In this episode, Ben Annabel, founder of accounting and advisory firm Recharge Group joins us.

Recorded for the Most FM Business Hour, this interview covers the entire lifecycle of a business owner - from the initial hustle of a startup to the difficult decision to exit and the journey of starting over with a new purpose.

Ben shares the practical strategies he used to scale his first business, Evergreen Plumbing, and the personal challenges with burnout and mental health that led him to sell it. He talks openly about the importance of brand, why he's now focused on "slow growth," and how his personal experiences have shaped his new venture helping other tradies build sustainable businesses and lives. This is a must-listen for any business owner navigating the pressures of growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

- The disciplined financial strategy that set his first business up for success.

- How to scale a trades business and the unique shareholder model he used.

- The realities of burnout and the importance of mental health for entrepreneurs.

- Transitioning from a high-growth hustle to a sustainable, purpose-driven business model.

- The power of niche marketing and building a brand that connects with a specific audience.

Chapters:

(01:34) Introducing Ben Annabel from Recharge

(03:53) Starting a plumbing apprenticeship and the value of trades

(09:18) The decision to start his first business, Evergreen Plumbing

(16:33) Scaling the business and the strategy that fuelled its growth

(26:16) The transition from Evergreen Plumbing to the Recharge Group

(33:44) The health challenges and burnout that led to the decision to exit

(37:02) The importance of mental health and finding support as a business owner

(41:07) Founding Recharge Group with a unique focus on wellness

(52:47) How retreats are helping business owners recharge and refocus

Forget the generic AI reports from the US. We wanted to know what's actually happening with AI right here in New Zealand, so we sat down with a group of local business leaders for a frank roundtable discussion.

This episode is a recap of that conversation. We cover the surprising ways AI is being used (and the tools people are actually choosing), why clinging to old tools like spreadsheets is holding businesses back, and how the conversation around AI taking jobs is far more nuanced than you're being told.

If you want an on-the-ground perspective on how Kiwi businesses are navigating AI, this episode gives you a seat at the table.

In this episode, we cover:

• 02:21 Key Insights and Learnings from the Round Table

• 03:45 AI Tools and Their Impact on Business Processes

• 06:19 The Role of AI in Replacing or Enhancing Jobs

• 09:01 Importance of Brand Voice in the AI Era

• 17:25 Data Security Concerns and Education Gaps

  
  

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How do you build an award-winning career in leadership and governance without a university degree? You say yes to opportunities, you learn to take risks, and you focus on what really matters: people.

In this episode, Jordan McFadyen is joined by Adam Harris and talks with Jessie Waite, a leader in New Zealand’s primary industries and the winner of the 2022 Institute of Directors' Emerging Director Award.

Jessie shares her unconventional journey from local journalist to a key figure in agricultural management, proving that your path to success doesn't need to be linear.

We cover:

- Why Jessie believes your personality and ability to connect are more valuable than a traditional CV.

- Her leadership framework of being "clear but kind" and how to have difficult conversations effectively.

- Practical advice for navigating male-dominated industries and the importance of setting boundaries.

- How taking on roles you aren't 100% ready for can be the key to unlocking your potential.

This conversation is full of practical insights for any business owner or aspiring leader who wants to build a career on their own terms.

(This episode was originally recorded live for the Business Hour show on Most FM, thanks to our sponsor Social Kitchen).

Chapters:

(01:56) Jesse's Role at Osprey

(03:50) From Journalism to Leadership

(06:38) Navigating Career Changes

(10:18) Embracing Change and Taking Risks

(19:07) Leadership Philosophy: Clear but Kind

(23:29) Governance and Awards

(26:11) Campaigning for the Young Farmer's Board

(27:18) Understanding Governance and Strategic Thinking

(28:08) Balancing Strategy and Day-to-Day Work

(28:29) Lessons from Venture Taranaki

(31:26) The Importance of Preparation

(35:12) Challenges and Growth in the Rural Sector

(40:40) Coaching and Mentorship

(42:40) Future of the Dairy Industry

(46:22) Personal Aspirations and Career Goals