The SME Stream

What separates genuinely innovative organisations from those that simply talk about innovation?
In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley sits down with Nicola Taylor, co-founder of Tax Traders and Taxi, to explore organisational culture, innovation, leadership, and the mindset required to build businesses that continually evolve.
Drawing on her experience building successful fintech companies, Nicola shares practical insights into creating cultures where experimentation, curiosity, belonging, and psychological safety drive better decisions and stronger business outcomes.
From productive failure and behavioural values to leadership, recruitment, AI, feedback, and continuous improvement, this conversation challenges many of the common assumptions about innovation. Nicola explains why innovation is built through disciplined experimentation rather than random ideas, why leaders should ask better questions instead of having all the answers, and how organisations can intentionally design cultures where people feel empowered to contribute their best thinking.
The discussion also explores how belonging starts long before an employee's first day, why feedback should be celebrated rather than feared, and how removing ego from decision-making allows organisations to learn faster and perform better.
What You'll Learn
Why innovation requires discipline as much as creativity

The difference between productive and unproductive failure

How psychological safety differs from comfort

Why belonging begins before an employee's first day

How behavioural values create stronger organisational cultures

The role curiosity plays in leadership and innovation

Why leaders should ask better questions instead of providing all the answers

How experimentation drives continuous improvement

The importance of feedback, reflection, and lifelong learning

How AI and technology can support, rather than replace, human capability

Key Takeaways
Innovation is built through disciplined experimentation, not random ideas.

Psychological safety allows people to contribute without fear, even when conversations are uncomfortable.

Great cultures are intentionally designed through everyday behaviours.

Strong leaders create environments where others can succeed.

Curiosity and feedback accelerate learning and better decision-making.

Behavioural values are more powerful than aspirational statements.

Belonging strengthens engagement, confidence, and performance.

Technology will continue to evolve, but human judgement, empathy, and creativity remain essential.

About Nicola Taylor
Nicola Taylor is the co-founder of Tax Traders and Taxi, two award-winning New Zealand fintech businesses transforming the way organisations manage tax and business funding.
Passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and building exceptional workplace cultures, Nicola is recognised for challenging conventional thinking around leadership, organisational design, and business growth. She is a strong advocate for creating environments where curiosity, experimentation, and continuous learning enable both people and organisations to thrive.
Why This Episode Matters
As organisations navigate rapid technological change, AI, and evolving workforce expectations, creating innovative cultures has become a critical leadership capability.
This episode provides practical insights into how leaders can intentionally design workplaces where people feel safe to experiment, challenge ideas, learn from failure, and contribute their best thinking. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, executive leader, or entrepreneur, Nicola offers practical ideas for building cultures that are innovative, resilient, and ready for the future.
Resources & Links
Tax Traders: https://www.taxtraders.co.nz
Taxi: https://www.gotaxi.co.nz/
Connect with Nicola Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-raffills-taylor/
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Economist Naomi Fink on Japan’s shifting economy, the weaker yen and what it could mean for New Zealand businesses, exports and investors.
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Trade Minister Todd McClay and Australia’s Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell have met in Auckland for the annual CER talks.
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Christchurch-based Komodo Wellbeing founder Chris Bacon on expanding into the UAE as NZ exports rise seven percent since the free trade deal.
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Forsyth Barr's Aaron Ibbotson says bond yields continue to rise globally with Japan's hitting a 30-year high.
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