Open for Small Business

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 discounting, the conversation explores how small businesses can stay resilient and cash in on one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 puts people at the heart of everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Meat has carved out a niche in a competitive market by staying true to its values. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 importance of teamwork, and how they’ve navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 accessible, Rajna discusses how burnout inspired her to create Optimally, and why self-awareness is a superpower in business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, and finding success off the beaten track. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 shape lives, on and off the court. It’s an inspiring listen for entrepreneurs who believe in doing good while building a thriving business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.