PodcastsBusinessOpen for Small Business

Open for Small Business

Presented by Xero
Open for Small Business
Latest episode

18 episodes

  • Open for Small Business

    What’s holding Kiwi SMEs back from AI? James Bergin on Practical Ways to Harness AI’s Business Value

    04/06/2026 | 34 mins.
    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 form four approach-to-AI archetypes. In this conversation, James shares the flow-on effects of these different beliefs, and the biggest barriers and opportunities for SMEs as AI capabilities develop at pace.

    The ambition of Kiwi SMEs is clear, but what is holding them back from confidently harnessing AI?

    Bridget and James look to the future, as well as identifying where businesses have voiced needing support.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Open for Small Business

    Sleep, Stress and Small Business: Sarah Laurie on Breathing Better during the Day

    27/05/2026 | 33 mins.
    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 to be prepared for, and breathing plays an important role in that process.

    Together, Bridget and Sarah explore why so many of us hold our breath or breathe shallowly without realising it, how that affects the nervous system, and what can change when people start building better breathing patterns into their working day.

    The episode also introduces Take a Breath Week and the free 7-Day Sleep Challenge, which gives people a simple way to test the impact of breathing properly on their sleep, energy, and stress.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Open for Small Business

    Going Global: Maree Glading on taking Evre to the world

    08/04/2026 | 39 mins.
    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 staying true to Evre’s purpose while scaling up.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Open for Small Business

    AI that actually helps: Kayur Patel on practical hacks for busy small business owners

    30/03/2026 | 35 mins.
    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 tasks that used to take hours to smarter ways to draft, summarise, and organise, Kayur shares what’s made a real difference in day-to-day work, and what’s not worth the effort.

    With EOFY landing today, they also explore how AI can still be useful at the sharp end of the financial year – helping business owners manage last‑minute tasks, avoid surprises, and bring clarity as the year closes.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Open for Small Business

    Logistics, leadership and leaps of faith: Chris Tacon on building Consignly

    11/03/2026 | 39 mins.
    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 offers a candid look at the challenges and rewards of launching a SaaS business in a niche industry.
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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About 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.
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