In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell Wilson chats with Florida-based business law attorney Matthew Fornaro about the legal issues small business owners too often ignore until it is too late. With more than 20 years in law and over a decade running his own firm, Matthew shares why so many SMEs are underserved, the difference between a legal decision and a business decision, and why getting your business structure and agreements right from day one matters more than most owners realise. They also dive into partnership disputes, the emotional toll of lawsuits, common setup mistakes, and the growing role of AI in the legal profession. It is a practical, honest conversation packed with insights for any business owner who wants to protect what they are building and make smarter decisions before problems get expensive.

Ready to get clarity on your business and avoid costly mistakes? Book your free breakthrough session here: https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

Let’s Talk… Cybersecurity and Small Business Survival

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it is a business survival issue.

In this episode, Mitchell Wilson sits down with cybersecurity expert George Bakalov to break down the real risks facing small and medium sized businesses. With 90% of SMEs experiencing some form of cyber attack last year, small businesses are no longer flying under the radar. They are often seen as low hanging fruit.

George explains how phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and evolving AI driven threats are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. They discuss why reputation is often more valuable than money, how cyber insurance fits into a smart risk management strategy, and what practical steps business owners can take today to protect their assets.

If you would like support strengthening your business foundations, book a free Breakthrough Session here:
https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

In this episode, Richard Butler shares his journey from aspiring rock star to technology entrepreneur and AI consultant. He reflects on building and exiting a 16 year IT services business, the challenges of rapid growth, and the lessons learned about leadership versus management.

Richard opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how that insight reshaped his understanding of risk, focus, and performance in business. He also draws on his experience as a business coach, highlighting the impact of mindset, self talk, and clarity at the leadership level.

The conversation then turns to artificial intelligence, where Richard explores both the opportunity and the risk for small and medium sized businesses. He shares practical ways SMEs can start using AI to increase productivity, remove bottlenecks, and stay competitive, while also raising important questions about the future of work and the responsibility business owners carry in leading through change.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:
👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

It’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

Can comedy help you close a deal? Kevin Hubschman, founder of Laugh.Inc, thinks so. From Brooklyn improv nights to Fortune 500 boardrooms, Kevin’s business delivers Laughter as a Service through comedy shows and professional development workshops. In this episode, we explore how comedy skills like listening, adapting, and being okay with failure can give small business owners a serious edge. Kevin shares his journey from throwing office comedy gigs to landing clients like Google and Meta, and he breaks down what business owners can learn from a well-timed punchline (and a few bombs along the way). If you’ve ever doubted the value of humor in your business toolkit, this one's for you.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

From selling eggs in Fiji to managing multi-million-dollar construction projects in New Zealand, Sanjesh Lal’s journey is all about grit, growth, and real-life learning. In this episode, Sanjesh shares how he co-founded Keola Construction with his wife Sangeeta, starting from humble beginnings and evolving into a trusted name in multi-unit, high-end, and community-focused builds. We talk about the power of saying yes before you're ready, how mistakes shape a better business, and why passion might just be overrated. If you’ve ever felt stuck between family, finances, and a dream, this one’s for you.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

Mitchell sits down with Kip O’Donnell, founder of Start Recruitment, to talk about what really goes into finding the right talent for your business. With over two decades in recruitment across London, Auckland, and now Nelson, Kip shares his journey from big corporates to running his own show. He breaks down how recruitment actually works, why the best candidates might never see your job ad, and what small businesses get wrong when it comes to hiring. Plus, Kip opens up about his unexpected heart surgery and how it shifted his outlook on work and success. If you’re a business owner thinking about growing your team in 2026, this episode is packed with helpful, honest advice.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

Being a business lawyer isn’t about crushing dreams, it’s about protecting them. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with Jacintha Akinson-Manson to unpack what it really means to give solid legal advice. From standard agreements to sales and purchases, Jacintha shares why informed choices matter and how the right legal steps can keep your business out of hot water. If you’ve ever thought legal advice was just a box to tick, this conversation will have you rethinking your approach. Because in business, what you don’t know can absolutely hurt you.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Ryan Edwards, former cricketer turned hospo hero, to chat about his first year owning The Little Sprig in Wakefield. From coaching cricket and real estate lessons to pulling pints and perfecting pizzas, Ryan shares the highs, lows, and learnings of life as a new small business owner. They dive into his surprising entry into entrepreneurship, the power of community, and how sport shaped his approach to business. Plus, a few good yarns about dancing, spray tans, and the hustle of running a local pub that’s more than just a bar, it’s a heartbeat for the village.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

From wholesaling joke-shop rubber chickens to co-founding one of Southland’s fastest-growing real estate businesses, Adam Love’s journey is anything but typical. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with the co-founder of Smart Move Residential to talk about the leap from employee to entrepreneur, working with his wife and business partner Tracy, navigating burnout, and why selling property is really about serving people. You’ll also hear what led Adam to take a break from business to serve in the Philippines and why celebrating small wins (with LEGO and jewellery) matters just as much as hitting the big goals. This is an episode about purpose, people, and building something you’re proud of.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

After four decades in the sales game, Glenn Poulos has seen it all and lived to write the book on it. In this episode, Mitchell chats with the Never Sit in the Lobby author about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how to sell without being a pain in the ass. They dig into why showing up still wins deals, the real difference between sales and marketing, and how tools like AI can boost productivity (but won’t do the heavy lifting for you). Glenn also breaks down his punch-perfect-pitch-close method and shares why genuine rapport always beats sleazy tactics. Whether you're new to sales or ready to level up, this one’s packed with practical, proven advice.

📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!