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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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. --------------------- 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, 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. --------------------- 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