Episodes
-
In the final episode of Season 2 of 'Strength in Numbers,' host Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting / Advisory chats with Leah, SMYD's marketing director and Jason's wife, along with long-time friend Abby Linn from Rhombus Construction. The episode delves into the fascinating dynamics of working with a spouse in business. Abby shares her experience transitioning from a career in psychology to joining her husband Matt's construction business, highlighting the support system and challenges encountered. Leah shares her journey of pivoting from public relations to significantly contributing to building their accounting firm. Both women discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, balancing work-life with family responsibilities, and the importance of taking breaks. Their stories offer inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating similar paths in family-run businesses.
Abby - Rhombus
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Leah - SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Final Episode of Season Two
00:35 Introducing Today's Guests -"The Work Wives"
00:56 Leah and Abby's Backgrounds
01:42 The Transition to Business Partnership
01:59 How Leah and Abby Met
03:14 Balancing Business and Personal Life
04:15 Proving Their Worth
05:54 Challenges and Growth
08:48 Stepping into Leadership Roles
12:51 Owning Their Roles
19:51 Hiring and Expanding the Team
25:14 Advice for Couples in Business
30:34 The Office Transition: From Home to Headquarters
31:42 Balancing Work and Family Life
32:41 Creating Boundaries in Business
35:39 Taking Time Off: The Importance of Holidays
38:18 Defining Roles in the Business
41:12 Women in Business: Challenges and Triumphs
46:02 Reflecting on Growth and Success
54:00 Acknowledging Support and Teamwork
58:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
-
In this episode of 'Strength in Numbers,' host Jason Topp sits down with Hannah Porter, the founder of Bear & Moo, an eco-friendly parenting brand based in Hamilton.
Launched in 2018, Bear & Moo offers affordable reusable cloth nappies and other baby products. Hannah shares her story from her university days to becoming an accidental entrepreneur driven by a passion for reducing waste and saving money.
The discussion delves into the challenges of starting and growing a business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she built a loyal customer base through authenticity on social media. Hannah also talks about the importance of balancing work and family, the value of having a strong support network, and strategic decisions that have helped sustain her business.
Bear and Moo
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to Season Two
00:38 Meet Hannah Porter of Bear and Moo
01:27 University Days and Early Ambitions
03:18 The Birth of Bear and Moo
04:30 The Cloth Nappy Journey
07:35 Starting the Business
12:12 Navigating Social Media and Community Building
18:21 COVID-19 Impact and Business Growth
24:06 Connecting with Customers and Social Media Impact
26:30 Balancing Work and Family Life
27:44 The Importance of Support Systems
32:49 Setting Boundaries in Business
34:54 Strategic Business Growth
38:54 Overcoming Financial Challenges
45:05 Looking Forward with Optimism
46:08 Conclusion and Gratitude
-
Episodes manquant?
-
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting Advisory welcomes Caitlin Taylor, a personal stylist and style coach with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry.
Caitlin shares her unique approach to styling by combining her expertise in psychology and passion for fashion with an emphasis on body positivity and confidence. She discusses her personalized styling packages, wardrobe audits, and virtual consultations, as well as hosting events and working with both individual and corporate clients. They also explore the dynamics of building a supportive business network, citing Caitlin's involvement with the Venus network as a pivotal factor in her business growth.
Balancing work and family life is another topic of discussion, where Caitlin outlines her strategies for organizing her schedule to give her best to her clients while managing family responsibilities. Looking ahead, Caitlin reveals her exciting future plans, including writing a book that encapsulates her extensive knowledge and practical advice on styling.
Caitlin Taylor - The Style Coach
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:37 Meet Caitlin Taylor: Personal Stylist and Style Coach
03:36 Caitlin's Journey and Philosophy
04:50 The Importance of Mindset in Style
11:21 Shopping Smarter: Conscious Purchasing Decisions
15:51 Building a Community and Business Growth
22:44 The Style Circle Membership
28:12 Creating a Comfortable Environment
28:33 Journey to Body Confidence
28:42 Impact of Parental Influence
29:29 Body Neutrality vs. Body Positivity
30:43 Raising Body-Positive Children
31:58 Client Struggles and Support
33:51 Balancing Work and Family Life
36:45 Fashion Trends and Personal Style
46:57 Future Plans and Aspirations
49:27 Conclusion and Contact Information
-
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, host Jason Topp speaks with Sara Higgins, founder of HANA, a health and wellness company.
