It's Kind Of A Big Deal: Recent Episodes
2degrees Auckland Business Awards
Join Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke on "It's Kind of a Big Deal," the official podcast of the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. Get an inside look at how the awards work, hear from judges, winners, finalists, and business leaders, and discover what it takes to succeed in the business world. Our insightful conversations will help you learn, grow, and laugh along the way. Don't miss an episode - subscribe now and become part of our community. It's kind of a big deal, and we can't wait to have you join us!
Dive into the latest episode of "Sustainable Conversations" as we chat with Natalie Woodbridge and Emma-Kate Greer, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at 2degrees. In this captivating discussion, Emma shares insights into the world of sustainability and its profound impact on businesses of all sizes.
Discover how sustainability goes far beyond being a buzzword—it's a crucial force for shaping the future, minimizing environmental footprints, and enhancing community well-being. Emma unravels 2degrees's commitment to "fighting for fair" and how this mission seamlessly aligns with their dedication to sustainability.
Explore the challenges and innovations in sustainability, particularly in the telecommunications industry, where the demand for data and energy is ever-growing. Emma sheds light on 2degrees's initiatives, including their eco-friendly office space and ambitious carbon emission reduction goals.
Aspiring businesses, take note! Emma offers valuable advice on initiating your sustainability journey, emphasizing that it's never too early to start. Learn how to begin small, collaborate with partners and even competitors, and pave the way for positive change.
Join us on this enlightening podcast episode to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability's importance, hear inspiring stories, and get motivated to make a difference, no matter the size of your organization. Tune in now for a dose of sustainability inspiration!
In this episode a host Natalie Woodbridge is joined by Jessica Bartlett, the Chief People Officer at 2degrees, as she shares the secrets to creating a workplace where employees thrive! Discover what it takes to be a standout employer, with a greater purpose that goes beyond just a job.
Jessica dives into the company's commitment to "fighting for fear," leveling the playing field, and fostering inclusivity. Hear inspiring stories of employees who started at the bottom and climbed the ladder of success, thanks to 2degrees's dedication to growth and development.
Explore the challenges faced by 2degrees, from talent shortages to offshore operations, and learn how they turned these obstacles into opportunities.
If you're curious about creating a workplace where employees are not just valued but empowered, this podcast is a must-listen! Join us for an insightful conversation on what it truly means to be a great employer.
In this episode a host Natalie Woodbridge is joined by Emma-Kate Greer, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at 2degrees, in this captivating podcast episode.
Discover how 2degrees, a telecommunications company, goes above and beyond to support its 1700 employees in making a real difference in their communities. Whether it's empowering young girls in sports, promoting digital equity, or refurbishing devices for those in need, 2degrees demonstrates how a business can be a force for positive change.
Emma-Kate's insights reveal the importance of authenticity and sustainability in community initiatives, providing valuable guidance for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact. She encourages businesses to start small and evolve, showing that even modest efforts can lead to significant and lasting change.
Join us on this inspiring journey and get ready to be motivated to create a positive impact in your own community. Tune in now to explore the boundless potential of giving back and the incredible stories that await in the world of community contribution.
Join Natalie Woodbridge in an engaging podcast as we sit down with Dave Pearce, the General Manager of Marketing at 2degrees, a telecommunications company with a remarkable journey. In this insightful conversation, Dave discusses the evolution of 2degrees's branding strategy and the importance of maintaining a consistent brand identity while adapting to changing market dynamics.
Discover how 2degrees has successfully extended its services beyond mobile provision into broadband, power, and business solutions, and why they are committed to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Learn about their innovative platform, the Business table, designed to deliver key messages and engage with their target audience effectively.
Explore the powerful tagline 'Fighting for Fair,' which reflects 2degrees's history of challenging the status quo in the telecommunications industry to benefit consumers. Dive into how this tagline is not just a marketing slogan but a guiding principle that permeates the entire company, influencing decision-making, communication style, and customer service.
This podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into 2degrees's branding journey and how they've become a household name known for fighting for fairness and championing consumers' interests.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of marketing, brand consistency, and corporate values in the telecommunications sector.
Join us on this engaging podcast episode as we delve into the world of customer service and its impact on businesses with Natalie Geddes, the General Manager of Customer Operations at 2degrees, a leading telecommunications company in New Zealand.
Natalie shares her expertise and insights on how 2degrees prioritises customer intimacy, understanding the unique needs of their business customers, and delivering exceptional service throughout their journey. Discover how their customer-focused approach, even in challenging situations, has helped them build a strong reputation and become a trusted partner for businesses.
