Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell Wilson

Most business owners have an accountant, but far fewer actually understand their numbers. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with Tamanna Rehlia, founder of Sense and Solutions, to unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes of small business finances.From personal financial setbacks to helping her sister avoid shutting down a business, Tam shares how emotional patterns, not just spreadsheets, shape the way we handle money. They dive into why profit should come first, how cash flow clarity changes decision making, and the real cost of avoiding your numbers.If you’ve ever said “I’m not good with money” or felt unsure about your financials, this conversation will challenge that thinking and give you a practical path forward. Because businesses don’t grow from revenue alone, they grow from clarity.👉 Book your free breakthrough session: https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

What really makes a business succeed, the idea or the execution? In this episode, Mitchell sits down with Bobby Casey to unpack the realities of building and scaling businesses across borders. From launching companies at 19 to creating location-independent ventures, Bobby shares hard-earned lessons on validation, execution, and avoiding costly mistakes early on. They explore the rise of digital nomads, how tools like Skype changed the game, and why your business structure matters more than you think.If you’re serious about building a business that gives you freedom, not just income, this is a must-listen.Book your free breakthrough session with Coachbirds to get clarity on your next move: https://coachbirds.com/breakthrough

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell Wilson sits down with Matthew Holman, founder of Commerce Catalyst and Subscription Prescription, to break down what’s really happening inside growing businesses right now. They dive into the biggest challenges founders face, including time management, knowing where to focus, and how to stop spreading yourself too thin. Matt shares why the businesses that grow are the ones that double down on the right opportunities and get comfortable saying no more often.The conversation also explores the rise of AI in business, how it’s already changing hiring decisions, and why learning to manage AI tools may become more valuable than traditional roles. On the subscription side, Matt unpacks what actually drives retention, how to improve your offer, and why most businesses are looking in the wrong place when performance drops.If you want practical insights on growth, subscriptions, and building a business that actually works, this episode delivers.If you’ve identified a gap in your business and want clarity on what to fix next, book a free breakthrough session here: https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughWant smarter ecom insights every week? Start here: https://tinyurl.com/CommerceCatalyst#LetsTalkSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #Subscriptions #AIinBusiness #Ecommerce #FounderMindset #Coachbirds

In a world obsessed with leads, Byron Trzeciak is focused on one thing most businesses are still missing… revenue.Founder of Pixel Rush, Byron breaks down what’s actually changed in marketing over the last decade, and why more leads no longer means more growth. From rising competition and low-quality enquiries, to the real role AI is starting to play, this conversation cuts through the noise. We dive into what a true full funnel system looks like, how to “buy your growth” with confidence, and why most businesses are still operating on gut feel instead of real data.If you’ve ever questioned whether your marketing is actually working, or just keeping you busy, this episode will challenge how you think about growth.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Paul Lajoie, a CPA turned business acquisition expert who’s bought and exited over 15 businesses. This is not theory, it’s real-world experience from someone who’s been in every seat.Paul breaks down why buying a business can be a smarter move than starting from scratch, how to structure deals creatively, and how some buyers are acquiring businesses with little to no money out of pocket. He also shares the biggest mistakes he’s made, including nearly running out of cash early on, and what business owners need to get right if they want to scale or exit successfully.From understanding cash flow and working capital, to building relationships during deals and planning life after selling, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately.If you’re serious about building something valuable, this is one you don’t skip.Ready to take your next step? Book a free breakthrough session with Mitchell Wilson: https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

