Shows
The Better SMB PodcastThe Power of Community: Danielle Hancock on Strengthening Local Business in North West Country Business AssociationIn this episode, we spend some time with Danielle Hancock, General Manager of the North West Country Business Association, to explore one of Aotearoa’s most connected, community-driven business regions. We talk about what makes the North West so unique, the generational businesses that continue to thrive, and the deep sense of collaboration that sets this region apart. We also unpack the partnership between The Better SMB and the North West Country Business Association, including the launch of the Better SMB High-Performance Award – supporting SMEs with benchmarking, insights and practical next steps for lifting business performance. We discuss: What defines the North West C...
2025-11-2630 minThe Better SMB PodcastBeyond the BA5: Redefining What a Chamber of Commerce Can Be With Patrick McKibbinIn this episode, Rob and David sit down with Patrick McKibbin, Chief Executive of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, to explore how one region is redefining what local business leadership can look like. Patrick shares how the Chamber has evolved from being a traditional networking body into a hub for innovation, collaboration and advocacy, supporting a $10 billion economy with the ambition to grow by 35% by 2035 through the “35 by 35” initiative. From connecting SMEs to government and industry opportunities, to showcasing world-leading manufacturing and research at the Hutt Valley Manufacturing & Innovation Expo, Patrick’s passion for his region is clear, and contagio...
2025-11-1052 minThe Better SMB PodcastNo Easy Button: The Real Leadership we Need From Cabinet to the Shop FloorIn this episode of The Better SMB, Rob Bull and David Altena go behind their NZ Manufacturer article “Leadership from the Top: How Government Must Reflect What It Asks of Business.” They explore what genuine leadership across the system looks like, from the Beehive to the boardroom, and why consistency, accountability and execution matter more than ever. Building on their conversation with Minister Chris Penk, the hosts discuss where government is showing signs of progress, where leadership gaps remain, and how small and medium businesses can lead the productivity movement themselves instead of waiting for permission. Highlights: Government acts as a monop...
2025-10-2346 minThe Better SMB PodcastBeyond the Quarter: Tikanga Māori, Values and Long-Term Success with Katia HollandIn this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, we sit down with Katia Holland, Associate at McCaw Lewis, to explore how Māori worldviews and tikanga reshape how businesses in Aotearoa think about success. We unpack what it means to prioritise intergenerational responsibility over short-term wins, and how principles like whakapapa, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga can be applied to strategy, governance and partnerships. Katia shares her experiences supporting Māori businesses and iwi, and challenges all SMB leaders to pause and ask: What am I building — and who am I building it for? Highlights: The 2050 Test: Would you still be proud of today...
2025-10-0749 minThe Better SMB PodcastExpect to Win: Building a Culture of Excellence in Your BusinessIn this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, sponsored by SetSeed, David and Rob reflect on their recent interview with Dave Bunting of Architectural Glass Products (AGP) and connect it to a recent NZ Manufacturer column: Expect to Win: Raising the Bar and Aiming at Excellence They explore how AGP became one of New Zealand’s most operationally excellent manufacturers, and, more importantly, how any SMB can apply the same principles to their own business. This conversation cuts through the myth that excellence requires massive capital investment, proving instead that discipline, daily habits and a clear vision make the difference. High...
2025-09-2940 minThe Better SMB PodcastBeyond Productivity Reports, Again: Revisiting the Leadership ImperativeIn this episode, David and Rob dive back into the world of economic reports and ask a tough question: who are they really for? They take some time to revisit one of the first and most popular topics, they ever covered on the show and explore what’s changed over the past 12 months. The discussion covers: Why reports from Stats NZ, MBIE, and MFAT fail to provide practical value for SMBs How productivity has become New Zealand’s biggest economic challenge, and why we’re still asking the same questions decades later What meaningful support for SMBs should look like, including l...
2025-09-0639 minThe Better SMB PodcastLeadership from the Top: Hon Chris Penk on Aligning Government and BusinessIn this episode, we dive deep into the role of leadership from the top, exploring how government can model performance and create the conditions for business to thrive. Our guest, Hon Chris Penk (Minister for Small Business, Manufacturing, Building & Construction, and more), shares his perspectives on aligning public and private efforts to lift New Zealand’s productivity. We discuss: Why leadership from the top is about clarity, consistency, and execution How the government can move from a prescriptive approach to an enabling one The importance of hearing solutions directly from businesses and building shared outcomes Highlights: "The closer to the coalface...
