Leadership - The importance of good staff

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 …

Learning to be a better business operator

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, Cus…

Having family involved in Business, and handing it down

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…

When tough times come that threaten the economy - what should we be doing and looking out for?

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" …

Small changes in business that make the most difference

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 stea…

The most important people/ organisations to partner with as a SME

Mike (openly admitting his bias as a business coach) and Scott rank the outside relationships that move the needle most for small business owners — starting with the one nobody argues against… You'll learn: -Why a business coach or mentor is consistently rated the #1 lever by leaders from Eric Sc…

How to take your business idea to fruition and what to do when you want investment

The episode where the podcast officially gets its name. Fresh off travels through South Korea and Japan, Scott and Mike map out the real path from idea to first customer — and the four ways to fund it, ranked from best to last resort. You'll learn: -How to validate an idea with a Value Propositio…

Quick Fire Questions at Mike

A lighter, rapid-fire format. Scott puts Mike on the spot over Panhead XPA and a Pioneer Pies steak & blue vein, covering the sketchiest deal that ever paid off, the most nerve-wracking moment of his career, and what he actually wants his kids to learn about business. You'll learn: -How a 4.5x-mu…

Knowing when to pivot - if things don't look good

Prompted by the closure of a well-loved Wellington brewpub, this episode is a masterclass in reading the warning signs early. Mike and Scott break down lead vs. lag indicators, the three essential financial statements every owner should actually understand, and why the best time to pivot is three m…

Growth through gratitude and reflection

Inspired by a walk near Queenstown, this episode slows things down. Over Altitude Brewing's Hazy IPA and (arguably) the best pie of the series so far, Mike and Scott talk about why a goal needs "soul," why regular reflection beats sporadic hustle, and why celebrating wins is a growth multiplier, no…