Sara shares her transition from a pharmacist to a wellness entrepreneur, driven by her personal health challenges. The episode explores her journey in establishing HANA, which offers infrared saunas, ice baths, red light therapy, and other holistic treatments.
Sara discusses her commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness and educating the community. The conversation also delves into navigating business challenges, including the impact of COVID-19, and how Sara has built a supportive team to help grow her business.
Sara Higgins - HANA
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:37 Meet Sara Higgins from HANA
01:24 Sara's Journey to Wellness
03:01 The Birth of HANA
04:43 HANA's Offerings and Benefits
06:00 The Science Behind Infrared Saunas and Ice Baths
07:01 The Holistic Approach to Wellness
17:43 Personal Wellness and Business Challenges
20:17 Navigating Business Challenges During COVID-19
20:36 Personal Stress and Coping Mechanisms
21:35 The Importance of Outdoor Time and Relocation
22:09 Starting a Business During Lockdown
24:41 Expanding the Business and Team
29:01 Adapting and Innovating in Business
32:20 Future Plans and Industry Trends
36:39 Advice for Starting a Wellness Journey
37:29 Contact Information and Final Thoughts
-
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason sits down with Janelle Ellis, the founder of Abode Homecare. Janelle shares her journey from nursing to creating a comprehensive in-home care service aimed at supporting individuals and families with personalized care.
They discuss the unique challenges and successes she has faced, the importance of maintaining client-centered care, and the special bond formed with clients.
Janelle also touches on the balance between being a business owner and a mother, the future growth plans for Abode Homecare, and the critical role of nurses in providing compassionate care. This episode is about the heartfelt and impactful work of Abode Homecare and serves as an inspiration for aspiring business owners in the healthcare sector.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Meet Janelle Ellis of Abode Homecare
02:09 The Birth of Abode Homecare
03:48 Challenges and Growth
06:52 Balancing Business and Personal Life
09:26 The Importance of Independence and Quality Care
14:36 Staffing and Business Philosophy
19:22 Future of Homecare and Business Advice
23:10 Balancing Work and Family Life
23:41 Understanding Loss and Grief
24:12 Children's Perception of Work
25:16 The Impact of Palliative Care
30:11 Personal Near-Death Experience
33:36 Starting and Running a Business
42:01 Supporting Nurses and Healthcare Workers
43:19 Conclusion and Farewell
-
Empowering Business Growth Through Expertise and Values with Chris from Daring Digital
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason catches up with Christine Rogers about her entrepreneurial journey as the founder of digital marketing agency Daring Digital.
Chris shares her transition from television script writer to digital marketing expert, freelancing, and eventually building her thriving agency. She discusses her strategic approach, the importance of specialization, and the necessity of a supportive team and leadership coaching. Chris also emphasizes the importance of maintaining values, setting boundaries, and nurturing both clients and her team.
Chris's resilience and innovative mindset have propelled Daring Digital to success.
Daring Digital
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:37 Meet Christine Rogers from Daring Digital
01:23 Chris's Journey into Digital Marketing
02:54 Starting Daring Digital
03:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life
04:07 Building a Resilient Business During Lockdown
05:37 Managing and Growing a Team
13:37 The Importance of Values in Business
18:35 What is Digital Marketing?
20:23 Defining Your Marketing Objectives
20:40 The Role of Social Media in Client Nurturing
21:36 Building a Comprehensive Marketing Ecosystem
22:52 Understanding Daring Digital's Services
24:32 The Importance of Specialization
29:01 Strategies for Social Media Success
35:41 Maintaining Boundaries and Values in Business
39:06 Contacting Daring Digital
40:04 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up
-
The Art of Authentic Brand Photography with SheShoots
In this episode of Strength in Numbers, Jason sits down with Nykie Grove-Eades and Helen Dol, the talented photography duo behind SheShoots, Personal Branding Photography. They delve into their journeys in photography, the organic growth of their partnership in business, and the importance of authentic brand photography.
Nykie and Helen discuss how they bring out the true essence of individuals and businesses through their empathetic and creative approach. They also share insights on working effectively as a team, overcoming challenges like anxiety to build positive and creative environments for their clients, and the significance of showing genuine, human elements in brand imagery to connect better with current or potential clients and stand out in the market.
