We live in an increasingly visual world. Incredibly, almost everyone has a camera in their pocket and the ability to broadcast their message to the world. 

Even though we have more ways of communicating with people than ever before, most of us still struggle to 'put ourselves out there' or to speak publically in-front of an audience: Two activities business owners and professionals are frequently called on to do.

Brad McDonald is joined by Michael Philpott, New Zealand's number one expert in public speaking, presentations and pitching. Michael helps all presenters prepare for the TEDx Christchurch events, and works with anyone wanting to overcome their fears around public speaking.

Michael and Brad also talk about how people can become better networkers and communicators, including:

- What steps can you take to get more comfortable in-front of a camera?;

- How should you can adjust your style for different audiences; plus

- How to get a better Q&A response at the end of your next presentation.

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.

We're no strangers to natural disasters in New Zealand. From earthquakes to volcanic eruptions, floods and forest fires, it's not uncommon natural disasters to regularly disrupt our lives and livlihoods. 

Unlike the earthquake that occurred on February 22nd 2011 which pretty much came out of the blue, the extreme rain and flooding across Canterbury that happened May 2021 was predicted and expected. Local councils from Selwyn to Hurunui and Waimakariri declared states of emergency. Flood waters caused severe damage to the Ashburton bridge. Some areas of Canterbury got more than five month's worth of rain over two days. BUT, people were able to take preventative measures to reduce the damage, protect people, livestock and livelihoods. 

Brad McDonald is joined by Iain Grant, a Rural insurance advisor with Vero Insurance. Iain lived in Christchurch during 2012, and shares some of his experiences on living in the shaky city. 

Iain and Brad also talk about how people and businesses can prepare for the next natural disaster (whatever it may be) and what steps are going to help your insurer help you get back on your feet again, including:

- Why some natural disasters are becoming harder to predict;

- What steps you should take in the aftermath of a natural disaster; plus

- The mental toll of natural disasters.

Quick disclaimer: This advice is general, and in most cases, Iain's personal opinion. For specific advice on your policy, speak with your trusted advisor. While this information is current as of the publishing of this podcast, we can't predict what the industry will be doing in five years time. Also, in talking about the climate and weather events, neither Brad, nor Iain are scientists. 

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.

It's predicted that mental illness will be one of the biggest facing businesses by 2030. It's more important than ever to create a workplace culture that looks after your employees, so they can continue to look after your business.

Brad McDonald is joined again by Chris White. He's a former RAF engineer who now helps organisations develop corporate wellbeing programmes as part of ph360. They covered so much ground around leadership and corporate wellness, we had to split their conversation into two episodes.

In this episode, Chris shares some of his life lessons learned within the RAF and the health and wellbeing industry, including:

- What Return on Investment can you expect from coporate wellbeing?;

- What's the number one stressor facing Kiwi workplaces; plus

- Practical steps on changing your company culture..

Brad and Chris had such a great discussion, we've split it into two episodes. For the first half of this conversation with Chris, be sure to subscribe and listen episode 28.

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.

We spend so much of our lives at work. Could we or should we feel happy about going to work, or is it just a necessary evil? A means to an end.

Brad McDonald is joined by Chris White. He's a former RAF engineer who now helps organisations develop corporate wellbeing programmes as part of ph360.

In this episode, Chris shares some of his life lessons learned within the RAF and the health and wellbeing industry, including:

- What makes a good leader?;

- What the RAF teaches about leadership; plus

- Why there's no such thing as a work/life balance.

Brad and Chris had such a great discussion, we've split it into two episodes. For the rest of this conversation with Chris, be sure to subscribe and listen to the next episode.

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.

Everyone is after the 'secrets of success.' What business owner doesn't want to increase their bottom line and become more successful? But short of starting the next Enron, how do you do it (legally)?

Brad McDonald is joined by Ron Boskell. He's a former General Manager of Hannah's Shoes, plus a General Manager and CEO of the Postie Plus Group in New Zealand. Both are major retail chains employing hundreds and hundreds of people.  

Today, Ron Boskell mentors other business owners in Christchurch as part of The Executive Connection. In this episode, Ron shares some of his life lessons and business experience with Brad, including:

- What you can do to be more like Richie McCaw;

- How to stop waking up in a cold sweat at 2am; plus

- How to create a positive culture of mutual respect with your employees.

If you want to contact Ron about mentoring, his email address is [email protected], and his phone number is 027 221 7561.

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.

Everyone is after the 'secrets of success.' What business owner doesn't want to increase their bottom line and become more successful? But short of starting the next Enron, how do you do it (legally)?

Brad McDonald is joined once again by Dorian Crighton, now of Baker Tilly Staples Rodway to cover six proven ways to grow your business and become more profitable. Including:

- How to get more customers to buy from you more often;

- How one, plus one, plus one can equal 12; plus

- Three classic mistakes business owners make that loses them money.

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.

Cyber attacks are on the rise. It's not a case of 'if' your business might be targeted, but 'when'. Recently, both the New Zealand Stock Exchange and the Waikato District Health Board have fallen victim to coordinated cyber attacks. If those 'big guys' can be taken town, what hope do regular Kiwi SME's have?

Owner and operator at Computer Clinic, Patrick Moran joins Brad McDonald again on the podcast, to cover the importance of cyber security, and how to prepare for a cyber attack. Including:

- How to prepare your business for a cyber attack;

- What to do WHEN your business is hit; plus

- The importance of a recovery plan.

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.

It's a big story in the media right now, and we're sure to see it play out in front of the Employment Relations Authority in future.

Can you be fired for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Some employees working at New Zealand's borders, managed isolation or quarantine facilities are being redeployed and terminated for not being vaccinated. But is it legal?

To discuss this weighty issue, Brad McDonald is joined by fellow employment lawyer James Hobcraft to discuss how and why an unvaccinated employee may lose their job, including:

- The difference between terminating an employee and making them redundant;

- Can an employer really fire someone for not being vaccinated; plus

- The process that all employers must follow.

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.

DISCLAIMER: As always, the material you hear on this podcast is merely an opinion and is not intended to replace legal advice. As this is a fast moving area of law and one which is highly dependent on the individual facts of each situation we strongly recommend you take detailed legal advice from a suitably qualified lawyer before proceeding with any steps which may impact you or your business.

All businesses need an "IT guy." From businesses with just one laptop, to complicated POS systems, or servers connecting employees around the country, technology and the internet are key for keeping all businesses running.

Owner and operator at Computer Clinic, Patrick Moran joins Brad McDonald on the podcast, to cover the importance of making sure your IT specialist knows what they are talking about. Including:

- The right kind of experience;

- What transparent IT solutions look like; plus

- The importance of planning.

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.

What's the reason underpinning your business? While some companies look to give back to charity, others find ways to include an element of "social good" in the day-to-day running of their business.

Owner of The Little Bone Broth Company, Alex Watson once again joins Brad McDonald on the podcast, to cover the importance of working for social good. The method and ethos underpinning what he does. Including:

- The importance of asking for help;

- Staying passionate about what you do; plus

- Some of the feedback that keeps him motivated.

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.