Shows
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Pub Life, Pizzas, and Purpose with Ryan EdwardsIn 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...
2025-11-2747 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk: Rubber Chickens to Real Estate with Adam LoveFrom 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...
2025-11-1240 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Sales Lessons from 40 Years in the Game with Glenn PoulosAfter 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...
2025-10-3042 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk: Brewing Community and Courage in Small Biz with Nick SchryversIn 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 f...
2025-10-0847 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Mindset, Mantras & Modern Leadership with Tullio SiragusaWhat’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 wit...
2025-09-1843 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk: Lighting Up a Business from Scratch with Wayne PrettyWhat 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...
2025-09-0443 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk… From Corporate to the Valley of Death with Juliet RobinsonAfter 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 i...
2025-08-2643 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Burnout, Balance, and Building a Business - with Ben BrownieIn 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 th...
2025-08-1852 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Real Estate, Leadership & Resilience - with Graeme WilsonIn 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...
2025-07-1145 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk AI: The Real Future of Business with Ross HawkinsIn 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...
2025-06-2849 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Business, Finance & Fulfillment with Stuart PopeIn 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...
2025-06-0652 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Real Business Grit: Creating Opportunities with Frank WitowskivIn 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...
2025-05-2344 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk Real Estate: Kat Campbell on Going from Franchise to FreedomIn 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...
2025-05-0950 min
Let's Talk small Business with Mitchell WilsonLet’s Talk the #1 Reason Most Small Businesses Fail with Marketing Expert Todd StarrIn 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 t
2025-04-2411 min