2025-08-0946 minThe Better SMB PodcastReflect, Refocus, and Keep Shipping – The Better SMB Mid-Year ReviewIn this episode, David and Rob take stock of The Better SMB's podcast's progress halfway through the year. It’s an honest look at what’s gone well, what’s been challenging, and where they’re heading next in their mission to become the go-to voice for small and medium business owners in New Zealand. They share real numbers, like a 50% growth in Spotify followers and 65% increase in episode plays, and reflect on what’s driving that momentum: consistent content, strong guest insights, and a shared goal of making business success more accessible for SMBs. But this episode isn’t just about the...
2025-07-1629 minThe Better SMB PodcastBehind the article: Own it, why your business can’t outperform your leadershipIn this episode, David and Rob break down the themes from their latest NZ Manufacturer column, Own It: Leadership is a personal responsibility, not a title.This candid and practical conversation explores how business performance is inextricably linked to leadership quality and why many SMB owners unknowingly hold their teams back. They dive deep into the cultural, structural and behavioural shifts needed to lead high-performing, sustainable teams and challenge listeners to take a long look in the mirror. Highlights: “You can’t scale a business by working harder; you scale it by leading better.” Why reactive leadership creates chaos and burnout an...
2025-07-1040 minThe Better SMB PodcastThe Deliberate Path to High Performance in Manufacturing: Lessons from AGP Managing Director Dave BuntingDavid and Rob are joined by Dave Bunting, Managing Director of Architectural Glass Products in Cambridge. They dive deep into operational excellence and manufacturing leadership, exploring Dave’s key insights and perspectives on planning for and expecting excellence. Listen to the discussion centred on the power of a continuous improvement mindset, the importance of building a high-performing culture and how New Zealand manufacturers can transform their approach to leadership and high performance. Highlights: "Anyone can buy the equipment. It's culture and operational excellence that set you apart." - Dave Bunting on creating competitive advantage in manufacturing "Leadership is about taking teams t...
2025-06-2453 min
AmsterdamFM Kunst en CultuurSpringvossen 558 David JablonowskiGast: David Jablonowski, beeldhouwer
Deze week gaat Robert van Altena in gesprek met David Jablonowski over zijn recente werk.
Werk van David Jablonowski is momentel te zien in de tentoonstelling ’1985 - 2025’, wat de allerlaatste tentoonstelling zal zijn van Galerie Fons Welters.
SPRINGVOSSEN
redactie + presentatie: Robert van Altena
contact: springvossen[at]gmail.com
https://linktr.ee/springvossen
www.amsterdamfm.nl/programma/springvossen
Foto: (detail) David Jablonowski, 'Public Hybrid' (2022), Ruhr zandsteen, 3D-geprint gerecycled polypropylene (Foto: Heinrich Holtgreve / Emscherkunstweg, DE)
2025-06-2456 minThe Better SMB PodcastWorking at human speed: Reducing stress and burnout for sustainable successIn this episode, we explore the hidden dangers of working at an unsustainable pace and why "being busy" is not the same as being productive. Our guest, executive coach Rachel King, shares powerful insights on the causes of burnout, why New Zealanders are particularly affected, and how leaders can shift towards sustainable, thriving work environments. Highlights: How stress impacts health, engagement, and life satisfaction. Why clearing more emails doesn't mean you're achieving more. The four pillars of shifting from burnout to thriving: Awareness, Filter, Understand Yourself, and Manage Energy. Practical strategies to manage physical, mental, and emotional energy at work. Thank...
2025-06-1055 minThe Better SMB PodcastOwn It or Lose It: Why SMBs Can’t Ignore Intellectual PropertyWe’re diving deep into intellectual property (IP) protection, exploring key insights and perspectives from Ben Cain, Partner at James & Wells and former marketing executive turned IP specialist. We discuss how small businesses can safeguard their innovations, build brand value, and create competitive barriers through strategic IP management. We cover: Why early-stage IP strategy is mission-critical for future valuation and investor confidence. Budgeting for trademarks, designs, and patents - what real-world costs look like and how to prioritise them. Sector-specific IP pitfalls and opportunities in FMCG, food & beverage, professional services, and tech. Highlights include: “If you delay securing IP protection, it becomes...
