The Better SMB Podcast
Join hosts David Altena and Rob Bull as they delve into the subject of small and medium- business productivity in New Zealand. With a focus on driving operational excellence and business improvement, The Better SMB Podcast is your go-to resource for strategies, insights, and success stories from the front lines of the SMB sector.
Despite New Zealand’s historical challenges with productivity compared to our OECD peers, David and Rob are on a mission to turn the tide. Tune in to discover actionable
tips, expert interviews, and innovative ideas that will help your business thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, The Better SMB Podcast will equip you with the tools you need to enhance productivity and achieve your business goals.
Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidAltena and @RobBull
- Update frequency
- every 20 days
- Average duration
- 41 minutes
- Episodes
- 23
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Beyond Productivity Reports, Again: Revisiting the Leadership Imperative
In 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,…
00:39:15 |
Sat 06 Sep 2025
Leadership from the Top: Hon Chris Penk on Aligning Government and Business
In 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 (Min…
00:46:43 |
Sat 09 Aug 2025
Reflect, Refocus, and Keep Shipping – The Better SMB Mid-Year Review
In 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 …
00:29:36 |
Wed 16 Jul 2025
Behind the article: Own it, why your business can’t outperform your leadership
In 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 expl…
00:40:58 |
Thu 10 Jul 2025
The Deliberate Path to High Performance in Manufacturing: Lessons from AGP Managing Director Dave Bunting
David 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…
00:53:06 |
Tue 24 Jun 2025
Working at human speed: Reducing stress and burnout for sustainable success
In 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 in…
00:55:32 |
Tue 10 Jun 2025
Own It or Lose It: Why SMBs Can’t Ignore Intellectual Property
We’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 d…
00:55:04 |
Wed 28 May 2025
Skills Shortage or Leadership Gap? Rethinking the Talent Narrative
In 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…
00:45:25 |
Sun 04 May 2025
Work on it, not in It: The SMB growth playbook
In 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 i…
00:45:46 |
Mon 07 Apr 2025
No More Excuses: Manufacturers Need to Lead NZ Productivity Shift
In 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 manufact…
00:47:00 |
Mon 17 Mar 2025
What if 100,000 businesses started taking action to improve their performance and productivity
In 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 com…
00:34:26 |
Wed 26 Feb 2025
What Are You Aiming At in 2025? Setting Goals That Drive Real Results
In 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…
00:30:32 |
Tue 18 Feb 2025
Navigating Technology Trends with Anthony McMahon
Anthony 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 …
00:45:09 |
Sun 19 Jan 2025
Innovating on purpose: Turning ideas into action for SMB success
In 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 purpo…
00:32:31 |
Thu 09 Jan 2025
Is 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 tari…
00:36:21 |
Sun 01 Dec 2024
Is 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-offi…
00:17:27 |
Sat 02 Nov 2024
Building a Productive Business with Grant Johnson, CEO of Rocketspark
In 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 i…
00:42:34 |
Sat 19 Oct 2024
What the Truck is Productivity? Unpacking Lean and Continuous Improvement
In 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 bu…
00:37:30 |
Sat 21 Sep 2024
Getting the Basics Right in Local Government with Sean Wallace
In 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 governme…
00:45:05 |
Sun 01 Sep 2024
Boosting Productivity: what immediate actions can our SMBs take
Co-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 Natio…
00:50:37 |
Sun 11 Aug 2024
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