Biz Bytes

Digital transformation can open many doors – giving you an exciting pathway towards innovation, growth, customer and staff fulfilment, and that sought-after competitive edge. But like most things in business and life, risks lurk in the background.Don’t let this put you off continuing to develop and adapt though – when you have a robust digital roadmap in place you mitigate the potential risks before jumping in.

Do you find yourself in a state of decision paralysis because you feel you don't have all the data you need?Did you consider that by the time you have all the data, it might be too late?Especially if the data is coming from the wrong sources. Consider this: have you got enough data to make a decision you can live with.In this episode, I speak with Bruno Pešec about why speed of decision making is often more important than quality and why indecision is still a decision.About the guestBruno Pešec helps business leaders innovate profitably. He is the rare innovator who can claim that he's worked on a regulation-defying freight train and an award-winning board game. In addition to his corporate experience with brands like DNV, DNB, and Kongsberg Group, Bruno runs a community of entrepreneurs of several thousand members. He is currently undertaking a doctorate in organisational change, with a specific focus on the issues with innovation in large enterprises.

The last 18 months have been notable for their volatility.Opinions have become currency, not always based on fact. We've seen that we're not that great at predicting the future and, as a result, are never fully prepared - that just makes things more uncertain and leads to more opinions.How can you separate fact from opinion?First, remember that you control your perceptions and the energy that you bring to a situation.Then,  remember that everyone sees things differently.Finally, ask yourself this: What are you prepared to do to prove that your opinion is wrong?In today's episode, I chat with Marcel Daane about how to stay sane in a volatile worldAbout my guestMarcel Daane is an award-winning executive coach and author of two book who operates out of Singapore. He specializes in helping professionals maximize their way of being in how they connect with themselves and others for more effective leadership and performance using a combination of Neuroscience, Mindfulness, and Somatic Awareness.Marcel's books include HeadStrong Performance - coverhing how to improve mental performance under pressure - and Five Energies of Horrible Bosses, which is a book about how to use Energy Projection to improve connectedness with others

When Joe Santana ran a recent survey on AI tools, 63% of HR professionals who responded thought that introduction of AI would make the organisation more balanced.But will it?Or could AI make a company less diverse if it’s not delivered correctly?In this episode, I talk with Joe about the potential impact of AI on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We discuss how it could affect an organisation’s ability to secure and retain the best talent in the world and consider how it could create a system that is infinitely a gamble. About the guestJoe Santana is Chairman of the CDO PowerCircle, an association of diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders serving well-known companies that collectively generate close to three-quarters of a trillion dollars and employ close to a million people around the globe.Joe is also the host of the ERG PowerTalk podcast, which you'll find at https://linktr.ee/Joesan58

As an entrepreneur, you know what it takes to get things done: finding a need and filling it, building a business from the ground up to do so. Unfortunately, for many entrepreneurs, their work becomes their life. When people talk about work-life balance you nod along and agree that it’s important, but then turn around and throw yourself back in. You might dream of a 3-month walk-about, or of climbing that mountain, but how on earth are you going to fit that in when there’s always another fire to put out, another emergency that needs to be resolved.In this episode I talk with Michael Nelson, Author of Goals That Matter – The Deceptively Simple System to Achieve Every Dream, about how to avoid looking back on your life thinking “I wish I had spent more time doing…"Michael is an entrepreneur, author, ultra-marathoner, and real estate investor. Having created a system to achieve his goals, Michael started sharing it with clients and friends who found a great deal of success with their goals. Having led hundreds of people through his goal-setting system, he decided to write a book to share it even further. Michael’s book is a must-read for every person who desires to take their life to the next level.

Despite what we'll tell you, technology isn't the fastest-changing industry.That honour goes to Cyber Security.As we see new advances in technology we also need to keep up with protecting and securing the devices and systems we use. While the cyber security industry has been able to adapt as they go, the universities have also joined the fight and are now training the next wave of cyber security specialists.Through this course, students learn how to put themselves in the shoes of the attacker, and the customer. Because you can't guarantee an attack will never happen, you just need to make it as difficult as possible to be successful.In today's episode, I catch up with Sam Glanfield to find out why she chose a major in Cyber Security, what the course covers, and what the future might hold.About the GuestSam is a 3rd-year university student studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering with a major in Cyber Security. When she's not learning how to identify and manage cyber threats, Sam is putting everything into practice as part of Kiwirail's cyber security team.