2025-05-2855 min
En podd om onkologiNyheter inom gastro-esofageal cancerNyheter inom gastro-esofageal cancerFöreläsare: David Borg, med.dr, överläkare i onkologi, Skånes universitetssjukhus, LundModerator: Renske Altena, överläkare i onkologi och internmedicin, docent Karolinska Institutet
2025-05-0530 minThe Better SMB PodcastSkills Shortage or Leadership Gap? Rethinking the Talent NarrativeIn this episode, we explore the so-called “skills shortage” in New Zealand manufacturing. David and Rob unpack their NZ Manufacturer article, arguing that talent shortages are often a smokescreen for deeper issues in leadership, workplace culture, and internal systems. Rather than chasing unicorn hires, they challenge business leaders to rethink how they structure work, engage teams and build inspiring environments people want to be part of. Drawing on a compelling case study from Jones and Sandford Joinery, they show what’s possible when leaders focus on trust, coaching and continuous improvement. Listen to the discussion on the pitfalls of relying on outda...
2025-05-0445 minThe Better SMB PodcastWork on it, not in It: The SMB growth playbookIn this episode, we dive deep into the book "The E Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, exploring key insights about business roles and growth. Hosts Rob and David discuss the three critical personas in business: the technician, manager and entrepreneur.Highlights:"Most businesses are started by skilled technicians who get trapped doing technical work instead of growing the business.""Create a business manual as if you were going to franchise it, even if you don't plan to franchise.""The owner often becomes the bottleneck by not letting go and systematising the business."Key Takeaways:Understand how you transition between technician...
2025-04-0745 minThe Better SMB PodcastNo More Excuses: Manufacturers Need to Lead NZ Productivity ShiftIn this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull dive into New Zealand’s longstanding productivity crisis and why waiting for government intervention won’t solve it. Instead, they argue that manufacturers must take the lead, turning challenges like labour shortages and rising costs into opportunities to innovate and improve efficiency. Drawing from their recent column in NZ Manufacturer magazine, David and Rob unpack: Why government policies alone won’t be enough to lift national productivity. How 15,000 manufacturers prioritising business performance over the next five years could reshape the economy. The execution gap—why most businesses fail to act, and how to s...
2025-03-1747 minThe Better SMB PodcastWhat if 100,000 businesses started taking action to improve their performance and productivityIn this episode, David hosts solo while Rob takes a well-earned break. He shares a recording of his recent talk at the Mahi Tahi Collective 2025 TechFest. This event brought together leading tech companies—including Optimation Group, Silicon Systems, Montage, Team Cloud, Xtracta, Zen Consulting, and SmartSpace—to explore how technology and collaboration can drive business performance and productivity.David dives into why productivity has been a longstanding challenge for New Zealand businesses, why GDP isn’t the best measure for business owners and introduces his Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): helping 100,000 businesses take action to improve their performance. He also outlin...
2025-02-2634 minThe Better SMB PodcastWhat Are You Aiming At in 2025? Setting Goals That Drive Real ResultsIn this first episode recorded in 2025, The Better SMB Podcast kicks off the year with a deep dive into goal setting and making meaningful business progress.Hosts David Altena and Rob Bull reflect on their journey over the past year—celebrating wins, acknowledging challenges, and sharing key lessons learned from unexpected opportunities and connections that have come from launching and growing the podcast.They break down the long-term vision for The Better SMB Podcast and how that translates into goal setting, lead and lag measures, and accountability structures to drive success. The discussion highlights ambitious plans, including securing high-profile guests, at...
2025-02-1830 minThe Better SMB PodcastNavigating Technology Trends with Anthony McMahonAnthony McMahon, Technology Strategist, Public Speaker and founder of Target State Consulting, joins David and Rob for this episode. Anthony shares his insights on how technology can empower SMBs to innovate, streamline operations, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving landscape. The discussion aims to demystify key technology concepts, such as the role of an enterprise architect, the differences between generative AI and machine learning, and the implications of adopting Industry 4.0 for New Zealand manufacturers. Anthony emphasises the importance of aligning technology investments with business goals, cautioning against jumping on trends without clearly understanding potential benefits and risks. Key Takeaways: Start...
