In this episode I am joined by Senior Associate Charles Mullins to talk about his varied career both in the law (for the last 17 years) and the jobs and roles he occupied as a younger man. We talk about how there is never a better time than right now to do something you have always wanted to do and not die wondering. It is better to regret the things you have done than those you have not! We also talk about the importance of giving back to society in varied ways and how growing dwarf cherries has proved a welcome shelter from the rigours of legal practice. We also learn how you can help green the plains of Canterbury to support native regeneration and biodiversity. Charles is one of the nicest, most professional, thoughtful and capable human beings you are ever likely to meet. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Is there a topic you want covered or a person you want to hear from? You can contact us through the Godfreys Law website, or you can message the Godfreys Law Facebook page. We'd like to hear from you, and any ideas you have about making the podcast better. The Real Solutions Business Podcast is presented by Godfreys Law - A Christchurch based law firm, serving Canterbury for over 140 years.

In this episode I am joined by Louise Neville from Accounting Solutions (www.asl.co.nz) to talk about Succession Planning for business owners. So, you own a successful business that you have built through your hard work and graft but what is this all for and what does your end exit game look like when you are ready to move your focus onto the next stage of your life? Well, whether you are new to owning a business or have owned a business for decades then this episode is worth a listen because you will learn how to build a strong business so that you can, at the time of your choosing, move to succeed out of the business! Louise talks with me about the power of dreaming and getting clear on what your goals and visions are so that you can craft an exit plan that aligns with what is most important to you. In my view this is one area that many New Zealand business owners need to spend more time and energy carefully considering. What does your future look like and what is your dream?

In this episode I am joined by the wonderful Louise Neville from Accounting Solutions Limited (www.asl.co.nz) to talk about the business environment in NZ in 2024. Louise talks with me about the ‘soft’ recession we are currently experiencing and what that means for some businesses. We talk about how your business can look to thrive by strengthening your business against the economic headwinds with some suggestions around where your focus needs to be. Louise talks with me about the importance of having a long term focus (and plan) when you are in business and how a goal oriented mindset trumps a scarcity mindset. Louise talks with me about the importance of big picture thinking for business owners which can be really hard when you are involved in the day to day requirements and struggles of your business. There are some great tips in this podcast about areas in your business to focus on so that your sails are trimmed as effectively as possible. I recommend this one for all NZ business owners who are looking for some inspiration and real world solutions about how the rest of 2024 can be a good year for you and your business.

In this episode I am joined by Noel MacDonald from Helmac Safety & Advisory (www.helmac.co.nz) to talk about shifting the dial on Health and Safety in the workplace. Noel talks with me about the importance of having a Health & Safety programme that is not only up to date but relevant, bespoke and has buy in from your team members. Noel and the team at Helmac bring expert health and safety advice and management to protect your team members and your business. Having compliant and relevant health and processes is a fundamental building block towards having a productive and successful business. I would encourage all business owners and leaders who care about their teams to have a listen to this one and make some positive safe change.

In this episode I am joined by the extremely talented creative Ben Ferrier to talk about how time, trust, traction, and tribe matter when marketing your business to enable deep and resonant connections with your audience. We talk about the prevalence and power of telling your stories through video content and how you might look to dip your toes into this medium. If you are looking to stand out from the crowd in this challenging market, then this is a must listen. You can find out more about Ben and how he can help you level up your tribe by checking out www.bzmsolutions.co.nz

In this episode I am joined by Barbara Lee-Dickson from the Insurance Ladies (www.theinsuranceladies.co.nz) to talk about Group Insurance Schemes for NZ Employers.Group insurance can be used by employers who want to provide value added benefits for their employees. Obtaining Group Insurance cover is a great way to support staff through the tough times and provides employees with a bit of certainty that their families or nominated beneficiaries can be supported if there is a claimable event. Have a listen to this episode to find out more about Group Insurance for your team and why it matters. In a competitive labour market these sorts of benefits may well help your business stand out above the crowd.

In this episode I am joined by John Allender from Advantage Fire Protection (www.advantagefire.nz) to talk about the importance of fire protection and fire training for your business.  Sadly, fires can start in any place, at any time, for any number of reasons! It goes without saying but it pays to be prepared should the worst happen so that you can protect what is most important to you. If you own a business and employ people then you will need to be compliant with Health and Safety Regulations in this area. John offers a one stop shop to supply extinguishers appropriate to intended use and fire type along with the appropriate signs and training. He can not only supply fire suppressant tools but he installs and routinely maintains them without you having to worry about a thing. John and I also managed to weave into our chat some background on John's love and dedication to Karate. There is a lot of valuable, thought provoking and interesting material in this podcast. If you care about fire safety then you need to give this one a listen.

In this episode I am joined by one of our Associates, Sally Cunneen. Sally works in our employment and litigation team. Sally talks to me about what has changed in NZ law with respect to 90 day trial periods in the employment space. With a change of Government in 2023 the new coalition Government has opened up the use of trial periods to all employers no matter the size of the organisation and who many employees they employ. Aside from this change Sally and I deep dive the requirements, to be legal and what has stayed the same at law, the pitfalls and common mistakes, along with some other things you should be aware of regarding offers of employment and employment agreements. If you are looking to hire anyone in 2024 then you really should make sure you are up to speed with trial periods and how to use them successfully. Please note that the information presented in this podcast is not intended to be, and cannot replace, detailed legal advice. If you need help you should look to take specific advice from an employment lawyer that is relevant to your individual circumstance and business.

In this episode I am joined by Andrew Burrows, Director at Advanced Ceramics to talk all things teeth including the work of designing and building crowns and other implants. Andrew and I then move into a discussion about how technology, both computing and hardware, have revolutionised the business, the quality of the end product and the throughput gains. We then investigate the impacts that Artificial Intelligence has had in this space for the business, how it can assist, its limitations and what the future may hold. I really enjoyed chatting with Andrew who is an all-round good guy, innovator and passionate business owner. The subject of teeth may seem slightly esoteric for a business podcast but trust me the story is well worth listening to and nowhere near as painful as visiting the dentist!. If you want to drill down on some inspiration for how technology might transform your business, then give this a listen.