The Real Solutions Business Podcast

Hosted by Godfreys Law

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Episodes

108

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Real People, Real Solutions. You'll hear local business leaders from Christchurch and around New Zealand share their expertise on how to succeed and make your company stand out.

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60 recent

May 28, 2026Episode 10836 min

108. Operational Noise - what is it and how to quieten it down for increased customer satisfaction

I am joined by Nabilah Chivelkar from Thryv Australia and New Zealand. Nabilah is a Senior Sales Effectiveness Coach and works with small businesses to improve how they operate, communicate, and ultimately deliver for their customers. Nabilah joins me to talk about what she describes as “operational noise” the day-to-day inefficiencies, systems, and processes that quietly erode time, energy, and customer experience. We explore how this shows up in real businesses and the impact it can have on trust, momentum, and growth. We also discuss the growing gap between what businesses think they are delivering and what customers are actually experiencing, and the increasing level of “invisible work” customers now expect, from fast responses through to seamless communication. Nabilah shares practical insights on where business owners should focus their time and energy, how simplifying operations can actually unlock growth, and what small changes can make the biggest difference. This is a really valuable conversation for any business owner feeling stretched or looking to improve how their business runs behind the scenes. I really enjoyed this one.

May 7, 2026Episode 10744 min

107. How AI recommends your business and what you can do to prepare for this shift

In this episode I am joined by Chris Van Langenberg from Thryv Australia and New Zealand. Chris is a Senior Sales Capability Coach and works closely with small businesses across the region, helping them better understand how they are found and chosen in an increasingly digital world. Chris joins me to talk about how AI is changing the way customers discover businesses, and what that means for small business owners. We unpack the shift from traditional search to AI-driven recommendations, and the signals that now matter, from reviews and responsiveness through to consistency across platforms. Chris shares practical insights into the common mistakes businesses are making when it comes to their online presence, and more importantly, what they can do right now to improve their visibility. We also look ahead at where this is all heading and what “being found” might look like in an AI-first world. There is a lot in this one for business owners who want to stay relevant and competitive as the landscape continues to shift. Chris brings a clear, practical lens to what can otherwise feel like a complex topic. Definitely worth a listen!

April 16, 2026Episode 10641 min

106. Straight from the Heartland – how do you reverse a mortgage?

In this episode I speak to Ben Jamieson from Heartland Bank. Ben is a Business Development Manager at Heartland Bank, and he looks after the area from Canterbury to Southland and everywhere in between. Ben joins me to talk about reverse mortgages and how they might benefit folks (and business owners!) in their 60s and beyond. Ben also touches upon some other niche products that Heartland Bank can offer to people in Business such as motor vehicle lending, plant and equipment loans and livestock lending. Ben has decades of experience in the banking industry and has been involved with reverse mortgages for many years. It is fair to say he knows the product inside out and shares a multitude of ways that this product can help free up equity for people to do the things that matter or are needed. Ben’s passion for helping people is clear and he shares some neat insights and stories that ground this in reality. This is general information about Heartland Bank Reverse Mortgages and not individual financial advice. Heartland Bank Limited’s responsible lending criteria, fees and charges apply. If you have ever wondered about reverse mortgages or what Heartland Bank does, then give this one a listen.

March 26, 2026Episode 10547 min

105. Bespoke Wealth with Tom McBride

In this episode Tom McBride from McBride Wealth joins me to talk about all things investing. Tom started his own business in 2024 after accumulating over 10 years’ experience providing financial advice in a NZ firm. Tom created McBride Wealth to service a need in the community for independent investment advice and bespoke financial advice for one-off engagements. Tom was born and raised in Christchurch and obtained a Commerce degree from Canterbury University in Finance, Accounting and Information Systems. He has also obtained a NZX Diploma and NZX Adviser qualification. Previously he has contributed his know to media discussions, having appeared live on CNBC and offered market insights to publications such as the National Business Review (NBR), Business Desk and The Press. With over 10 years helping client’s navigate market fluctuations Tom is well equipped to help business owners achieve their financial goals. Tom talks with me about investment fundamentals, time in market versus timing the market, Kiwisaver, lifestyle creep, future selves, retirement goals and much more! There is so much in this one to digest. You can find out more about Tom and his services via his website www.mcbridewealth.co.nz