Heard of Low Code or No Code?A No-Code development platform provides the ability to create application software through a graphical user interface instead of traditional hand-coded computer programming.Used properly, it gives companies the freedom to try things out without the cost.Even though it is perfect for prototyping, No-Code still carries some risks.In this episode, I head back to Denmark to talk with Kasper Pederson and find out more.About the guest:Kasper, Founder of Tempus Serva, manages and implements custom-tailored systems for external customers. With a vision to Democratise Digitalisation, Kasper has the view that no climb is too steep as he takes No-Code to new heights.The IT Psychiatrist Good technology doesn’t grow on trees - you need a plan to get you thereDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What do the All Blacks, prenuptials and onboarding new clients all have in common?Culture.Businesses that want to start a successful relationship with a new client need to set expectations at the start.It doesn't hurt to approach it like a prenuptial agreement.And that's where the All Blacks bring inspiration. While they have a strong strategy. They also have a values-based culture that dictates no one is bigger than the team.In today's episode, I talk with Scott Anderson, possibly Omaha's biggest rugby fan about the value of onboarding, how to avoid making mistakes, and why you need to be prepared to walk away. We do talk a bit of rugby too.About the guest:Scott Anderson is the founder and CEO of Double Dare, an executive coaching and consulting practice that dares entrepreneurs and executives to fully live their unique talent, passion and purpose. In his spare time, he's also a big rugby fan.

How are you going to manage it if the relationship breaks down? It's not necessarily something you consider when entering into a new business arrangement. Definitely something you need to think about if you want to avoid a lengthy and costly process when things don't go right.In today's episode, I talked with Gerard Doolin, Managing Director of Be Amorgos, about contract management, dispute resolution, and what to consider when it all goes wrong.About the GuestWith over three decades of experience in the legal and IT sector, Gerard is an accredited mediator, an expert in dispute resolution. From 2019 he has led a software industry initiative to design and promote early-stage preventative dispute resolution processes for conflict id Software and Services projects to unlock, resolve and reset them and ensure outcomes are successful.

Digital has opened up a whole new world of possibilities.When new projects are being explored, who represents the needs of your culture?You... or is it a token effort?Regardless of what benefits technology brings, each culture needs to be responsible for their own journey through the digital age and to beyond to ensure they get all the benefits.In this episode I catch up with John Shortland, of Nga Puhi and Tainui descent,  to discuss what happens when culture collides with technology.About the guestBased in Tolaga Bay on New Zealand's East Coast, John is a Full-stack .NET Developer with diverse knowledge and skills across various vertical markets. He specialises in developing robust, scalable, and most importantly – reliable solutions using the latest strategies, methodologies, and technologies.And, more importantly, John is a strong believer that Maori must be responsible for guiding their own journey in technology.

Your business is taking off, you're hiring more people to meet the growing demand. The decisions you make now could have long consequences if you get them wrong.Hiring is costly, but attrition is expensive.If you get the hiring right from the start, the better it is for your business.So how do you ensure that you hire the right people?You hire people who match your values of course. In today's episode, I talk with Vic Jack about the power of values-based recruitment.About my guest:Vic is the Principle Consultant at Maslow Limited, a People and Culture Agency that supports creative and tech industries with a value based recruitment model. Vic's aim is to assist her clients and help them to provide flexible work opportunities for talented individuals.  