SheShoots
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Season Two
00:35 Meet the Dynamic Duo: Nikki and Helen
01:45 Nikki's Journey into Photography
02:32 Helen's Path to Photography
03:42 The Birth of SheShoots
06:01 The Essence of Brand Photography
08:39 Creating Authentic Brand Images
12:40 The Importance of Innovation
19:04 Connecting Through Photography
19:32 The Importance of Comfort in Brand Photography
22:22 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Photography
24:46 Navigating Business Challenges
26:24 Networking and Business Growth
28:27 Advice for Aspiring Photographers
29:10 The Power of Authenticity
29:39 Overcoming Anxiety in Photography
33:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
-
Fostering Outdoor Connections and Wellbeing with Michelle Morpeth
In the latest episode of 'Strength in Numbers,' Jason catches up with Michelle Morpeth, founder of Outdoorsy. Michelle shares her journey from starting a blog to creating an extensive online community of nearly 12,000 members focused on outdoor activities and wellbeing, particularly for mothers. They discuss Michelle's various initiatives, including membership events, retreats, and workplace wellbeing seminars, all aimed at encouraging people to benefit from spending time in nature.
The conversation delves into the importance of outdoor activities for mental health, connection, and productivity, providing practical advice for integrating more nature into daily life and fostering better relationships. Whether for mums, business owners, or workplace communities, Michelle’s insights on balancing life through outdoor experiences offer inspiration and practical tips for everyone.
Michelle Morpeth - Outdoorsy
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:37 Meet Michelle Morpeth from Outdoorsy
01:38 Michelle's Journey to Creating Outdoorsy
04:38 The Growth of Outdoorsy
05:59 Upcoming Events and Collaborations
12:10 The Importance of Mom's Wellbeing
18:09 Building Connections Through Nature
21:53 Tips for Starting Outdoor Adventures with Kids
23:53 Challenges of Parenting and Nature's Role
25:05 Impact of Outdoor Activities on Families
26:37 Workplace Wellbeing and Confidence
29:38 The Science Behind Nature's Benefits
38:18 Practical Tips for Integrating Nature
41:31 Future Vision and Final Thoughts
-
Building a Successful Construction Business: The Journey of Rhombus with Abby and Matt Linn
In this episode of 'Strength in Numbers,' we welcome Abby and Matt from Rhombus Construction to discuss the evolution of their business from its humble beginnings to its current success.
Matt recounts his unconventional path into the trades and how late career decisions and a strong partnership with Abby fueled their business growth.
We delve into the significance of building strong relationships within your industry, handling financial responsibilities with care, and maintaining a focus on quality and service in every project. Moreover, they touch on personal aspects such as work-life balance, the role of professional mental health support in managing the stresses of business ownership, and the dynamic of working as a husband-wife team.
The conversation also explores challenges, the importance of mentorship, and how Abby’s shift to a director role was pivotal for their success. They emphasize the value of teamwork, resilience, and strategic planning in business. The episode is a rich narrative of perseverance, collaboration, and the pursuit of business excellence in the construction industry.
Links
Rhombus Construction
Website
Instagram
Facebook
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:35 Meet Abby and Matt Linn
01:34 Matt's Unconventional Path to Construction
03:40 Starting Rhombus Construction
06:51 Abby's Background and Role
12:10 Challenges and Growth
20:49 Team Dynamics and Culture
25:11 Balancing Family and Business
26:54 Owning Their Roles
29:14 Conclusion and Reflections
-
Elevating Leadership Through Coaching and Connection
This episode of Strength In Numbers features a deep dive into the world of leadership coaching with Aleisha from The Coaching Tools Shop. The discussion revolves around Aleisha's unique journey from a background in communications to becoming a revered leadership development consultant.
We touch upon the essence of leadership coaching, its importance in business, plus we explore various facets such as the impact of personal growth and self-awareness on effective leadership. Aleisha shares insights into practical frameworks like Cynefin and DiSC and how we can use them to help understand decision-making and team dynamics.
The episode also highlights the significance of stepping away from traditional work environments to foster creative thinking, as exemplified by the upcoming SMYD Slack Time retreat in Fiji. Furthermore, Aleisha discusses the creation and global reach of the Coaching Tools Shop, emphasizing the universal need for meaningful conversations and coaching resources.
Rich with anecdotes, advice on cultivating a growth mindset, and strategies to balance the 'mechanics' and 'dynamics' of running a business, this is an episode not to be missed!