March 5, 2026Episode 10439 min

104. How can you attract the best and brightest to work in your business?

I am joined on this podcast with Ronnie Cheung from the Talent Connection. Ronnie is a Recruitment Consultant and a Career Coach who helps New Zealand businesses find the best person for the job. Ronnie has over 12 years’ experience across a broad variety of industries, as well as experience in providing human resources support. Ronnie talks with me about how SME owners/leaders in New Zealand can attract the best talent for job openings within their organisations. All business owners know that attracting top talent has always been a crucial part of business success but in today’s market it has never been more important. Ronnie chats with me about how a strong employer brand can set you apart from your competition and help your organisation secure the best and brightest candidates. Ronnie talks about defining an Employer Value Proposition (EVP), the importance of showing your workplace culture, as well as professional development pathways and ensuring you have a strong online presence. We also dive into the actual process and some of the behind the scenes work that goes on when advertising a new role, screening candidates, the interview process, reference checks, psychometric testing and more! I recommend this one as a must listen for all SMEs who need people in their business. We all know the immense cost (financially and psychologically) of a ‘bad hire’ but Ronnie gives golden insights into how to avoid this in your business moving forward. You can learn more at www.talentconnection.co.nz

February 12, 2026Episode 10342 min

103. The Client Experience: do your clients footprints point towards your business or are they leaving hasty tracks out the door?

In this episode Debbie Klintworth from the Footprint Collective joins me. Debbie has over 25 years of international experience working across Australia, NZ, Europe, the UAE, South Africa and the US, partnering with bold start-ups, corporates, and global brands to turn strategy into action and engagement into measurable growth. Debbie blends marketing strategy, business development and company culture design helping businesses thrive from the inside out, aligning internal teams and values with external customer experience to help drive meaningful, lasting impact. Debbie is one talented lady and we could have talked on any number of the strings to her bow but we hone in on how businesses can look to refine their customer strategy and build a better client experience that will have your customers coming back time and time again. Debbie shares insights we me about how businesses can create solutions that connect your teams, resonate with your customers and ultimately help to strengthen your market position. How good! I really enjoyed talking with Debbie and learning valuable new insights into how SMEs can help differentiate themselves in this space. What are you waiting for?

January 22, 2026Episode 10255 min

102. Beyond the Ledge – how one business combined its superpowers to be greater than the sum of its parts

On the first podcast for 2026 I am joined by Jason Lennie the founder and director of Beyond the Ledge Brand Agency. Jason is a brand strategist and storyteller with more than 15 years’ experience across marketing, design, web and publishing. Since founding his brand studio in 2009 Jason has expanded his expertise through running a print and promotions franchise. Jason talks to me about the differing offerings or strands that sit under the umbrella of his businesses service offerings and how with a dose of reflection over the Christmas break led him to some important deep-seated realisations about the pillars of his business, their importance and how they tended to compete for attention with his target marketing. Jason talks me through his process of getting really clear about what he does and how he presents that story to his potential customers. As a result of these reflections Jason realised the power of combining Ledge Brand Agency and Beyond the Ledge Press into one cohesive whole under the moniker ‘Beyond the Ledge’. There are some interesting insights in his thinking and the reasons behind the consolidation. I think these insights will be of value to many business owners in 2026 and beyond in bringing clarity around positioning of your brand and positioning of your service offering within the services market. Jason is a super intelligent creative and I really enjoyed talking with him. His creative streak also spills over into comic books which sees him acting as Editor of the New Zealand Comics Anthology. Jason is a true creative and I found our chat inspiring.

