Open for Small Business

About Open for Small Business

Welcome to Open for Small Business, the podcast that shines a light on the heart and hustle of small business owners across Aotearoa New Zealand. Hosted by Bridget Snelling, Country Manager for Xero in Aotearoa, we’re bringing you a series that’s all about celebrating the people behind the businesses - the dreamers, the doers, and the difference-makers. In each episode, we dive deep into the real stories of small business life. From the exhilarating highs of a breakthrough moment to the tough lessons learned in the trenches, we explore what it truly takes to build and sustain a business in today’s ever-changing landscape. You’ll hear candid conversations with inspiring Xero customers and industry experts who’ve weathered storms, seized opportunities, and carved out their own paths to success. There are so many incredible small businesses across the motu that are thriving, bucking economic trends, innovating in their industries, and making a meaningful impact in their communities. That’s why we launched this podcast: to give these voices a platform, to share their wisdom, and to remind every small business owner out there that they’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for a dose of inspiration, Open for Small Business is here to support you with insights, encouragement, and a whole lot of admiration for the mahi you do every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Presented by Xero

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Oct 2024

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Creating a workplace where people belong: Kylie Ryan on connection and wellbeing

   In this episode of Open for Small Business, Bridget Snelling talks with Kylie Ryan from the Mental Health Foundation during Mental Health Awareness Week. With this year’s theme, Belonging Matters, Kylie shares how feeling safe, supported and part of a community can strengthen mental wellbeing. For small business owners carrying significant responsibility, relationships with other businesses and local networks can be especially valuable in tough times.. They discuss the role business owners play in shaping workplace culture, how prolonged pressure can affect people differently to short-term stress, and the signs that someone may need support. Kylie shares practical ways to build connections – checking in with a team member, making time for conversations away from work, and welcoming others into existing networks. The conversation explores how small, intentional actions can help people feel they belong, while creating healthier and more resilient businesses and communities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Ian Jones on leadership, legacy and the lessons businesses can learn from the All Blacks

   What can business leaders learn from one of the world’s most successful high-performance teams? In this episode of Open for Small Business, Xero New Zealand Country Manager Bridget Snelling talks with former All Black and General Manager of the All Blacks Experience, Ian Jones. They discuss the leadership lessons Ian’s carried from rugby into business - building team culture, creating shared purpose, and what it means to be a caretaker of legacy. Ian also shares how teams respond to pressure, why high performance isn’t about winning every time, and the compounding power of small, consistent improvements - practical lessons for any business owner navigating their own journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Feeding a Bigger Mission: Gina Urlich on taking Odi Organics into its next chapter

   In this episode of Open for Small Business, Bridget Snelling sits down with Gina Urlich, Clinical Nutritionist and founder of Odi Organics, for a conversation about spotting a gap most parents didn't know existed. After years working in maternity and gynaecological oncology wards, Gina moved into nutritional medicine. When she struggled to find nutrient-dense options for her own children, she set out to build a baby food brand that put real ingredients first. Gina talks through the realities of building a premium FMCG product from her kitchen bench, navigating strict food safety standards, and eventually winning supermarket shelf space in a crowded category. With an Australian launch now underway, Gina shares what it takes to grow a purpose-led brand without losing sight of why she started it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Contact Open for Small Business

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.