Over the last few years, companies have focussed on the concept of wholeness at the office, where we bring all the elements of who we are to work — our passions and strengths, our side projects and relationships, our partners and kids.Let’s say we’re ready to bring our whole selves to work; the next step is making sure our workplace supports this mindset. It’s the proverbial “which comes first” dilemma - a supportive workplace or our own desire to be ourselves wherever we are.In this episode, I talk with Te Omeka Morehu about how he balances Culture in the office with Office culture.About the guest:By day he dabbles in cloud and infrastructure solutions, he laughs, he listens and plays the guitar in the office. By night he is a Husband, Father of 4 and doer of things around the house. He enjoys challenging himself physically in multiple disciplines, connecting with whanau at his marae and consistent learning. His big hairy audacious goal... is to enjoy life whilst living it.From guitars to cultural awareness, Te Omeka shares his views in an open and honest discussion.

Did you hear the one about the company that launched a product, went global, and sold for millions of dollars? Yes, everyone has heard that story.They make it all sound so easy, but the truth is they will have had some solid advice throughout the journey.People to help them get their house in order at every stage of the business lifecycle. Stage like:Getting the business started and ensuring you have good agreements in place to protect your cofoundersMaking sure the right IP structures are in place.Commercialising your productAnd, most importantly, scaling and funding.Because you never know when capital may come knocking - and you don't want anything to get in the way of getting the best valuation possible.From tech to tax, loyalty to Legal, good advisors help you do everything at the right time.In the latest episode of Biz Bytes, I talk with Edwin Lim and Sarah-Jane Lawson from Legal Firm Hudson Gavin Martin that specialises in tech, media and IP law about the commercial realities of tech.Ed, a partner at HGM, lives and breathes tech. From an early age he’s been pulling apart and putting together computers and gadgets. He is in a unique position where he can leverage his qualifications and experience to provide technical, commercial and legal advice to clients on tech and other matters. Ed has the coveted CTO role at HGM where he continues to pull apart and put together all things tech.Sarah-Jane, Special Counsel for HGM, has extensive experience in corporate and commercial law, including business sales and purchases, restructuring, joint ventures, capital raising, shareholder agreements and a range of commercial agreements. Prior to joining HGM in 2013, she has in-house experience acting as legal counsel for Coca-Cola Amatil.

Is it possible that blockchain solutions are starting to reach what gartner refers to as the slope of enlightenment?Their practical uses in supply chain management are becoming more evident.And then there's smart contracts, which give the ability to track ownership of an asset and create generational wealth.The changes we're starting to see are what's being referred to as Web 3.0, and today I talk with Dr Justin Goldston to find out more. Dr. Justin Goldston is a Professor of Project and Supply Chain Management at Penn State University where his research is focused on blending the practices of supply chain management, emerging technologies, and sustainability to create positive global change. A research facility affiliate at the Center for the Business of Sustainability at the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, D. Goldston is also as an active contributing faculty member to The Sustainability Institute at Penn State. Outside of the institution, Goldston is an Executive on the International Supply Chain Education Alliance's (ISCEA’s) International Standards Board (IISB) and is the author of the forthcoming book AI for Good: Achieving Sustainability Through Citizen Science and Organizational Citizenship.

2020 was a good year to be a technology support partner.Not from a profit perspective (ok, it didn't hurt that)The events of 2020 raised the value of a good support partner and what they bring to an organisation.Like the ability to get your business running in a remote model, and keeping you thereOr the reduction of risk by getting you on to more modern platforms It all takes skills, tools, and the right level of understanding of your business.In this episode I talk with Michael Nelson, President of Sacramento-based Managed Service Provider TLC Tech about his experiences through Covid 19.As the President and Founder of a Managed Service Provider, Michael discusses how his company was able to help companies transform into a remote workforce as businesses rushed to adjust to lockdowns across the country, and how this affected his own company as well as the IT/MSP industry.