2025-01-1945 minThe Better SMB PodcastInnovating on purpose: Turning ideas into action for SMB successIn this episode of The Better SMB Podcast, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull break down the concept of innovation, distinguishing it from invention and explaining how SMBs can approach innovation purposefully rather than accidentally. They explore the challenges business owners face in prioritising innovation amidst day-to-day operations, the cultural barriers in New Zealand that stifle acknowledgment of innovation, and the importance of leadership in enabling and supporting innovative thinking. David and Rob share practical strategies to embed innovation into your business, focusing on proactive planning, ideation, and disciplined execution. They highlight the need for engaging teams, allocating resources, and...
2025-01-0932 minThe Better SMB PodcastIs the election of Donald Trump the wakeup call NZ SMEs need?This episode dives deep into the implications of the recent US election and what it means for New Zealand’s SMBs, exploring key insights and strategies from hosts David Altena and Rob Bull. With tariffs on exports potentially rising under a Trump presidency, Rob frames this as a wake-up call rather than a crisis, emphasising how such challenges can spur innovation, productivity improvements, and strengthen New Zealand’s position in the global market. Strategies are discussed for turning obstacles into opportunities, including leveraging constraints to fuel creativity, adopting emerging technologies like AI, and refining business processes for greater efficiency. Real-world exam...
2024-12-0136 minThe Better SMB PodcastIs it time to rebrand productivity?David and Rob dive into productivity misconceptions and political posturing around the term. They discuss recent government statements suggesting that increasing speed limits and returning to in-office work will improve productivity and argue that these superficial comments confuse the subject and ignore the real issues impacting workplace effectiveness. From the misuse of "productivity" in politics to the economic cost of poor project management and quality control in infrastructure, the episode explores how misplaced priorities and lack of accountability are hindering meaningful progress. The episode closes with a call for a redefinition of productivity—one that focuses on genuine ca...
2024-11-0217 minThe Better SMB PodcastBuilding a Productive Business with Grant Johnson, CEO of RocketsparkIn this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull sit down with Grant Johnson, founder and CEO of Rocketspark, to discuss the journey from a small startup to a successful SaaS business. Grant shares insights on how he and his team bootstrapped Rocketspark during the 2008 financial crisis, the evolution of their vision, and the importance of community over competition. Key lessons included staying close to customers, leveraging advisors, and focusing on effective business processes to improve productivity. Grant also reflects on personal leadership growth and balancing work-life pressures as a business scales. Don't miss this deep dive into what it...
2024-10-1942 minThe Better SMB PodcastWhat the Truck is Productivity? Unpacking Lean and Continuous ImprovementIn this episode, hosts David and Rob discuss the intricacies of productivity, focusing on the benefits of lean methodology and continuous improvement in both large corporations and small-to-medium businesses. Rob explains how lean was born out of necessity at Toyota and how these principles can be adapted to any business environment. The conversation reveals the cultural barriers that often hold back SMEs, particularly in New Zealand, from embracing continuous improvement and productivity gains. Rob shares practical, no-nonsense strategies for reducing inefficiencies, empowering teams, and creating smoother workflows. Highlighting the need for better communication, eliminating waste, and focusing on quality to...
2024-09-2137 minThe Better SMB PodcastGetting the Basics Right in Local Government with Sean WallaceIn this episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull sit down with Sean Wallace, Director of Product and Partnerships at Flowingly, to explore the intricacies of process improvement within local government. Sean, who has extensive experience in the sector, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities councils face in managing their broad range of services. The conversation delves into the complexity of local government operations, highlighting the difficulties of streamlining processes across diverse services. Sean discusses the importance of a solid approach to process improvement, the impact of decentralisation, and the struggles councils face in hiring and retaining technical...
2024-09-0145 minThe Better SMB PodcastBoosting Productivity: what immediate actions can our SMBs takeCo-host David takes a turn in the guest seat as Rob interviews him about his recent MBA research on productivity in New Zealand's SMB sector. David's work, which has received attention from the National Business Review, dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs when it comes to enhancing productivity. David shares key findings from his research, highlighting the importance of strengthening leadership and management capabilities to drive productivity improvements. He outlines the three-step implementation approach he created and businesses can adopt, focusing on establishing solid leadership foundations, understanding critical metrics, and applying a tailored productivity framework. The conversation...