Links:
Aleisha Coote
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
SMYD Accounting / Advisory
Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:37 Meet Aleisha Coote: From Communications to Coaching
02:09 Aleisha's Early Life and Career Journey
06:48 The Essence of Leadership Coaching
13:39 The Cynefin Framework Explained
20:59 Navigating Complexity in Leadership
26:47 Evolving Leadership Models
27:24 Empathy and Curiosity in Leadership
29:32 Transformational Team Dynamics
34:43 The Coaching Tools Shop Journey
40:33 Balancing Business Mechanics and Dynamics
43:21 Upcoming Slack Time retreat for business owners in Fiji
48:21 Conclusion and Contact Information
-
In the final episode of Season 1 of the Strength in Numbers podcast, Jason chats to Ants Brown, co-founder of Tanta Financial Advisors. They discuss Ants’ expertise in assisting self-employed individuals and business owners with KiwiSaver, mortgage advice, and personal insurance. Ants shares his personal journey into the financial services, highlighting his interest in property and the realisation of its importance in financial planning.
Jase and Ants explore the challenges and complexities of navigating the financial industry, emphasizing the significance of creating a personalized approach to help clients achieve their goals. They also touch on financial literacy, the benefits of working with financial advisors, the importance of education in finance, and strategies for business growth and client satisfaction.
Ants underscores the value of understanding clients' needs and the emotional journey involved in financial planning, especially for first-time homebuyers.
This episode offers insights into the transformative effect of mentorship, the importance of focusing on core offerings before expanding services, and the necessity of establishing efficient systems and processes for business scalability.
Connect with Tanta Financial Advisers:
Website - https://tanta.co.nz/
Facebook - Tanta
Instagram - @tanta_advisersConnect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
This episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast features an in-depth interview with Maggie Gray, co-founder of the Food Truck Collective, hosted by Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting Advisory.
Maggie shares her personal and entrepreneurial journey from running a smoothie food truck to co-founding the Food Truck Collective with Tim, aiming to support and grow the street food industry through memorable events. She discusses the challenges and pivots during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of collaboration and community within the food truck industry, and the collective’s goals for future growth and self-care.
Maggie's husband, Lee Gray, and his entrepreneurial spirit in music and business also played a significant role in supporting her journey. The discussion also touches on operational aspects, stakeholder engagement, and the positive impact the collective has had on Auckland's street food scene, emphasizing the power of teamwork, trust, and respect in business.
Connect with Food Truck Collective:
Website - https://foodtruckcollective.co.nz/
Food Truck Coaching Website - www.foodtruckfoundations.com
Facebook - Food Truck Collective
Instagram - @foodtruckmaggie
Connect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
This episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, hosted by Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting Advisory, features a conversation with Alistair, a renowned typeface designer from Monolith. Alistair shares his journey from a music enthusiast and screen printing shop worker to becoming a typeface designer, linking his creative edge to his past experiences. The discussion delves into how his diverse background and interests, including a passion for history and music, have shaped his career.
Alistair and Jason reflect on the importance of consistency, resilience, and embracing past experiences, offering insights into the design industry's future amidst technological advancements. They explore the concept of personal brand, the evolution of business in the creative industry, and the importance of storytelling through design. The episode is a deep dive into how overlapping interests and experiences can fuel innovation and success in business.
Connect with Monolith:
Website - https://monolith.nz/
Facebook - Monolith Nz
Instagram - @monolith.nzConnect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, host Jason Topp from SMYD Accounting Advisory discusses resilience, innovation, and growth with Amy and Nick Dunn, owners of BuildLink Paeroa, a local building supplies store in Paeroa.
Amy and Nick share their unconventional journey of entering the business world amid personal challenges and leveraging a unique market opportunity in their community. Despite lacking experience in the building supplies industry, they transformed their idea into a thriving hub for tradies and DIY enthusiasts by embracing challenges, learning from failures, and fostering relationships built on honesty and respect.
Their story highlights the importance of teamwork, community engagement, and the courage to pursue unconventional paths to success in business.
Connect with BuildLink Paeroa:
Website - https://buildlink.co.nz/location/buildlink-paeroa/
Facebook - Buildlink Paeroa
Instagram - @buildlink_nzConnect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
In this episode of the 'Strength in Numbers' podcast, host Jason Topp, founder of SMYD Accounting Advisory, is joined by Dr. Chris Garrod, a clinical psychologist from Navigate Psychology. Dr. Garrod shares insights about the pivotal role of parents in a child's development, from emotional regulation to dealing with stress and the influence of device use. He also discusses the importance of quality time over quantity, the concept of being a 'good enough' parent, and how parents can maximize their relationships with their children.