So you're thinking of selling your products offshore.You've set up local distribution channels, got the manufacturing sorted, and your website is ready to go.What about tax? The indirect tax, like GST and VAT.Or the more complex, like the split between a state and a federal tax system.As your business changes and grows, Tax can become more complicated.So which is why it's important to get good tax advice, early.In this episode I catch up with international tax expert Morgan Hardy from i-Tax solutions to find out moreMorgan Hardy established ITS to help New Zealand exporters sell NZ goods and services to the world. Morgan has been working in the tax field for over 20 years with experience from both practice and commercial roles with multinational consultancies and companies.  Combining a strong commercial focus with solid global tax understanding his experience includes:International tax including transfer pricing and cross border transactionsM&AResolving audits and tax disputes across Europe, Asia and the US (state and federal)Tax planningTax compliance management

"There's an app for that"so goes the joke when any manual task comes up.And you've heard the one about how Automation and Robots will take our jobs.Or Chatbots are more efficient than people.And how to replace your accountant with booking keeping software.Yeah, right. Technology is a great enabler, but it's not a true replacement for people. Especially when it comes to high-value activities that involve complex decisions. Because Automation isn't the same as ExpertiseThere are some things technology can't do. For everything else, there's People.In this episode, I talk with Irene Bennetts about how people are still an important part of your businessIrene Bennetts is an award-winning bookkeeping and virtual assistance expert who has successfully developed solutions across key areas for growth-driven entrepreneurs and businesses to focus on their goals, rather than their financial administration.Founder of Admin Army, which offers progressive services in bookkeeping, accounting, business administration and virtual assistance, Irene has led her team to employ the most effective combination of personal connection and modern technological automation. Her clients have access to the most agile, proactive business services.Irene was named as one of the Practice Ignition Top 50 Women in Accounting 2019 and was the only New Zealander to be recognised with this prestigious accolade. Admin Army was also the 2019 Institute of Certified NZ Bookkeepers Bookkeeping Business of the Year.

Put your phone down for a minute...Now how long could you leave it?A few minutes?A few hours?A few days...Or are you already getting FOMO?Putting your phone down is the challenge that Phone Free day (March 19) puts to us as part of the growing movement for empowering people to use technology in a smarter and more purposeful way.All in an effort to reduce technostress and improve digital wellbeing.In today's episode, I talk with Taino Bendz, the driving force behind NZ's phone-free day to find out more.Taino has spent 10 years working in the corporate technology sector and is passionate about using innovations to support people and enable us to live happier and healthier lives. For many of us, however, digital technology such as smartphones are a source of stress, disturbed sleep, distraction, and can even come between relationships (have you heard the term ´phubbing´?). To empower people and promote balanced device usage, Taino founded the non-profit Phone Free Day as a challenge and catalyst for change, as well as the business PhoneSmart where he runs workshops and presentations. He had a Phone Free wedding ceremony back in 2014 and the guests loved it (yes there was a photographer!).To find out more about phone-free day, visit www.phonefreeday.org

What do the TV series Band of Brothers and the movie Saving Private Ryan have in common with decision making in business?They both highlight the value of communication, training and teamwork to achieve an outcome.And they show it in the most VUCA of situationsThat's volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.In today's episode I catch up with Military Buff and Engineer Travis "Grizzly" Jacobs about why rigidly following the process can lead to big mistakes.Travis Grizzly is a Colorado-based product engineer. In 16 years of product development, he's come to realise there are 3 things that make a successful product"Desirability: Does The Customer want it?Feasibility: Can we build it?Viability: Can we sustain it & make money?The strategy he focuses on is to fail fast, fail cheap, fail small. By using small, cheap & fast experiments we can determine if this product is something the customer wants.In other words, first fire bullets, then cannonballs.

We're all familiar with the saying "when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail".But what about this one:Every hammer needs a human.In hands, it's a tool. Without hands, it's a lump of metal.And it's true, tools add a lot of value, but people are at the heart of everything we do.In this episode of Biz Bytes, I talk with Bruno Cignacco about why a business should be customer-oriented, emotional based, and put expectations at the forefront of everythingDr Bruno Roque Cignacco (PhD) is an international business consultant, international speaker and business coach. For over 20 years, he has advised and trained hundreds of companies on international trade activities and international marketing. He is a university lecturer. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA - UK). He is also the author of business and personal development books published in different languages. His new book is titled THE ART OF COMPASSIONATE BUSINESS. MAIN PRINCIPLES TO THE HUMAN-ORIENTED ENTERPRISE (2019, Routledge) His websites are www.humanorientedenterprise.com and www.brunocignacco.com