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productivity

The Better SMB Podcast - Boosting Productivity: The immediate actions SMBs can take

April 9, 2025

In this episode 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 National Business Review, dives deep into the challenges and ...

The Better SMB Podcast - Episode 2: Embracing Ambition and Excellence with Simon Walker

December 20, 2024

In 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 intrigui...

The Better SMB Podcast - Episode 1 Productivity Reports

October 30, 2024

In this episode, David 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.Th...

The Better SMB Podcast - Pilot Episode

October 7, 2024

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Better SMB Podcast. This is a project Rob has been involved in for the past few months.He has partnered with David Altena, where they dive deep into what it takes to boost productivity and elevate performance for New Zealand’s small ...

What is Business and Operational Excellence?

January 15, 2023

Occasionally you come across a term that you are sure at one point meant a lot. Yet it has been used so widely, in so many contexts that it has become just a white noise statement. What I mean by this is the idea has been overused, twisted and applied without too...

Is Lean Just A Bunch Of Tools?

September 15, 2022

When I was just starting out as a consultant, doing my own thing I was at a family wedding chatting to a friend who was asking me what I was up to. After explaining my new business, the reply was “Oh yes Lean, but you know there are many other approaches”. I ...

What is a Smart SME?

January 18, 2022

Two things are going to dominate my conversation during 2022. For me they come hand in hand. The first and main theme is Smart SMEs (small & medium businesses). Personally I don’t like the term 'enterprises' but hey the acronym sticks!! In New...

Strategy and Tactics

November 23, 2021

Strategy and tactics - two critical elements of executing your plan and being a successful business. The great news is that one feeds into the other, they do and should relate to each other. The strategy is your true north - the vision you, your leadership team and possibly ...

How Does Lean Improve Productivity?

September 16, 2021

Improving the Productivity in Small and Medium Businesses (SME’s) is what gets me out of bed every day. In New Zealand, SMEs have some of the world's worst productivity statistics in the OECD. There are many factors that impact productivity, therefore there is no sil...

What are the 8 Wastes of Lean?

August 18, 2021

It is mentioned in just about every blog post I write. It is the first thing a person will learn when discovering Lean, especially if they work with me. It is one of the key cornerstones of Lean thinking - so what the hell is ‘it’? Simply, ‘it’ are the 8 Wastes...