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.
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.
Beyond the ingredient: Emma Lewisham on building a skincare brand anchored in science, not trends
25/02/2026 | 43 mins.
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 of women who wanted complete confidence in what they put on their skin, and what it really takes to build a brand recognised by some of the world's most respected scientific and environmental minds.
The conversation also explores the role of advisors, mindset shifts, and the importance of asking for help. Emma offers honest insights for founders navigating growth, complexity, and ambition — while staying anchored in purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reclaim time & reduce the emotional tax: Two Raw Sisters on building a business that works for you
11/02/2026 | 44 mins.
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.
But behind the success lies a familiar reality for many small business owners: long days, personal sacrifices, and the constant feeling of being “always on”.
In this episode, Rosa and Margo open up about the emotional tax they’ve paid along the way - the moments they’ve missed, the burnout signals they ignored, and the turning points that forced them to rethink how they worked.
Together, they explore practical ways to work smarter, create better boundaries, navigate end of financial year pressures, and reduce the stress that holds so many small business owners back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Calm Under Pressure: Sarah Laurie on building resilience for the New Year
03/12/2025 | 44 mins.
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 nervous system, reduce stress, and sharpen focus - simple tools that help leaders and teams perform at their best, both in business and in life.
This episode reframes wellbeing as a smart business strategy and a powerful way to step into the new year with clarity and confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
New Zealand