Open for Small Business
Welcome to Open for Small Business, the podcast that shines a light on the heart and hustle of small business owners across Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted by Bridget Snelling, Country Manager for Xero in Aotearoa, we’re bringing you a series that’s all about celebrating the people behind the businesses - the dreamers, the doers, and the difference-makers. In each episode, we dive deep into the real stories of small business life. From the exhilarating highs of a breakthrough moment to the tough lessons learned in the trenches, we explore what it truly takes to build and sustain a business in today’s ever-changing landscape. You’ll hear candid conversations with inspiring Xero customers and industry experts who’ve weathered storms, seized opportunities, and carved out their own paths to success. There are so many incredible small businesses across the motu that are thriving, bucking economic trends, innovating in their industries, and making a meaningful impact in their communities. That’s why we launched this podcast: to give these voices a platform, to share their wisdom, and to remind every small business owner out there that they’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, Open for Small Business is here to support you with insights, encouragement, and a whole lot of admiration for the mahi you do every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Bridget checks in with James Bergin, Xero’s Tech Research and Advocacy Executive GM on the state of AI use amongst New Zealand SMEs. Bridget and James explore what these businesses are actually using AI for, and practical ways to shift this use towards consistent, meaningful value.
Delving into Xero’s TechWeek 2026 research, the pair draw on the feedback from Kiwi SMEs to identify how these businesses are grouping together to fo...
In this episode of Open for Small Business, Bridget Snelling is joined by Sarah Laurie, founder of Take a Breath, for a conversation about sleep, stress, and why the way we breathe during the day can shape how we switch off at night.
With many small business owners carrying heavy workloads and constant pressure, Sarah explains why sleep is not just something that happens when the day ends. It is something the brain and body need...
In this follow-up episode, Bridget reconnects with Maree Glading, founder of Evre, to talk about the brand’s exciting leap into the US market and its growing international success.
After launching Evre with a mission to empower women through wellness, Maree has taken the brand from local favourite to global contender. She shares the behind-the-scenes of expanding into new territories, navigating international logistics, and stay...
Bridget Snelling sits down with Kayur Patel – an AI and emerging technology leader and a member of the Xero Partner Advisory Council (XPAC) – for a practical conversation about using AI in ways that genuinely help small businesses right now.
Together, they cut through the noise to explore simple AI workflows and “hacks” that can save time, reduce admin, and lighten the mental load – without needing deep technical knowledge. From...
Bridget speaks with Chris Tacon, co-founder of Consignly, a cloud-based logistics platform transforming how third-party logistics providers manage their operations.
Chris shares the journey of turning a bold idea into a scalable tech solution, and how his background in software development and business strategy helped shape Consignly’s growth.
From bootstrapping to building a product that solves real-world problems, Chris off...
In this episode of Open for Small Business, Bridget Snelling sits down with Emma Lewisham, founder of the intelligent skincare brand.
Emma shares the journey behind creating a modern natural skincare brand that truly worked — from identifying a genuine gap in the market to scaling internationally without compromising on values. She reflects on why formulation integrity matters more than trends, how she earned the trust...
In this season two opener of Open for Small Business, Bridget sits down with Rosa Power and Margo Flanagan - the powerhouse founders of Two Raw Sisters - for an honest conversation about the emotional cost of building a business.
Known for their “intelligently lazy” approach to cooking and their five best‑selling cookbooks, the sisters have built a thriving brand by helping Kiwis save time, eat well and keep things simple.
Bu...
In this season finale of Open for Small Business, Bridget sits down with Sarah Laurie, founder of Take a Breath, for a conversation about starting the year with purpose and strength. Together, they explore how small business owners can set clear intentions and achievable goals - and why investing in capability and resilience isn’t a cost, but a competitive advantage.
Sarah shares practical, science-backed techniques to calm the ...
Bridget speaks to Carolyn Young, CEO of Retail NZ, for a special episode on the retail sector as Black Friday and the holiday season approaches.
Bridget and Carolyn discuss the opportunities ahead for Kiwi small businesses and consumers alike, sharing insights from Retail NZ’s latest Retail Radar survey and Xero’s Small Business Insights.
From tackling international competition to strategies for stock management and dis...
Bridget chats with Cat Peters, co-founder of HireStaff — a recruitment agency with a difference. With a background in marketing and a passion for people, Cat shares how she and her team are reshaping the way businesses hire, onboard, and retain talent in Aotearoa.
From launching HireStaff during uncertain times to building a values-led company culture, Cat opens up about the challenges and triumphs of growing a business that p...
Bridget sits down with Simon Eriksen, founder and Managing Director of Neat Meat - a premium meat supplier known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Simon shares the journey of building Neat Meat from the ground up, navigating the complexities of supply chains, customer expectations, and industry disruption. With a deep respect for producers and a sharp eye on consumer trends, Simon reveals how Neat Me...
Bridget chats to Josh and Helen Emett, the powerhouse duo behind the Emett Group, a hospitality business known for its exceptional dining experiences and strong brand identity.
From Michelin-star kitchens to the heart of Aotearoa’s food scene, Josh and Helen share their journey of building a business that blends culinary excellence with smart strategy.
They open up about the realities of running multiple venues, the imp...
Bridget speaks to Rajna Bogdanovic - clinical psychologist, speaker, and founder of Optimally - to explore the intersection of mental wellbeing and entrepreneurship.
Rajna shares her journey from clinical practice to launching a business that helps individuals and organisations thrive by challenging outdated thinking and simplifying complex psychological concepts.
With a passion for making mental health empowering and a...
In this episode, Cat MacNaughtan - creator of the beloved Kiwi brand Getting Lost - joins Bridget Snelling to share how a simple idea turned into a nationwide phenomenon.
From handmade game cards to a thriving small business, Cat reflects on the creative spark, the challenges of scaling, and the joy of building something meaningful.
It’s a candid conversation about trusting your instincts, embracing the unknown, a...
Bridget sits down with Johnny Davison, founder of Hitrak - a revolutionary transportation management system that streamlines freight from origin to destination - to discuss his journey from accomplished mountaineer to logistics innovator.
They explore his transition into entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a tech-driven business, and the mindset that fuels his success.
In this episode of Open for Small Business, PJ and Krissie King, founders of Foundation Basketball, share how they turned their passion for youth basketball into a thriving community-focused enterprise.
The episode explores the challenges and rewards of building a purpose-driven business, from grassroots beginnings to long-term impact.
The Kings reflect on leadership, resilience, and the power of sport to sh...
Join Bridget as she speaks to Maree Glading, founder on teen skincare brand, Evre Skincare.
Maree shares how she turned a personal passion into a purpose-driven beauty brand. Bridget and Maree dive into Maree’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a startup and the values that shape Evre’s mission.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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