Explore the concept of "fighting for fair" and how it translates into the assistance and support 2degrees offers their customers. Learn how they enable businesses to be more productive, deliver value, and simplify processes, going above and beyond to meet their diverse needs.
Discover the vital role customer service plays in the community, as Natalie discusses 2degrees's commitment to supporting New Zealand businesses and their involvement in responding to natural disasters. Gain insights into a heartwarming example of how 2degrees helped connect workers affected by a devastating event with their families, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact.
Looking towards the future, Natalie shares how 2degrees plans to empower businesses through self-service tools and digital outcomes, enabling customers to take action quickly and efficiently. Explore their evolution from a basic telco provider to a software-defined business, delivering innovative solutions to meet the changing needs of emerging businesses in a rapidly evolving business environment.
Don't miss this enlightening podcast episode that sheds light on the importance of customer service, the power of empathy, and the role of technology in shaping the future of business support. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to enhance your own customer service strategies and empower your business for success.
In this episode, co-hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke are joined by Andrew Fairgray, Head of Business at 2degrees, the principal sponsor of the Auckland Business Awards.
In this episode the hosts will delve into the importance of strategy and planning in business. They will explore how strategy and planning have played a critical role in the success of 2degrees, a company that recently underwent a merger.
Andrew shares insights from his experience, emphasising the value of having a clear blueprint and seeking guidance from those with expertise. They stress the need to focus on controllable factors and effectively communicate the strategy to ensure everyone is aligned.
They will also discuss the significance of adaptability and continuous review in a dynamic market. Join us as we uncover the power of strategy and planning in driving business success and productivity in New Zealand.
Tune in now to gain valuable insights and practical tips for your own strategic journey.
Welcome to the 2degrees Podcast . Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke where they dive deep into the world of telecommunications and emerging businesses.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing Julian Smith, a representative from 2degrees, a telecommunications company that is passionate about supporting new and emerging businesses.
Julian shares 2degrees' mission to nurture and provide products and services specifically tailored for new businesses. With the aim of helping these businesses thrive, 2degrees is putting together exciting packages that will be launched in the coming months. Their philosophy of "fight for fair" drives them to offer promotions and support that make it easier for businesses to establish themselves in the market.
During the interview, Julian also highlights 2degrees's sponsorship of the prestigious Auckland Business Awards. Recognising the importance of celebrating success in New Zealand, 2degrees is committed to supporting and uplifting the business community.
Drawing from his experience, Julian advises emerging businesses to know their unique selling point and fully embrace it. 2degrees' advantage lies in their nimbleness and responsiveness to market changes. By actively listening to their customers, they are able to adapt their offerings, accordingly, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of businesses.
Join us in this insightful conversation as we explore the world of telecommunications and discover how 2degrees is making a difference in the lives of emerging businesses.
Welcome to "It's Kind of a Big Deal," the podcast where we dive into the stories of businesses that have achieved something extraordinary. In this episode, our hosts are Mike Bruke and Natalie Woodbridge, sit down with Victoria from The Rental Bureau, winner of the Northern West Innovation Award. The Rental Bureau, a property management business, began in 2015 with a unique vision to redefine the tenant and owner experience.
Victoria shares how her frustrating experiences with property management in the UK led her to establish The Rental Bureau in New Zealand. With a focus on exceptional customer experiences for both tenants and property owners, they embarked on a journey of innovation.
Amid the challenges posed by COVID-19, The Rental Bureau seised the opportunity to revamp their processes. They explored new ways to conduct virtual property viewings and enhance communication, making property renting possible even during lockdowns. Victoria discusses the evolution of their innovative approach and the transformational impact it had on their business.
The conversation delves into the process of entering awards and the valuable insights gained from the application process. Victoria reflects on how the questions in the application forced them to think critically about their business, leading to fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of their operations.
Becoming a finalist and then ultimately winning the award marked a significant milestone for The Rental Bureau. Victoria shares the sense of pride and motivation that spread throughout the team. The award not only validated their efforts but also ignited a renewed passion for pushing boundaries and achieving excellence.
Tune in to this inspiring episode of "It's Kind of a Big Deal" to learn how a dedication to innovation and customer-centric thinking can transform a business and its team, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke in a captivating episode as they sit down with Cam Allison, from Corporate Cabs.
Cam shares insights about the company's history, experiences with their industry, and the challenges they faced due to disruptive changes. Corporate Cabs, a traditional and stable business operating for around 30 years, had to adapt to shifts in their industry.
