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

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Leah - SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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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

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

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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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

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

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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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

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

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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

In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason sits down with Janelle Ellis, the founder of Abode Homecare. Janelle shares her journey from nursing to creating a comprehensive in-home care service aimed at supporting individuals and families with personalized care.

They discuss the unique challenges and successes she has faced, the importance of maintaining client-centered care, and the special bond formed with clients.

Janelle also touches on the balance between being a business owner and a mother, the future growth plans for Abode Homecare, and the critical role of nurses in providing compassionate care. This episode is about the heartfelt and impactful work of Abode Homecare and serves as an inspiration for aspiring business owners in the healthcare sector.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:37 Meet Janelle Ellis of Abode Homecare

02:09 The Birth of Abode Homecare

03:48 Challenges and Growth

06:52 Balancing Business and Personal Life

09:26 The Importance of Independence and Quality Care

14:36 Staffing and Business Philosophy

19:22 Future of Homecare and Business Advice

23:10 Balancing Work and Family Life

23:41 Understanding Loss and Grief

24:12 Children's Perception of Work

25:16 The Impact of Palliative Care

30:11 Personal Near-Death Experience

33:36 Starting and Running a Business

42:01 Supporting Nurses and Healthcare Workers

43:19 Conclusion and Farewell

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

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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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

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

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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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

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

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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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

Building a Successful Construction Business: The Journey of Rhombus with Abby and Matt Linn

In this episode of 'Strength in Numbers,' we welcome Abby and Matt from Rhombus Construction to discuss the evolution of their business from its humble beginnings to its current success.

Matt recounts his unconventional path into the trades and how late career decisions and a strong partnership with Abby fueled their business growth.

We delve into the significance of building strong relationships within your industry, handling financial responsibilities with care, and maintaining a focus on quality and service in every project. Moreover, they touch on personal aspects such as work-life balance, the role of professional mental health support in managing the stresses of business ownership, and the dynamic of working as a husband-wife team.

The conversation also explores challenges, the importance of mentorship, and how Abby's shift to a director role was pivotal for their success. They emphasize the value of teamwork, resilience, and strategic planning in business. The episode is a rich narrative of perseverance, collaboration, and the pursuit of business excellence in the construction industry.

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Season Two

00:35 Meet Abby and Matt Linn

01:34 Matt's Unconventional Path to Construction

03:40 Starting Rhombus Construction

06:51 Abby's Background and Role

12:10 Challenges and Growth

20:49 Team Dynamics and Culture

25:11 Balancing Family and Business

26:54 Owning Their Roles

29:14 Conclusion and Reflections

Elevating Leadership Through Coaching and Connection

This episode of Strength In Numbers features a deep dive into the world of leadership coaching with Aleisha from The Coaching Tools Shop. The discussion revolves around Aleisha's unique journey from a background in communications to becoming a revered leadership development consultant.

We touch upon the essence of leadership coaching, its importance in business, plus we explore various facets such as the impact of personal growth and self-awareness on effective leadership. Aleisha shares insights into practical frameworks like Cynefin and DiSC and how we can use them to help understand decision-making and team dynamics.

The episode also highlights the significance of stepping away from traditional work environments to foster creative thinking, as exemplified by the upcoming SMYD Slack Time retreat in Fiji. Furthermore, Aleisha discusses the creation and global reach of the Coaching Tools Shop, emphasizing the universal need for meaningful conversations and coaching resources.

Rich with anecdotes, advice on cultivating a growth mindset, and strategies to balance the 'mechanics' and 'dynamics' of running a business, this is an episode not to be missed!

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Aleisha Coote

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SMYD Accounting / Advisory

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Season Two

00:37 Meet Aleisha Coote: From Communications to Coaching

02:09 Aleisha's Early Life and Career Journey

06:48 The Essence of Leadership Coaching

13:39 The Cynefin Framework Explained

20:59 Navigating Complexity in Leadership

26:47 Evolving Leadership Models

27:24 Empathy and Curiosity in Leadership

29:32 Transformational Team Dynamics

34:43 The Coaching Tools Shop Journey

40:33 Balancing Business Mechanics and Dynamics

43:21 Upcoming Slack Time retreat for business owners in Fiji

48:21 Conclusion and Contact Information