Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell Wilson

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!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Nick Schryvers, co-owner of Victus Coffee and Eatery in Nelson. From his first adult job packing coffee boxes to winning barista awards and running one of the region’s most celebrated cafes, Nick opens up about the gritty realities and soul-filling moments of small business life. He shares how he and his wife Beth built Victus from a dream into a community cornerstone, all while juggling parenthood, tight margins, staff culture, and an unpredictable economy. It’s a conversation packed with honesty, insight, and a real love for people-focused hospitality. Whether you’re in hospo or hustling elsewhere, 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!

What’s holding your business back? Strategy? Systems? Or... mindset?In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Tullio Siragusa—business strategist, author, and founder of Inventric Advisory—to unpack the hidden force behind many growth struggles: limiting beliefs. Tullio shares how his own leadership breakthrough came not from more tactics, but from rewiring his mindset using neuroscience. He now helps CEOs and teams do the same through his EmpathIQ framework, empowering leaders to ditch command-and-control for collaboration, autonomy, and self-managed success.From elephants on leashes to AI on dirt tracks, this one’s packed with real talk and powerful takeaways. If you're looking to grow a more agile, purpose-driven business (and maybe get your life back in the process), this is your episode.

📅 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!

What happens when a sparkie swaps the switchboard for a sketchpad? Wayne Pretty, founder of Pretty Sweet Lighting, joins Mitchell to share how he turned a one-man van into a high-end lighting design company now entering its 12th year. Based in Wanaka, Wayne’s journey is filled with lessons on grit, growth, and the power of a tight-knit crew. From skateboarding office parties to award-winning designs, this episode unpacks the highs, lows, and lightbulb moments of building a trade business that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you're in the trades or just love a solid business backstory, 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!

After years of success in corporate banking, Juliette took a giant leap — into the unknown world of small business. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with the Principal of Quinovic Nelson to unpack her remarkable journey from legal offices and financial markets to becoming one of the most respected names in property management. She opens up about the early grind, why the first three years nearly broke her, and how leadership, mentorship, and a relentless drive for quality helped her build a boutique business that stands the test of time. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’ve got what it takes to build something from scratch, Juliette’s story is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.

📅 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 Ben Brownie, co-owner of The Car Company — one of the largest dealerships in the South Island. From grooming cars in a tiny Nelson lot to helping lead a 400-vehicle operation, Ben shares the gritty, honest story of his rise through the ranks. He opens up about burnout, learning to lead, and why personal growth is just as vital as business growth. We also hear from Ben’s wife, Wendy, about the real impact of building a business on home life — and the value of finding balance along the way. Whether you're in sales, leadership, or just trying to find your stride, this one’s full of relatable lessons.

📅 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, I sit down with long-time real estate leader Graeme Wilson, whose journey from dairy farming to building a respected agency is full of powerful lessons on people, purpose, and perseverance.

Graeme opens up about:

• His shift from the farm to the real estate game

• How team culture and one-on-one leadership helped build lasting success

• Overcoming adversity including deep personal loss with resilience and heart

• Why great salespeople listen more than they talk

• His next chapter: stepping up to serve his community

Whether you’re building a team, navigating tough seasons, or just trying to lead with more intention, Graeme’s wisdom and humility will hit home.

📅 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, I chat with tech veteran and AI advocate Ross Hawkins about the rise of artificial intelligence — from a futuristic buzzword to a powerful business tool.

We explore:

• How AI is streamlining workflows and automating daily tasks

• The ethical and safety challenges behind the scenes

• What “general AI” really means (and how far off it is)

• Why small businesses should be paying attention now, not later

• The evolving role of education in an AI-driven world

Ross brings real-world use cases, practical insights, and a healthy dose of realism to the conversation — helping business owners see where the real opportunities (and risks) lie as AI continues to evolve.

Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode will give you clarity on what matters most.

📅 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!