🎙️ “If you’re not seen and heard, you’re not hired.”A lot of business owners think they have a lead problem.But as Christine Blosdale shares, it’s often a clarity problem.You might be great at what you do…But if your messaging is confusing, your ideal clients won’t connect.And if you’re promoting what you want to sell instead of what people actually need, you’re making it harder than it has to be.That’s the shift, get clear, show up, and make it easy for people to trust you.💬 Be honest, is your message clear, or could it use some work?🎧 Watch the full episode on the Coachbirds Podcast, link in bio.👉 Free Breakthrough Session: https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughGet clarity on your next best move in business!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell Wilson chats with Florida-based business law attorney Matthew Fornaro about the legal issues small business owners too often ignore until it is too late. With more than 20 years in law and over a decade running his own firm, Matthew shares why so many SMEs are underserved, the difference between a legal decision and a business decision, and why getting your business structure and agreements right from day one matters more than most owners realise. They also dive into partnership disputes, the emotional toll of lawsuits, common setup mistakes, and the growing role of AI in the legal profession. It is a practical, honest conversation packed with insights for any business owner who wants to protect what they are building and make smarter decisions before problems get expensive.Ready to get clarity on your business and avoid costly mistakes? Book your free breakthrough session here: https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

Let’s Talk… Cybersecurity and Small Business SurvivalCybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it is a business survival issue.In this episode, Mitchell Wilson sits down with cybersecurity expert George Bakalov to break down the real risks facing small and medium sized businesses. With 90% of SMEs experiencing some form of cyber attack last year, small businesses are no longer flying under the radar. They are often seen as low hanging fruit.George explains how phishing emails, ransomware attacks, and evolving AI driven threats are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. They discuss why reputation is often more valuable than money, how cyber insurance fits into a smart risk management strategy, and what practical steps business owners can take today to protect their assets.If you would like support strengthening your business foundations, book a free Breakthrough Session here:https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthrough

In this episode, Richard Butler shares his journey from aspiring rock star to technology entrepreneur and AI consultant. He reflects on building and exiting a 16 year IT services business, the challenges of rapid growth, and the lessons learned about leadership versus management.Richard opens up about being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how that insight reshaped his understanding of risk, focus, and performance in business. He also draws on his experience as a business coach, highlighting the impact of mindset, self talk, and clarity at the leadership level.The conversation then turns to artificial intelligence, where Richard explores both the opportunity and the risk for small and medium sized businesses. He shares practical ways SMEs can start using AI to increase productivity, remove bottlenecks, and stay competitive, while also raising important questions about the future of work and the responsibility business owners carry in leading through change.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

Can comedy help you close a deal? Kevin Hubschman, founder of Laugh.Inc, thinks so. From Brooklyn improv nights to Fortune 500 boardrooms, Kevin’s business delivers Laughter as a Service through comedy shows and professional development workshops. In this episode, we explore how comedy skills like listening, adapting, and being okay with failure can give small business owners a serious edge. Kevin shares his journey from throwing office comedy gigs to landing clients like Google and Meta, and he breaks down what business owners can learn from a well-timed punchline (and a few bombs along the way). If you’ve ever doubted the value of humor in your business toolkit, this one's for you.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

From selling eggs in Fiji to managing multi-million-dollar construction projects in New Zealand, Sanjesh Lal’s journey is all about grit, growth, and real-life learning. In this episode, Sanjesh shares how he co-founded Keola Construction with his wife Sangeeta, starting from humble beginnings and evolving into a trusted name in multi-unit, high-end, and community-focused builds. We talk about the power of saying yes before you're ready, how mistakes shape a better business, and why passion might just be overrated. If you’ve ever felt stuck between family, finances, and a dream, this one’s for you.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

Mitchell sits down with Kip O’Donnell, founder of Start Recruitment, to talk about what really goes into finding the right talent for your business. With over two decades in recruitment across London, Auckland, and now Nelson, Kip shares his journey from big corporates to running his own show. He breaks down how recruitment actually works, why the best candidates might never see your job ad, and what small businesses get wrong when it comes to hiring. Plus, Kip opens up about his unexpected heart surgery and how it shifted his outlook on work and success. If you’re a business owner thinking about growing your team in 2026, this episode is packed with helpful, honest advice.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

