that these superficial comments confuse the subject and ignore the real issues impacting workplace effectiveness.
From the misuse of "productivity" in politics to the economic cost of poor project management and quality control in infrastructure, the episode explores how misplaced priorities and lack of accountability are hindering meaningful progress.
The episode closes with a call for a redefinition of productivity—one that focuses on genuine capability-building and smart business practices that drive real economic value. They also ask listeners to weigh in: Is it time to rebrand productivity, and what would a meaningful approach look like?
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting and Rob's mission 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
In this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull sit down with Grant Johnson, founder and CEO of Rocketspark, to discuss the journey from a small startup to a successful SaaSbusiness.
Grant shares insights on how he and his team bootstrapped Rocketspark during the 2008 financial crisis, the evolution of their vision, and the importance of community overcompetition.
Key lessons included staying close to customers, leveraging advisors, and focusing on effective business processes to improve productivity. Grant also reflects on personal leadership growth and balancing work-life pressures as a business scales.
Don't miss this deep dive into what it takes to build and sustain a successful SMB in today’s digital landscape.
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Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn
Learn more about Plexus Consulting 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 mailinglist on the Altena Solutions website and start your journey to a more productive business today