Dr. Garrod emphasizes the importance of understanding children's individual needs, providing age-appropriate guidance, and shaping a safe, unconditional relationship with them. Chris highlights an emotional coaching model (COACH) and suggests parents strive for 'good enough' interactions with kids rather than perfection.
Connect with Dr Chris Garrod:
Website - https://navigatepsychology.co.nz/
Connect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
In this episode of the Strength in Numbers podcast, host Jason Topp, from SMYD Accounting / Advisory, talks to Emma and Nikki, co-owners of the Hand Therapy Group. They share how their educational backgrounds in physiotherapy and occupational therapy guided their path towards hand therapy. The journey began with working in hospitals, where they developed a passion for hand therapy, leading to the establishment of their practice.
The Hand Therapy Group, which now operates out of six different clinics, provides rehabilitation for patients with hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow injuries. This episode touches on challenges faced during the COVID-19 lockdowns and how the group was able to adapt and continue providing crucial services. We also discuss the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and the role of their supportive and dedicated team in the success of their business.
Connect with Emma and Nikki:
Website -https://handtherapy.co.nz/
Facebook - thehandtherapygroup
Instagram - @thehandtherapygroupConnect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
In this episode, Jason is joined by Peter Hunnibell from Hunnibell Racing Developments, who not only makes an impact in the midget racing scene but also runs a speedway vehicle shock sales and repair business. Peter talks about his childhood fascination with cars, his transition from passion to business, and how growing up in an automotive family influenced his career path. He shares insights about the challenges and rewards of running a business based on a niche hobby like car racing and emphasises the importance of offering excellent service and support to his customers.
Delving into his racing experiences, Peter highlights the power of mindset and learning from mistakes - both on the track and in business. He then hints at his upcoming trip to America (at the time of recording this) to race in the USAC National Midget Series.
This episode packs a powerful mix of business insights and interesting anecdotes from the racing world.
Follow Peter's journey:
Instagram - @hunnibell.racing
Facebook - Hunnibell Racing Developments
YouTube - Peter HunnibellConnect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
This week's episode is with Megan Hutchinson, the innovative mind behind the unexpected success story of Forget Me Not Journals. This episode is a rollercoaster ride through Meg's journey—from a budding lawyer dreaming of TV courtroom drama to accidentally diving into the world of creative entrepreneurship.
Discover the surprising turns that led Meg from legal paperwork to creating vibrant, engaging journals, and how her ADHD unknowingly influenced the design process, leading to revolutionary products that resonate beyond their intended audience.
Meg's unconventional approach to business, driven by passion rather than rigid plans, unfolds as she reveals how her unique 'day-to-day' approach to time management guides her entrepreneurial spirit.
Connect with Megan:
Website - https://forgetmenotjournals.com/nz/
Instagram - @forgetmenot_journals
Connect with Jason from SMYD:Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
In this episode Jason speaks to David & Jeannie Baskeyfield from Osteopathic Natural Health, who are premium osteopathic healthcare providers in Waimauku and Helensville. Their practice reflects not just professional care but a personal touch, with stories shared like that of their beloved Irish Wolfhound, a part of the practice's essence, creating a warm and welcoming environment for their community.
The episode delves deep into the philosophy of osteopathy, unravelling its intricacies and illustrating the transformative power of personalised, gentle treatments that go beyond conventional practices.
Listen in as David and Jeannie share their unique journey and the fascinating world of osteopathy, blending science, compassion, and personal experience that defines their approach to holistic health care.Connect with David & Jeannie:
Website - https://osteopathicnaturalhealth.co.nz/
Connect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
-
Today Jason chats with Katie Patrick, the dynamic force behind Whitewash Interiors. Katie shares her journey from studying textile design, to running a successful business dedicated to transforming spaces.
Having transformed the SMYD office into a creative hub, Katie emphasises the significant impact of interior design on businesses. She also talks about the misconceptions around interior design's affordability, the impact of architects, and designing with the client in mind.
The discussion also delves into personal experiences, balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood, embracing change for personal growth, and the importance of community, trust and mental wellness in crafting successful projects.
Connect with Katie:
Website - www.whitewashinteriors.co.nz
Instagram - @whitewash_Interiors
Pinterest - whitewasherConnect with Jason from SMYD:
Website - https://smyd.co.nz/
Instagram - @smyd.nz
Facebook - SMYD Accountants
- Montre plus