Being a business lawyer isn’t about crushing dreams, it’s about protecting them. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with Jacintha Akinson-Manson to unpack what it really means to give solid legal advice. From standard agreements to sales and purchases, Jacintha shares why informed choices matter and how the right legal steps can keep your business out of hot water. If you’ve ever thought legal advice was just a box to tick, this conversation will have you rethinking your approach. Because in business, what you don’t know can absolutely hurt you.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Ryan Edwards, former cricketer turned hospo hero, to chat about his first year owning The Little Sprig in Wakefield. From coaching cricket and real estate lessons to pulling pints and perfecting pizzas, Ryan shares the highs, lows, and learnings of life as a new small business owner. They dive into his surprising entry into entrepreneurship, the power of community, and how sport shaped his approach to business. Plus, a few good yarns about dancing, spray tans, and the hustle of running a local pub that’s more than just a bar, it’s a heartbeat for the village.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

From wholesaling joke-shop rubber chickens to co-founding one of Southland’s fastest-growing real estate businesses, Adam Love’s journey is anything but typical. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with the co-founder of Smart Move Residential to talk about the leap from employee to entrepreneur, working with his wife and business partner Tracy, navigating burnout, and why selling property is really about serving people. You’ll also hear what led Adam to take a break from business to serve in the Philippines and why celebrating small wins (with LEGO and jewellery) matters just as much as hitting the big goals. This is an episode about purpose, people, and building something you’re proud of.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

After four decades in the sales game, Glenn Poulos has seen it all and lived to write the book on it. In this episode, Mitchell chats with the Never Sit in the Lobby author about what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how to sell without being a pain in the ass. They dig into why showing up still wins deals, the real difference between sales and marketing, and how tools like AI can boost productivity (but won’t do the heavy lifting for you). Glenn also breaks down his punch-perfect-pitch-close method and shares why genuine rapport always beats sleazy tactics. Whether you're new to sales or ready to level up, this one’s packed with practical, proven advice.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Nick Schryvers, co-owner of Victus Coffee and Eatery in Nelson. From his first adult job packing coffee boxes to winning barista awards and running one of the region’s most celebrated cafes, Nick opens up about the gritty realities and soul-filling moments of small business life. He shares how he and his wife Beth built Victus from a dream into a community cornerstone, all while juggling parenthood, tight margins, staff culture, and an unpredictable economy. It’s a conversation packed with honesty, insight, and a real love for people-focused hospitality. Whether you’re in hospo or hustling elsewhere, this one’s for you.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

What’s holding your business back? Strategy? Systems? Or... mindset?In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Tullio Siragusa—business strategist, author, and founder of Inventric Advisory—to unpack the hidden force behind many growth struggles: limiting beliefs. Tullio shares how his own leadership breakthrough came not from more tactics, but from rewiring his mindset using neuroscience. He now helps CEOs and teams do the same through his EmpathIQ framework, empowering leaders to ditch command-and-control for collaboration, autonomy, and self-managed success.From elephants on leashes to AI on dirt tracks, this one’s packed with real talk and powerful takeaways. If you're looking to grow a more agile, purpose-driven business (and maybe get your life back in the process), this is your episode.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

What happens when a sparkie swaps the switchboard for a sketchpad? Wayne Pretty, founder of Pretty Sweet Lighting, joins Mitchell to share how he turned a one-man van into a high-end lighting design company now entering its 12th year. Based in Wanaka, Wayne’s journey is filled with lessons on grit, growth, and the power of a tight-knit crew. From skateboarding office parties to award-winning designs, this episode unpacks the highs, lows, and lightbulb moments of building a trade business that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you're in the trades or just love a solid business backstory, this one’s for you.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