2024-08-1150 minThe Better SMB PodcastEmbracing Ambition and Excellence with Simon WalkerIn this episode, hosts Rob and David sit down with Simon Walker, former CEO of Proposition Group. Simon shares his insights following his recent exit from the company after nine successful years. The discussion starts with Simon’s reflections on his journey and the intriguing concept of ID 2070. He elaborates on creating a long-term economic vision for New Zealand, inspired by Ireland’s transformative progress over 50 years. Simon delves into the productivity challenges in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of value creation and the need for a robust economic identity. Simon also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from founding Proposition Group to l...
2024-07-2137 minThe Better SMB PodcastProductivity reports: what do they tell you as an SMB ownerDavid and Rob dive into the intricacies of various productivity reports, including the Xero Small Business Insights Report, BNZ Manufacturing Snapshots, OECD Economic Survey on New Zealand, and the NZIER and ASB Business Productivity in New Zealand Report. They critique the relevance and utility of these reports for SMB owners, questioning the practicality of metrics and data presented. The hosts discuss the disconnect between the findings and the real needs of SMEs, advocating for more straightforward, actionable insights that can genuinely benefit business owners. The conversation touches on the impact of regulation on innovation and productivity, arguing that much of...
2024-07-0243 minThe Better SMB PodcastBetter SMB PilotWelcome to the inaugural episode of the Better SMB Podcast, where we dive deep into what it takes to boost productivity and elevate performance for New Zealand’s small and medium-sized enterprises. In this pilot episode, hosts David Altena and Rob Bull share their insights and of experience in the tech and business improvement sectors.David discusses the pivotal role of innovation, in transforming business operations. Meanwhile, Rob emphasizes the concept of ‘micro productivity’ an...
2024-06-1341 min
Urbyo UpdatesÜber 5% Rendite mit Mietgarantie: Gepflegte Immo in Kleinstadt in NRWAltena ist eine Kleinstadt im Sauerland mit gut 16.000 Einwohnern. Die nächsten größeren Städte sind Iserlohn, Lüdenscheid, Dortmund oder halt Wuppertal. Das heißt bis ins Ruhrgebiet ist es auch nicht weit. Die Wohnung liegt im Stadtteil Nettenscheid.
2023-07-0902 min
En podd om onkologiInterview with David SchwappachIn this episode our moderator Renske Altena is interviewing Prof. Dr. David Schwappach, MPH, University of Bern, Switzerland.
2023-03-2216 min
The Empowered in My Skin PodcastMovember Monday With John CollinsonWe can all take action to live healthier, happier and longer lives.
Did you know that men die on average six years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable? Which means that it doesn’t have to be that way.
The Movember movement was started 18 years ago, to “change the face” of men’s health and help men live happier, healthier, longer lives.
This Movember, the Empowered in My Skin podcast, is opening up the conversation around Men’s Health. Our goal is to help unpack what it means and how it fee...
2021-11-0849 min
AmsterdamFM Kunst en CultuurSpringvossen 283 David BadeIn deze aflevering gaat Robert van Altena in gesprek met beeldend kunstenaar David Bade over zijn werkperiode in het Van Doesburghuis in Meudon over de rol van de kunstenaar in de maatschappij en tot slot over Instituto Buena Bista een centrum voor hedendaagse kunst op Curaçao.
Deze opname uit het Springvossen archief werd eerder uitgezonden op 25 maart 2017.
SPRINGVOSSEN
redactie + presentatie: Robert van Altena
contact: springvossen@gmail.com
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/springvossen
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/springvossen
www.amsterdamfm.nl/springvossen
Springvossen is een radioprogramma dat ook als podcast is te beluisteren onder AmsterdamFM via o.a. iTunes / Podcasts e...
2021-01-2555 min
AmsterdamFM Kunst en CultuurSpringvossen 387 Jacob LekkerkerkerGast: Jacob Lekkerkerker, organist en curator Muziek, de Oude Kerk, Amsterdam
In deze aflevering van Springvossen spreekt Robert van Altena met Jacob Lekkerkerker over de bijzondere concertenreeks ‘Silence’ in de Oude Kerk. Bijzonder om de locatie en het tijdstip waarop de concerten plaatsvinden maar meer nog omdat deze tot stand komen in samenspraak met beeldend kunstenaars of in reactie op hun werk dat te zien is in de kerk, werk dat veelal ook specifiek gemaakt is voor de Oude Kerk.
De ‘Silence’ concerten vinden plaats op elke eerste vrijdag van de maand om 8 uur ‘s-ochtends. Het eerstvolgende concert vind plaats op 6 novem...
2020-10-1955 min