The Icehouse Podcast

By The IcehouseBusiness

The Icehouse Podcast episodes

February 01, 2023Angus Syme and Cam Leigh, Co-Founders of The Flatpack Company
Episode 118 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Angus Syme and Cam Leigh, Icehouse Coaching Alumni and Co-Founders of The Flatpack Company - home of comfortable and affordable beds for flatters, first home buyers and students.
This conversation will leave you buzzing! It unpacks;
The story of The Flatpack Company, starting when Angus and Cam were students in Otago – a grassroots story!

The significant step to expand into the US this year

How they took bold steps at the right times to limit risks

Learnings and advice they would give two university friends starting a business together

The importance of discovering your strengths and weaknesses when working as co-founders

Their sense of purpose to push the personal ceiling as far as they can, to be happier, better managers, leaders and have healthy lifestyles

Key takeaways from their coaching with Kevin D’Ambros-Smith and how the coaching has positively contributed to their confidence and recent growth
And more!
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
56 min
January 25, 2023Matt Cropp, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cropps NZ
Episode 117 of The Icehouse Podcast and the first episode of 2023, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Matt Cropp, Taking Your Business Forward Alumni, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cropps NZ - a leading manufacturer of natural personal care products passionate about products made with health and the environment in mind.
The conversation with Matt unpacks;
His background as a fourth generation beekeeper and how it has led to Cropps NZ

The importance of simplifying what your offer to deliver quality results

The thrill they get from helping others create quality brands and products, and leaning into the manufacturing model

Current challenges they are looking to overcome in 2023

His sense of purpose, to make the world a better place, leave an impact on people's lives and build an environmentally friendly business

His hesitations for online learning and how it ended up benefiting him as a regional business owner

His key takeaway from Taking Your Business Forward – the owners he met and the group discussions with people that ‘get it’.
And more!
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
44 min
December 21, 2022Laurence Sherriff, Founder and Managing Director of Align
Episode 116 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Laurence Sherriff, Owner Manager Programme Alumni, Founder and Managing Director of Align - a company bringing places and communities to life through property and land development.
Laurence opens up about how his mental health journey has inspired him in his business to give back to the community and provide opportunities for others. He provides valuable insight into leading businesses through personal highs and lows.
The conversation with Laurence Sherriff unpacks;
How Align came about after a diverse career path overseas and in New Zealand

His mental health journey and how he has rebuilt his life and business after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder

His biggest learnings as a business owner – to communicate to your team and family

How it all led to the world of boxing, recently taking place in a charity boxing match to raise funds for youth suicide

How elite sport has improved his mental health and ability to build a strong business

How the Owner Manager Programme impacted him, his sales and development systems and business efficiency

How he encourages his staff to attend the Leadership Development Programme to benefit their personal growth and leadership within the business

How he plans to stay connected to The Icehouse community and his goal to give more back to the community in future
And more!
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
34 min
December 14, 2022James Galloway, Manager of O’Donnell Park Barging
Episode 115 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by hosted by Gareth Bayliss, is with James Galloway, Owner Manager Programme Alumni and Manager of O’Donnell Park Barging.

An interesting perspective having attended both the Leadership Development Programme and Owner Manager Programme, James has a deep understanding of The Icehouse and how self-development can bring life to your business and personal world as an owner. O’Donnell Park Barging has a passion to turn opportunity into success which you gain insight into during this conversation.

The conversation with James unpacks;
His business journey of growth

The strong Icehouse community and how this has impacted him positively

How he discovered The Icehouse through Stephen Doecke and the Bank of New Zealand

Pushing through Imposter Syndrome, realising everyone deals with similar issues and opportunities in business

How sending leaders on the Leadership Development Programme has helped his team speak the same language and take ownership

What he has implemented into his business after the Owner Manager Programme

The exciting future of O’Donnell Park Barging
And more!
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
35 min
December 07, 2022Ben Wooding, CEO of Red Badge
Episode 113 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Ben Wooding, Owner Manager Programme Alumni and CEO of Red Badge Group.

Recently taken on the reigns of CEO, starting in the industry as a security guard, this episode is one of passion, determination and belief in the security industry and local communities.
The conversation with Ben unpacks;
The journey from security guard to CEO at Red Badge

The recent management purchase and the highs and lows in that experience

Becoming a Dad and the new importance of family, quality time and the simple things

Dealing with fast growth, new structures and strong future directions

The importance of employee experience and how that will continue to be a focus in 2023

Working in the grey areas, his interest in law and understanding how far you can push things

The similarities of elite sport and business

The myths and misconceptions of the security industry and their responsibility in the community

The Icehouse experience and how it impacted him as a leader so positively

How Ben plans to stay connected to The Icehouse in future

How learning from past Alumni has inspired him personally
And more!

Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
49 min
November 30, 2022Lauren McAuslin, Franchise Owner of McDonald's
Episode 113 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Lauren McAuslin, Owner Manager Programme Alumni and franchise Owner Operator of two McDonald's branches in New Plymouth.
She is the youngest franchise owner of a McDonald’s branch, in New Zealand. Her passion for the community surrounding this brand, her family business background and her natural drive and ambition shines in this conversation.
The conversation with Lauren unpacks;
The story of ownership, her parents influence and strong foundation in Blenheim

Her purpose, her motivations and passion for the McDonald’s community and staff

Her learnings in leading growing teams and having a strong culture

Myths and misconceptions in her industry and how McDonald’s creates strong careers and futures

Benefits of owning a business young and advice for younger business owners

How she is naturally busting stereotypes and misconceptions

Her experience on The Icehouse programme and how she wished she did it five years ago

Hesitations, key takeaways and things Lauren has implemented

Influential leaders in her journey
And more!
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
40 min
November 22, 2022James Duder, CEO of Sales at Energylight
Episode 112 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with James Duder, CEO of Sales at Energylight. Energylight are passionate about working with clients to bring effective commercial lighting solutions to life around New Zealand. They understand the impact good lighting can have on people.

James is honest and inspiring, opening up about his leadership journey, passion for people, highlights and learnings of his career.
The conversation with James covers;
James’s passions and what life looks for him now

Learnings, highs and lows of his leadership journey and why having a purpose is so important

What leadership means to James and leaders that have inspired him along the way

Imposter syndrome and the power that is unlocked when we are honest about experiencing it

How he deals with getting it wrong sometimes as a leader

His journey with The Icehouse and the goals he has achieved since the programme

How having other team members on The Icehouse programmes means the leaders speak a common language

How the Leaders Exchange programme gave him a fresh injection of learning and insight

How wellbeing and lighting go hand in hand

Helpful advice for new leaders
Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
31 min
November 16, 2022Johnnie Saunders, NZ Proud Founder and Managing Director
Episode 111 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Johnnie Saunders, Owner Manager Programme Alumni, Founder and Managing Director of NZ Proud, New Zealand’s Leading Property Improvements Specialist.
Johnnie is passionate about adding real value to his customers, community, the country and construction sector. The business’s mantra is ‘be better, everyday’. His laser focus on building strong teams, seeing his people succeed and delivering quality services has seen him go from humble beginnings to five branches, 30 staff, and delivering over 300 renovations a year. NZ Proud are specialised in property improvements and take customers through the entire journey of the renovation, utilising technology and innovation to streamline the service.
The conversation with Johnnie unpacks;
Advice for those wanting to start a business in the construction industry

Learnings, highs and lows from Johnnie’s experience

His focus on building strong teams and acknowledging the NZ Proud team

His journey dealing with daily Imposter Syndrome and realising he isn't the only one

Believing and backing himself and the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’

His experience on The Icehouse Owner Mangaer Programme and how the Alumni community opportunities excite him

The future of NZ Proud and how planning is a big part of every big business decision and step forward
And more!
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
41 min
November 09, 2022Agnes Loheni, Owner and Director of Mena International
Episode 110 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Agnes Loheni, Owner and Director of family business, Mena International. Mena is a contemporary fashion brand that reflects the pride the family have in their Samoan heritage, celebrating the vibrant and enriching Polynesian communities in the South Pacific and around the world. Agnes, her sisters and co-directors of Mena are alumni of our online programme, Taking Your Business Forward, which they completed June, 2022.
This packed conversation with Agnes covers:
The 20 year journey of Mena International

The inspiration behind the family business

The highs and lows of the last 20 years

How important it is that family comes before business

How highlighting the family’s Samoan heritage sets their brand apart

Agnes’s ‘Taking Your Business Forward’ experience and how it helped the family set up their goals and strategy for future growth

Their hesitations in doing the programme and how the programme brought value

Implementing and discussing their ‘why’, SWOT analysis and how they can leverage the growth online

Being busy Mums, how the session on work-life balance impacted them

Tools, streamlining processes, what they can automate vs what needs a personal touch

The natural Samoan entrepreneurial mindset

A quick discussion on online marketing and leveraging digital connection and community
Plus lots more!

Check out Mena International here.

Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
54 min
November 02, 2022Joshua Ireland and Jed Keir, Keir Landscaping and Structures
Episode 109 of The Icehouse Podcast, hosted by Bryar Stewart, is with Joshua Ireland and Jed Keir, Brothers, Owner Manager Programme Alumni and co-Directors and Project Managers at Keir Landscaping and Structures (KLS).

The brothers are down to earth, passionate and inspired by interesting work and people. They completed the Owner Manager Programme 54 and 57, a few months apart, which allowed them to speak the same language and work towards the same goals for the future of the business.
The conversation with Josh and Jed unpacks;
The discovery of their passion for interesting design and people leading to KLS

How they work together as brothers, bouncing off each other's strengths and weaknesses

How doing the programme at a similar time helped move their business forward

How they have gained ‘mental space’ back into their personal and business worlds since the programme

The community The Icehouse has helped them build

The excitement for the future and sinking their teeth into new projects

Their shared agreement in making time for self-development
And lots more!

Have a listen and let us know what you think! Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]
29 min