The podcast conversation revolves around the company's decision to enter the Business Awards, which was initially seen as a validation of their efforts and changes in their services. The team members, including those not directly involved in the technology side, rallied together to share their perspectives and contribute to the application process. The discussion delves into the challenges they faced during the pandemic and how they saw the awards as an opportunity to mark a new beginning, coinciding with the reopening of borders and returning tourism.
The podcast highlights the application process for the Business Awards, emphasising that while it might seem daunting at first, it gradually becomes a coherent documentation of the company's journey and achievements. The interview with the judge was a relatively short and non-intrusive conversation about the application's contents.
The conversation wraps up with a question from Mike to Cam: " What advice would you give someone who is just considering applying in future?" Cam said: " I think for anyone who's considering whether they should be involved, I would say you should, you absolutely should give it a shot. Because if nothing else, it's a great way for you to review your own business. When we involved our team, we found out there were a lot of things we overlooked. So, I would encourage people to do it. For those that have applied and sort of wondering what the next steps are. I suspect the best thing to do is reach out to the chamber if you need support or questions because they've always been very helpful for us."
Join now and learn new ways to make the foundation of your teamwork stronger than ever.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke in a captivating episode as they sit down with Mira Watson, from Packing Mix - the winner of People's Choice category.
The conversation revolves around their journey in the candy business, their unique concept of an online pick and mix candy store, and their unexpected success in winning awards. Mira shares the story of how their business started, with the mother of three boys looking for something to do and launching a virtual pick and mix candy store. The business gained rapid traction when they posted on a popular Facebook group during lockdown, resulting in a surge of orders. The challenges of manual processing during this period are discussed, along with the positive impact of COVID-19 on their business.
Mira explains the variety of candies they offer, their approach to customer engagement, and their customer base's loyalty. They discuss their participation in awards and their cautious optimism, as well as the process of applying for awards and the impact it had on their business growth. The podcast episode showcases their unique journey from a small startup to a successful online candy shop, highlighting their adaptability, customer engagement, and marketing strategies.
Join now for your portion of positive emotions and motivation to enter the awards next year.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke as they sit down with James and Sarah - Beauty Spot business owners.
The hosts discussing their experience with entering and winning an award for James's marketing efforts in the beauty industry. They delve deep into their stories as they unveil the strategies, challenges and pivotal moments that propelled them towards marketing excellence. James sharing their doubts about interring and then their excitement about winning.
They talk about the process of writing the entry, reflecting on their business achievements, and the impact winning the award had on their team and personal validation, they share their insights, providing listeners with valuable advice and inspiration. James says: "My wife Sarah did a lot of research about our strategies and initiatives that we've put into place and looked at all the results. It was really interesting as you are going through that process because part of it was really cathartic actually looking back and understanding how far we've come and writing the interview in some ways was a revelation in itself because we got to look back on the work, instead off always looking forward. It is nice sometimes to reflect."
Join them as they delve into the world of business and share their unique perspectives and get inspired.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke as they sit down with John Cunningham, the lead judge for Best Emerging Business in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards.
John reveals his role as a judge in a prominent business awards program, focusing on the dynamic emerging business category. With a keen eye for spotting potential and a dedication to fostering business excellence, the hosts discuss the essential criteria they employ while evaluating burgeoning companies.
The conversation covers topics such as their background in acquisitions and business growth, the importance of networking among judges, and the criteria they use to evaluate emerging businesses.
They emphasise the significance of looking beyond just profitability and consider factors like vision, passion, and growth trajectory. Natalie says, " One of the big things for us with the Business Awards is you don't have to think you are successful to enter other categories and learn about yourself because sometimes you learn that you are actually quite successful at what you are doing, you also discover a lot about yourself, and you can grow from it".
The judges also provide feedback to companies, highlighting areas for improvement and offering guidance. Throughout the discussion, they mention several successful companies that have participated in these awards, emphasising the value of being a finalist and the growth potential it represents.
Join now and it will help you to make the decision about entering the Business Awards.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke as they sit down with Will Cooper, the lead judge for Community Contribution in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. The conversation starts with a usually simple question "who is Will Cooper" and what is his story.
With Will's extensive background in working with some of New Zealand’s largest companies and navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, he is well-positioned to assess how businesses are contributing to their communities in meaningful and sustainable ways. In recent years, Will’s passion has shifted to working with small Kiwi businesses to help them achieve long-term growth and success. His commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting community contribution make him a valuable addition to the judging panel.
In the podcast they discuss various aspects of the awards, including the different categories and how they are judged. The focus is on the importance of community contribution and how businesses can make a positive impact on society. The hosts emphasise the need for tangible and measurable contributions and highlight the stories of businesses that have successfully made a difference in their communities. The podcast aims to inspire and educate listeners about the power of business to create positive change.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke as they sit down with Colette (Cole) Campbell, the lead judge for Excellence in Innovation in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. Brace yourself for a conversation that unlocks the power of innovation!
