The Most FM Business Hour

In this episode of The Business Hour, Jordan sits down with Ron Trigg of Mike's Bistro and Tap Room for a remarkable journey spanning continents, decades, and just about every industry you can imagine.From a childhood in Namibia and Zimbabwe during the Bush War, to national service in South Africa, to fleeing political upheaval and arriving in New Zealand on a three-week camper van holiday that never quite ended - Ron's story is a masterclass in following your gut and backing yourself.Now a Taranaki institution for over 20 years, Ron reflects on a winding path through hydraulic engineering, duck farming, avocado orchards, designing emergency hospitals for the Turkish Red Cross, and ultimately buying White Cliffs Brewery and turning it into the much-loved Mike's. He's candid about the wins, the bruising lessons, COVID, the moves, and what it really takes to keep going when "lesser men would've walked away."Together, they explore:Why being a risk-taker has shaped every chapter of Ron's lifeThe power of constant learning - often by doing it wrong firstHow community and word-of-mouth built the Mike's brandThe marketing psychology behind selling out Oktoberfest every JulyAdapting a business through law changes, COVID, and three relocationsWhy tenacity is a quality we don't celebrate nearly enoughA story of hard graft, sharp instincts, and the kind of stubborn optimism that builds something lasting.Key takeaway: "Fall down, get up, give it another go." Tenacity, Ron reckons, is the one thing we should be teaching far more of.

In this episode of The Business Hour , Naomi Harris and Jordan sit down with Taranaki-born creative thinker Toni-Maree to explore the intersection of art, technology, philosophy, and humanity.From studying photography in Singapore and living across France, China, and Australia, to building her own AI-powered reflective practice, Toni-Maree shares how curiosity has shaped her journey.The conversation dives into the power of asking better questions, the opportunities and challenges of AI, creativity in an age of automation, and why critical thinking matters more than ever.Together, they explore:How AI can be used as a tool for reflection rather than replacementThe art of asking better questionsWhy overthinking can be both a strength and a challengeThe importance of intentionality, meaning, and human connectionWhat creativity looks like in a rapidly changing worldIf you've ever wondered how technology is reshaping the way we think, create, and connect, this conversation will leave you with more questions than answers—in the very best way.Key takeaway:"How do we make meaning?" A simple question that sits at the heart of this fascinating discussion.

Leadership under pressure is not about pretending everything is under control. It is about knowing what is yours to control and having the tools to respond well.On today’s The MOST 100.4 FM Business Hour episode, Sponsored by Govett Quilliam, Dr Naomi Woodier-Harris and Jordan McFadyen spoke with Paul Williams, Taranaki-born professional rugby referee with New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby, about pressure, preparation, mental fitness and values-led leadership.Key takeaways from the conversation:- Preparation is where confidence starts. Paul shared the “mow your lawns” concept: get your foundations in order so you can show up with clarity.- Role clarity matters. In refereeing, the team of four needs absolute clarity on responsibilities. The same applies in business. When people know what they own, review and accountability become cleaner.- Mental fitness is trained, not assumed. Paul spoke about the importance of practising presence, managing internal language and using tools like “Stop, Observe, Shift” when pressure rises.- Composure is contagious. In one example with Ardie Savea, Paul shared how staying calm helped lower the temperature of the moment.- Feedback should be normalised. High-performing teams do not avoid robust conversations. They build enough trust to have them properly.- Values guide decisions. When you know your values, it becomes easier to make decisions under pressure and lead yourself before leading others.A brilliant conversation for business owners, leaders and teams who want to build resilience, clarity and better performance under pressure.

What does it take to turn a traditional agricultural by product into a high-value cosmetic export?In our studio interview today at The MOST 100.4 FM on the Govett Quilliam Business Hour, Jordan McFadyen spoke with Sara Corleison and Jane James, the co-founders of Botallow. Their journey from a "cake mixer in the kitchen" to contract manufacturing for international markets is a textbook example of lean start-up methodology and strategic pivoting.Business Insights from the Episode:- The Pivot: Recognising the gap in the market for cosmetic-grade raw materials vs. finished consumer goods.- Strategic Support: Utilising the Venture Taranaki scale-up grants and the "Power Up" accelerator to bridge the gap between "paddock and port."- The Science of Trust: Partnering with Massey University to validate ancestral wisdom with hard data.- The Co-Founder Dynamic: How to balance visionary strategy with operational discipline.If you are interested in the intersection of Ag-Tech, Biotech, and Beauty, this is an episode you cannot miss.

In our next episode of the The Business Hour on The MOST 100.4 FM Sponsored by Govett Quilliam - Dr Naomi Woodier-Harris and Jordan McFadyen explored a topic often swept under the rug in professional circles: the link between high-performance stress and alcohol dependency.Our guest, Abi King, a Sobriety Coach specialising in high-functioning professionals, provided profound insights into how leaders can manage "the grind" without relying on the Friday night bottle.Strategic Insights for Leaders:- The Cost of "Numbing": When we numb stress, we also numb our clarity, creativity, and leadership presence.- Habit Architecture: Replacing the "anticipation dopamine" of a drink with movement, community, or new routines.- Cultural Shift: The growing acceptance of 0% options in networking and the trades, and why it’s a win for workplace productivity.Abi’s transition from hospitality business owner to international coach is also an example of personal rebranding and resilience.

Today on The MOST 100.4 FM Business Hour, sponsored by Govett Quilliam, Dr Naomi Woodier-Harris and Jordan McFadyen spoke with Andre Nobbs from GQ and Jessica Parker Taranaki Garden Festival Manager and Chair of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce.A few standout themes from the conversation;Taranaki’s events and experiences are economic drivers, not just entertainment. They bring visitors, visitor nights, and genuine momentum into town.Sponsorship works best when it is values aligned and community led. The impact is wider than the event itself, through accommodation, hospitality, and local supply chains.Sustainable leadership is about focus. Knowing when to say no, and building teams where people can take ownership.A simple but powerful reminder. If we do not support what comes here, it will not keep coming. Showing up and buying local matters.