After years of success in corporate banking, Juliette took a giant leap — into the unknown world of small business. In this episode, Mitchell sits down with the Principal of Quinovic Nelson to unpack her remarkable journey from legal offices and financial markets to becoming one of the most respected names in property management. She opens up about the early grind, why the first three years nearly broke her, and how leadership, mentorship, and a relentless drive for quality helped her build a boutique business that stands the test of time. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’ve got what it takes to build something from scratch, Juliette’s story is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, Mitchell sits down with Ben Brownie, co-owner of The Car Company — one of the largest dealerships in the South Island. From grooming cars in a tiny Nelson lot to helping lead a 400-vehicle operation, Ben shares the gritty, honest story of his rise through the ranks. He opens up about burnout, learning to lead, and why personal growth is just as vital as business growth. We also hear from Ben’s wife, Wendy, about the real impact of building a business on home life — and the value of finding balance along the way. Whether you're in sales, leadership, or just trying to find your stride, this one’s full of relatable lessons.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with long-time real estate leader Graeme Wilson, whose journey from dairy farming to building a respected agency is full of powerful lessons on people, purpose, and perseverance.Graeme opens up about: • His shift from the farm to the real estate game • How team culture and one-on-one leadership helped build lasting success • Overcoming adversity including deep personal loss with resilience and heart • Why great salespeople listen more than they talk • His next chapter: stepping up to serve his communityWhether you’re building a team, navigating tough seasons, or just trying to lead with more intention, Graeme’s wisdom and humility will hit home.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I chat with tech veteran and AI advocate Ross Hawkins about the rise of artificial intelligence — from a futuristic buzzword to a powerful business tool.We explore: • How AI is streamlining workflows and automating daily tasks • The ethical and safety challenges behind the scenes • What “general AI” really means (and how far off it is) • Why small businesses should be paying attention now, not later • The evolving role of education in an AI-driven worldRoss brings real-world use cases, practical insights, and a healthy dose of realism to the conversation — helping business owners see where the real opportunities (and risks) lie as AI continues to evolve.Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode will give you clarity on what matters most.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with seasoned entrepreneur and mortgage broker Stuart Pope, who brings four decades of real-world business and financial wisdom to the table.From his early days as an engineer to building a successful mortgage brokerage, Stu shares lessons learned the hard way — from managing cash flow and navigating employee challenges to the importance of mentorship, financial literacy, and long-term investing.We also dive into: • How to think like an owner, not just an employee • Why cash flow truly is king • The evolving world of banking and customer relationships • Lessons from franchising and building a trusted brand • What real success means (hint: it’s not just money)Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, Stu’s insights will remind you that business is a long game — and fulfillment matters just as much as financial wins.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with serial entrepreneur Frank Witowski, the unstoppable force behind Hybrid Bikes, to talk about one thing: creating your own opportunities — even when the odds are stacked against you.Frank shares his raw, unfiltered journey through 11 businesses (only two of which were planned), including the legal battles, the wins, the mini-stroke that changed his pace, and how a simple need to get up a hill turned into a nationwide e-bike brand.We also dive into: • The power of resilience when things get messy • Why passion beats perfection • How to spot (and create) your next opportunity — especially when the economy is down • The importance of showing up for your customers (even on a Sunday) • Why real business isn’t always glamorous — but it’s worth itWhether you’re stuck, scaling, or starting from scratch — Frank’s story will remind you that breakthroughs come to those who keep showing up.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this conversation, Kat Campbell shares her journey in the real estate industry, detailing her transition from working within a franchise to establishing her own boutique agency, KC and Co. She discusses the challenges and fears associated with leaving a comfortable position, the unexpected circumstances that led to her departure, and the rapid development of her new brand. Kat also introduces Agent X, a platform designed to support independent real estate agents, highlighting the importance of flexibility and creativity in the industry. Throughout the discussion, she emphasises the value of teamwork, resilience, and the willingness to take risks in business. Kat also reflects on her experiences with community initiatives like Dancing for a Cause, her mindset shifts as a business owner, and the necessity of self-care. She offers valuable advice for young professionals in the industry, encouraging them to maintain a positive attitude and invest in their personal development.📅 Book your FREE Breakthrough Session now using the link below:👉 https://www.coachbirds.com/breakthroughIt’s time to take back control of your business and your life. Let’s grow together!

In this kickoff episode of Let’s Talk Small Business, I sit down with marketing expert Todd Starr to uncover the #1 reason most businesses fail — and it’s probably not what you think.We also dive into Todd’s personal journey, including the hard lessons from his own failed businesses, what he’d do differently, and how those experiences shaped the way he helps others grow today.If you’re building a small business and want to avoid the common traps, this is a raw and honest conversation you don’t want to miss.