The Icehouse Podcast

By The IcehouseBusiness

The Icehouse Podcast episodes

June 08, 2022 Nathan Roper, Owner of Horizon International
Episode 88 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Nathan Roper, Owner Manager Programme 51 Alumni and Owner of Horizon International, family business and a leading supplier of Pavers in New Zealand based in Auckland and Wellington.

Nathan discusses his career journey and what it was like “growing up in the family business” and then purchasing the business recently. Nathan is proud of the business, what they deliver and the quality and heart they put into the work. Horizon International has provided 1 million square meters in pavers across New Zealand!

“Only get upset about the things you can change, otherwise deal and manage with the things you can’t” is Nathan’s advice for new business owners. He is passionate about doing his best and enjoying the journey along the way.

We touch on the creative process of paving, the big projects Horizon has taken on, the challenges supply chain and staffing has brought in the last couple of years and Horizon’s next big steps which include doubling the size of the business in the next few years and starting to export to Australia more regularly.

Nathan decided to do the Owner Manager Programme when he took ownership of the family business to upskill on sides of the business he hadn’t had to focus on before – managing people and staff, commercial decisions and future strategy. He enjoyed the programme and unpacks his experience within The Icehouse community to date.

Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
20 min
June 02, 2022 Brett Roberts, The Icehouse Digital Transformation Co-Facilitator
Episode 87 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Brett Roberts, Managing Director of Business IQ, Business Innovation Advisor at Callaghan Innovation and co-facilitator of Digital Transformation, The Icehouse’s newest online offering.
Brett unpacks his career journey, the bold and ‘nonlinear’ steps along the way and his move into the world of digital. His passion is to support business owners on their digital journey, explaining it in language that resonates with Owner Managers and empowers them to strategise and discuss ideas with their marketing teams.
Brett discusses the importance of creativity, innovation and new digital emerging trends. He gives his perspective on the new ways of working, creating a safe working environment for employees and a place where all team members can feel inspired to be innovative and think outside the box.
During the conversation Brett gives an overview of what attendees can expect on the Digital Transformation programme and what excites him most about the online offering.
Learn more about the Digital Transformation programme here - https://www.theicehouse.co.nz/programme/digital-transformation
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
39 min
May 26, 2022 Claude Michel, Co-Working Tenant
Episode 86 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Claude Michel, coworking tenant at The Icehouse coworking space in Parnell, Auckland. Claude is the CEO and Head of AI at SapienX, a business helping innovative leaders secure competitive advantages using data & AI.
Claude unpacks his passion for AI, how data and analytics can support business growth, efficiency improvements, revenue and an exciting tool to problem solve and make a positive difference. His work is world class! His story of founding SapienX is an interesting one as he highlights the wins and challenges.
Claude talks about his decision to work in a co-working space, how it’s supported his routine as a founder, his love for the coffee machine but more, the people and community he can bounce ideas with, support, gain fresh inspiration and insight from and give back to.
An inspiring listen for any business owner and those wanting to learn more about how coworking spaces can benefit their business and team.
To learn more about The Icehouse co-working space by follow the link below: https://www.theicehouse.co.nz/coworking
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
Podcast Series - https://info.theicehouse.co.nz/podcast
35 min
May 19, 2022 Priya Dahya, Junior Marketing Specialist at The Icehouse
Episode 85 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Priya Dahya, Junior Marketing Specialist at The Icehouse. Priya joined the team straight from university with an eagerness to learn, develop her knowledge in marketing and connect with those in the world of business.
Her role includes implementing content such as blogs, podcasts and Kiwi Business Stories, maintaining the website, handling the EDM schedule and creating and sending newsletters. She also manages The Icehouse social media channels and has taken them from strength to strength, using social media as a community-building technique and a way to stay engaged with The Icehouse network.

We discuss her biggest learnings, advice she would give her ‘University self’, what excites her most about her role, and growing and adapting how we communicate with our alumni and the wider SME community.

Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
22 min
May 12, 2022 Kirsty Naish, Taking Your Business Forward
Episode 84 of The Icehouse podcast, , hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Kirsty Naish, Taking Your Business Forward 6 Alumni and Business Owner at Sidekick Ashburton, the Chartered Accountancy firm. The business is focused on helping clients be more successful (whatever that looks like to them!) through accounting and business advisory services.
The conversation hits topics relatable to all business owners - imposter syndrome, the importance of wellness and resilience, working on your strategy and empowering the team.
Kirsty’s experience and perspective on business ownership makes for an inspiring episode, packed with strategy and practical tips on building a business and enjoying the journey.
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
26 min
May 05, 2022 Mike Williams, Owner Manager Programme 49
Episode 83 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Mike Williams,Owner Manager Programme 49 Alumni and Founder and Director of MWDesign, a product design agency.
Design being more than ‘styling’, problem solving, and making a difference in people’s lives is what gets Mike out of bed in the morning. Our conversation unpacks his experience on the Owner Manager Programme, having his ‘a-ha’ moment later than others on programme, and how that moment has led the business into a new season with a strong sense of direction.
We touch on his talented team, what excites Mike about the future of MWDesign and how important it is to have a balance when it comes to work and personal life.
It’s a conversation that all business owners and leaders can relate to. Mike is fun, down to earth and positive about the future.
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
28 min
April 28, 2022 Hamish Gordon, Owner Manager Programme 34
Episode 82 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Hamish Gordon, Owner Manager Programme 34 Alumni and CEO of Global Endeavours Group.
For Hamish, the end goal was set from the beginning – to always build New Zealand brands and products and sell them to the world. Hamish unpacks his journey of becoming a business owner, starting with Natural Sugars and 13 years later, having built 5 businesses in the sugar, drink and food commodities industry.
His passion, drive and resilience is evident as Hamish discusses advice for budding business owners, his highlights and challenges, his experience on The Icehouse Owner Manager Programme, key takeaways and the importance of working on and not in the business.
Hamish has focused on building strong leadership teams, trusting the leaders in his businesses and touches on the grit it takes to get back up again when things get hard.
It’s an empowering conversation for owners in their first years or 10, 20 years into running a business.
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
34 min
April 21, 2022 Kylie Bosanac, Owner Manager Programme 52
Episode 81 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Kylie Bosanac, Owner Manager Programme 52 Alumni and Co-Owner and Business Manager of Bosanac Builders, bespoke home builders in Auckland.
Kylie discusses her journey of following her passions, becoming a business owner and leading an organisation. She sings the praises of The Icehouse Owner Manager Programme, the connections she has made and the importance of finding a ‘tribe’ - those who understand the grit it takes to be a business owner.
Kylie also talks about her key learnings from the programme and shares advice for other business owners and leaders listening.
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
15 min
April 13, 2022 Sandra Matthews, Icehouse Coach
Episode 80 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Sandra Matthews, Icehouse Coach.
Based in Tairawhiti, Sandra is a coach and facilitator working with a cross section of businesses. She is an agri-business owner, sits on numerous non-profit boards and has a strong financial background.
Sandra specialises in agriculture, dairy, and the primary industries, advising small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits. Her work has taken her to Australia, England, and New Zealand.
In this podcast Sandra highlights her career journey, the highs and lows of coaching and stand-out client stories. She unpacks the importance of empowering others and supporting women to find their worth within the agri industry. Sandra encourages owners wanting to grow their business in 2022 to find a coach - someone they feel comfortable working with to move their business forward by setting goals and KPIs to set the business up for a win.
Hearing how Sandra works with businesses that align with her values and allowing her to give back to her local community is inspiring!
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
34 min
April 06, 2022 Brodie Andrews, Leadership Development Programme 42
Episode 79 of The Icehouse podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Brodie Andrews, Branch Manager at Aitken Joinery and Leadership Development Programme 42 Alumni. Brodie has also recently attended the Knowing Your Numbers workshop in Invercargill.
Brodie unpacks his career journey, what he has learnt along the way and his experience upskilling and crafting his leadership ability. Now Branch Manager, he manages and leads people and enjoys seeing the development of others while seeing the business grow in a sustainable and healthy way.

Brodie chats about what he has implemented into the business, and his lifestyle, since the programme. He also outlines his learnings from the Knowing Your Numbers workshop and how it opened his mind to the significance of small changes for a big impact.
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
19 min