Saying “no” in business isn’t about being difficult or dismissive. Equally however always saying yes is not the path to providing good leadership.

In fact, effective leadership often involves the ability to decline tactfully. Whether it’s to a team member, a client, or an external request that doesn’t align with your priorities or values. It’s not about shutting people down. It’s about managing expectations, preserving your time and resources, and protecting your team’s focus.

Wellness in the Workplace – Whose Responsibility Is It?

“Workplace wellness” is a term we hear frequently, but what does it really mean? For some, it’s about fitness challenges and free fruit in the lunchroom. For others, it’s about mental health support, flexible work arrangements, or reducing burnout. The truth is, how we (both employers and employees) define wellness in the workplace shapes how we view responsibility for it.

Success rarely happens by accident. Contrary to what some may believe, success doesn’t just fall from the sky. What often looks like luck is really opportunity meeting readiness and that’s where business planning comes in.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, planning is the bridge between ideas and results. Here are seven reasons why having a business plan really matters:

Every business owner dreams of a more profitable company. Increasing profitability isn’t just about lining the owner’s pockets though - a better-performing business benefits everyone. Owners see greater returns, employees enjoy more job security, and customers get better products and services. Here are my top tips to boost your profits.

It’s a confronting question for many business owners and professionals: Do I truly love what I do?

You may be successful, respected, and highly capable in your role or business, but still feel unfulfilled. It’s surprisingly common. Being good at something doesn’t always mean it’s the right thing for you to do or continue doing.

Many business owners and executives find themselves stuck in roles they’ve mastered but no longer enjoy. They’re delivering value and generating income, but deep down, something’s missing. Over time, this disconnect can breed frustration and even resentment toward the work, the people, or the environment. That internal tension can quietly impact performance, relationships, and wellbeing.

In business, leverage is the art of using what you have or can access to achieve more. It’s not just about financial borrowing, it’s about smartly applying resources, relationships, expertise, and tools to accelerate growth and boost profitability. Understanding and adopting a leverage mindset can transform how a business grows and competes.

Good business owners and leaders have one thing in common: they know they don’t know everything. And more importantly, they’re not afraid to bring in the right advice when it counts.

Bottom line? If you’re serious about long-term success, surround yourself with smart people and listen to them. Good advice pays dividends.

Whether you’re planning to sell your business next year or in ten, the best way to build real value is to run it as if it’s always ready for sale.

A high-performing, well-structured business not only attracts quality buyers, it gives you more freedom, better returns, and greater satisfaction in the meantime.

Here’s how to make that happen:

1. Start with a Plan – A clear Strategic and Business Plan provides the roadmap. It aligns decision-making, sets targets, and ensures every part of the business is pulling in the same direction.

In small business, we’re no strangers to ups and downs. Whether it’s rising costs, economic uncertainty, or just a quieter-than-usual period, navigating challenges is part of the journey. The good news? There’s plenty within our control—and that’s where our focus should be. Here are my five top tips for steering your business through uncertain times with confidence….

In my experience in business, people often talk about business plans and strategic plans in the same breath and while they might sound similar, each serves a different and important purpose. Understanding this difference, enables business owners and Managers to get clarity between short term operational goals and day to day activities and longer terms aspirations for growth and business success.

Hiring the right person for your business can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you will get great outcomes that will contribute to your ongoing success. Here are my seven top tips to help you hire successfully:

1.     Be Clear About the Skills and Attributes You Need
Take time to define the specific skills and personal traits you’re looking for. A well-thought-out job description will attract the right candidates and guide your decision-making.

Business success in 2025 will require more than just managing day-to-day operations—it will need a proactive approach to growth. To position your business for the future, shifting your focus to long-term strategies that adapt to the changing market and consumer behaviours is key.

By embracing innovation, personalisation, and strong brand positioning, your business can remain resilient in 2025 and grow, fueled by the impact of new strategic initiatives.

A great question but one with an obvious answer – yes, you should measure the growth of your business. If you are not growing it is very likely that you are in fact going backwards relative to your competition!

To gauge your business’s growth, there are several key factors you should track. The most effective approach is to examine these factors together to gain a clearer picture of your businesses progress.

Understanding the difference between buying a business and purchasing shares in an existing business owned by a company is essential, as these differences are both significant and can be confusing. For instance, what happens to the cash in the business’s bank account on the day of the sale? This generally depends on whether you are buying the business or the shares in the company.

This article aims to clarify the primary differences between buying a business and acquiring shares in a company to aid you in making informed decisions.

Restructuring a struggling business in New Zealand is never a quick fix. It’s a process that requires careful planning and execution, especially when it comes to compliance with employment laws. Failing to follow these rules could lead to costly personal grievance claims that can damage your business’s reputation and bottom line.

When you’re faced with tough decisions to save your business, it might feel like the legal requirements are overwhelming, but with the right advice and planning, you can achieve the outcomes you need in a timely and efficient way.

I have often heard new business owners say, “I wish I had known that at the time” or “If I had understood that more, I would have made a different offer” or things of a very similar nature…

And so, while buying an existing business can be a very good opportunity, it is essential to consider several key factors before making the decision. Here are my top ten (but not exclusive!) things that you need to consider and understand:

Business failures are currently at an all-time high, highlighting the difficult economic climate facing us currently. Some of these failures are news headlines but the vast majority happen quietly and privately, with hard working business owners closing their doors or selling their business just to release them from debt.

Having said that, owning a business or starting a new one can be very rewarding and exciting, but success is far from guaranteed. Based on my wide and varied experience, here are my 10 biggest reasons businesses fail and how to avoid them.

Leadership is often seen as the responsibility of those in top positions - the CEO, business owner, or team leader. Countless articles focus on what makes a good leader—what qualities they should possess, what actions they should take, and what role they play in inspiring or motivating others.

But one key element is often overlooked—the role of employees in leadership. When we think about inspiring and motivating a team, shouldn't the responsibility be shared by everyone, not just the boss or manager?

I am fortunate to have personal and professional experience with this. From a seriously overweight Corporate Banker at serious risk of an early death, to a successful gym owner, to an educator of hundreds of personal trainers in New Zealand and Australia and now as a business advisor, I can talk with some authority on this topic.

When it comes to building a successful business, it’ is normal to focus on strategies like marketing, sales, and financial management. However, one of the most overlooked aspects of business success is the link between physical fitness and business performance. The truth is, a healthy, fit and strong body contributes to a sharp mind and an ability to handle the rigors of business ownership.