December 22, 2025Episode 10138 min

101. The story of beautiful botanicals and their global impact

In this episode I am joined by Brigit Blair, the founder and owner of Linden Leaves. The story of Linden Leaves originally began in Christchurch, New Zealand in the 1990s with Brigit desiring to help care for two of her children with eczema and allergies. At that time, natural and effective products that were kind to sensitive skin were hard to find, and so out of necessity, Linden Leaves was born. Brigit began harvesting and freeze-drying roses, and blending fruit and flower oils with the unique scent of essential oil blends. It became a real labour of love for Brigit, who set out to create beautiful and quality handmade natural products that were kind to the skin. From a humble family kitchen operation, Linden Leaves expanded into an internationally recognised brand known for its natural everyday luxury handmade products. This is Brigit’s story of how a passion project focussed on family, care and sustainability grew into the business it is today. There is beauty, purpose and story within the handcrafted treasures produced by Linden Leaves. Enjoy.

December 4, 2025Episode 10045 min

100. Son of a Vicar: a young man, a dream and the launch of a Kiwi owned fragrance brand

Matthew McVicar is a law clerk at Godfreys Law and the founder of Son of a Vicar - a New Zealand-made fragrance brand he launched in 2024. What began as an idea during his law studies has grown into a small but ambitious business, with three signature perfumes now on the market.A year ago, Son of a Vicar was little more than an idea. Matthew was in his third year of law school in Christchurch, experimenting with scents in his spare time and trying to imagine how a fragrance brand could feel at home in New Zealand without simply replicating what already existed. He wanted a brand with a strong point of view but had no idea of the realities of bringing it to life. The past twelve months have been a steep learning curve. In developing his first three fragrances and launching the business, Matthew has had to do far more than refine scent profiles. Building Son of a Vicar meant registering a company, understanding tax and compliance, managing sourcing and production, and learning how to present the brand in a way that makes people stop, experience, and connect. Matthew loved seeing the first bottles come together, making early sales, receiving positive reviews, and even being featured in The Press. Those moments have been both motivating and surreal. But there’s also been doubt, not about whether there was space in the market, but about whether people would truly understand the brand. His biggest question was whether he had created something people could feel proud to own, because that was always the standard, he wanted Son of a Vicar to reach. One of the most important lessons Matthew has learned is that people buy into people, not just products. Every time he has stepped out from behind the brand, whether in interviews, at markets, or on social media, the response has been warmer and more engaged. At first, he worried that sharing his story - the student years, the small wins and mistakes - might undermine the professionalism and luxury he wanted Son of a Vicar to embody. Instead, he found that the story strengthened the brand by giving it a human dimension. Bravo Matthew!

November 12, 2025Episode 9952 min

99. What parallels are there between the practice of martial arts and being successful in business: The Power of discipline

In this episode I welcome John Allender from Advantage Fire Protection back onto the podcast as a returning guest. In the first podcast with John (listen to Ep.64), he and I talked about his business and how he has built that up to become successful in its niche of business fire protection. I have had many listeners comment on how much they enjoyed my first episode with John. John is an absolute hard shot, he works hard and plays hard (living and breathing hunting, fishing and endurance motorbiking), he calls a spade a spade yet has a heart of gold. That is not to mention that the business he works is in leaves no room for error or complacency and requires dedication, focus and precision. So, what the heck does that have to do with a near lifelong practice of Seido Karate? Well, as it turns out a whole lot! John talks with me about how his practice of Seido Karate (he’s a 6th degree black belt nonetheless) has helped transform his personal and professional life even in times of extreme personal hardship and adversity. I would be being untruthful if I said I could have guessed where this conversation was headed but I did not see some of the amazing surprises that came to light when speaking with John about this life and some of the incredible things that happened to him on and off the mat. From a near death and out of body experience to being ripped off by a former business partner and close friend of 25 years this one has some much to unpack in it. As if that wasn’t enough, John then talks about the positive impact that the practice of Karate can have for young and old before wrapping up with his plans for the future. I could not think of a more fitting episode to be numbered 99 because this man has used more than a couple of his 9 lives and lived to tell the tale. And what a tale it is!