Pints, Pies & Profits

Built around a Richard Branson quote — employees first, customers second — this episode is a deep dive into how to identify, keep, and lead A-grade talent, even in a tight labour market. You'll learn: -What actually defines an "A-grader" (and why they'll leave a B-grade environment no matter the market); -The annual "Keep Test" — would you fight to keep this person, or feel relief if they left?; -The Goal-Role-Remind leadership framework for keeping any team aligned and engaged; -What motivates people beyond pay (autonomy, acknowledgement, purpose); and why "catch it quick, catch it small" applies just as much to praise as to problems. Beer: Behemoth Hophemoth Triple Hazy IPA (10%) & Urbanaught Altamira Bright Double IPA (8%)Pie: Hangi pies from Blue Rose Café, Sandringham (pork belly, pumpkin/kūmara & more)   Liked this one? Make sure you catch the next episode - hit subscribe and check us out here: YouTube Instagram Facebook   Want an in-person 6 day business program that gives you a tried and tested playbook to grow? Check out: Business Growth School Want better content? Check out: Blacklime The company that uncomplicates business growth. Check out: Point 16 Get to know us! Mike Burke & Scott DouglasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A practical, framework-heavy episode on how owners actually get better at running their business — and how to know what kind of help you need next. -You'll learn: the 70-20-10 rule for learning (on-the-job, coached, and formal/theory); -How to spot your business's natural bias across Product, Customer and Finance; -The real difference between a mentor and a coach; -Why looking outside your own industry for advice often pays off more; -and why "strong opinions, loosely held" beats either stubbornness or indecision. Beer: Brew Moon The Wolf APA (5.8%) & Garage Project Party and Bullshit Hazy IPA (6.2%)Pie: Kel's Bakery, Amberley — Pork, Apple Sauce & Cheese   Liked this one? Make sure you catch the next episode - hit subscribe and check us out here: YouTube Instagram Facebook   Want an in-person 6 day business program that gives you a tried and tested playbook to grow? Check out: Business Growth School Want better content? Check out: Blacklime The company that uncomplicates business growth. Check out: Point 16 Get to know us! Mike Burke & Scott DouglasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prompted by a brewery's 30th anniversary as a family operation, this episode tackles one of the trickiest topics in business: handing it down. Mike and Scott get honest about ego, entitlement, and what actually needs to be true for a succession plan to work. You'll learn: -The real first question to ask before bringing family into the business — whose ego is this really for?; -Why "gift it for free" and "sell it at a painful premium" both tend to backfire; -A fairer structure using open-market valuation plus negotiated terms; -The difference between a business's DNA (non-negotiable) and its culture (adaptable); -and why the "first generation builds, second grows, third kills" rule has exceptions worth studying. Beer: Mount Brewery Waimea Foggy IPA (6.5%) & Mermaid Mirth APA (6%)Pie: Patrick's Pies — Duck, Mushroom & Cheese   Liked this one? Make sure you catch the next episode - hit subscribe and check us out here: YouTube Instagram Facebook   Want an in-person 6 day business program that gives you a tried and tested playbook to grow? Check out: Business Growth School Want better content? Check out: Blacklime The company that uncomplicates business growth. Check out: Point 16 Get to know us! Mike Burke & Scott DouglasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With global uncertainty rattling supply chains and confidence, Mike and Scott lay out a four-question framework for owners to stress-test their business against a wobbling economy — grounded in real examples from their own portfolio. You'll learn: -How to separate a "blip" from a genuine "trend" in your numbers; -Which lead indicators actually matter for import/export businesses -Why annual pricing reviews are too slow for this environment; -How to front-foot hard conversations with customers before you have the full solution; -and why waiting for perfect information is itself a risk. Beer: Black Sands Head Above Water Hazy Double IPA (7.3%)Pie: Dairy Flat Bakery — Burger Pie   Liked this one? Make sure you catch the next episode - hit subscribe and check us out here: YouTube Instagram Facebook   Want an in-person 6 day business program that gives you a tried and tested playbook to grow? Check out: Business Growth School Want better content? Check out: Blacklime The company that uncomplicates business growth. Check out: Point 16 Get to know us! Mike Burke & Scott DouglasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Named for the "butterfly effect" theme of the beer on the table, this episode is all about compounding - in your finances, your habits, and your leadership. Scott shares a personal four-week transformation, and the pair unpack why "catch it quick, catch it small" is the leadership mantra worth stealing. You'll learn: -How compounding interest works for you (savings) and against you (debt); -A simple morning/evening routine that improved sleep and focus within weeks; -Why addressing behaviour — good or bad — in the moment beats delayed, formal feedback; -How "tech debt" and "operational debt" build up when businesses skip small evolutions; -and a single standing question to add to your monthly meetings to catch change early. Beer: b.effect Social Experiment West Coast IPA 6%, Ridgeline Hazy IPA  6% & Sticky Forest Hemp IPA 5.5%Pie: Bakerij (Village Bakery Picton) — Sweet Chilli Chicken & Cream Cheese   Liked this one? Make sure you catch the next episode - hit subscribe and check us out here: YouTube Instagram Facebook   Want an in-person 6 day business program that gives you a tried and tested playbook to grow? Check out: Business Growth School Want better content? Check out: Blacklime The company that uncomplicates business growth. Check out: Point 16 Get to know us! Mike Burke & Scott DouglasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.