Discover Cole's inspiring background and her deep-rooted passion for awards and innovation. Gain valuable insights into the true essence of innovation and its transformative impact on businesses. During this episode, they will delve into the Excellence in Innovation category, which piques curiosity with its wide-ranging possibilities. Cole unveils what the judges seek in outstanding innovations and the recurring trends that shape the landscape.
This award celebrates excellence across products, services, systems, and even company culture. Cole shares the significance of strategic innovation, drawing a clever analogy to a game of snooker—highlighting that "we can all hit a ball in a game of snooker, but can we set it up for the next shot?" and why this is important for future success.
Packed with a wealth of tips and tricks, this episode equips listeners with the know-how to craft their own award-worthy entries. And don't miss out on the fun as Cole tackles quick-fire questions, offering a glimpse into her personality.
Whether you're aiming to conquer the Auckland Business Awards or simply seeking to unleash your business brilliance through innovation, this must-listen episode is your guide. Cole's expertise and profound insights into the ever-evolving marketplace will propel you towards success, arming you with the tools to revolutionise your industry.
Join hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke in a captivating episode as they sit down with Des Flynn, the lead judge for the Employer of the Year category in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that unveils the secrets to becoming an exceptional employer.
Discover how this special award recognises businesses that prioritise their greatest asset: their people. Des explains the unique value of engaged employees and the remarkable impact they have on a company's success, and how they are different to the bricks and water assets and how Des explains it "because they can run away".
Through this episode you will gain insights into the judging process, including the qualities judges seek in award entries and what makes a standout employer. Whether you're a small business or a corporate giant, learn how to compete and thrive in the rapidly evolving marketplace as an employer. Find out why involving your team in awards participation is crucial. Plus, get insider tips and tricks to prepare your own award-winning entry.
This must-listen episode is a valuable resource for anyone eyeing success in the Auckland Business Awards, particularly the Employer of the Year category. With Des's expertise and unrivaled insights, you'll be empowered to unlock the secrets of employer excellence and achieve remarkable recognition in the business world, plus we will do some quick fire questions with Des to get to know him a little more.
In this episode, co-hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke sit down with Tim McCready, the lead judge for Strategy and Planning in the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. The conversation starts with a usually simple question "who is Tim McCready" where they delve into Tim's background and how his experience in working with both start-ups and multinational corporations makes him a valuable asset to the judging panel for Excellence in Strategy and Planning.
They discuss the beauty of the awards and how it attracts businesses from different sectors and stages of development, giving anyone the opportunity to win. Tim shares insights into the judging process, including what the judges are looking for in entries and what makes a great strategy. They also discuss how small businesses can compete with larger corporations and why it's important to have your team involved in the awards.
Throughout the episode, listeners will find a wealth of tips and tricks to help them prepare for their own award entries. The conversation also includes some fun quick-fire questions for Tim, giving listeners the chance to get to know the lead judge a little better.
Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enter the Auckland Business Awards' Excellence in Strategy and Planning category. With Tim's expertise and insights into the challenges and opportunities that businesses face in the rapidly evolving global marketplace, this episode provides valuable information for any business looking to succeed.
In this episode of Kind of a Big Deal podcast, co-hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke sit down with Stephanie Quantrill, the lead judge for Excellence in Marketing at the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. Stephanie's extensive experience in managing some of New Zealand's most beloved brands brings a wealth of knowledge to the judging panel, overseeing and managing the judging process for this highly competitive category.
The hosts and Stephanie delve into the judging process for Excellence in Marketing, sharing insights into what judges are looking for in entries, different types of marketing, and how and why small businesses can compete with larger corporations with more substantial marketing budgets. Listeners will find a wealth of tips and tricks to help them prepare for their own award entries.
The conversation also includes some fun quick-fire questions for Stephanie, giving listeners the chance to get to know the lead judge a little better. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enter the Auckland Business Awards' Excellence in Marketing category.
In this episode, co-hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke are joined by Andrew Fairgray, Head of Business at 2degrees, the principal sponsor of the Auckland Business Awards. The conversation revolves around the passion behind the awards and the relationship between 2degrees and the Auckland Business Chamber, not only from 2degrees but also from Andrew himself.
They discuss the history of the relationship between 2degrees and the Auckland Business Chamber, and the future of this partnership. Andrew shares his insights on why becoming the principal sponsor of these awards is a significant moment for 2degrees, and how they are committed to seeing New Zealand businesses grow. They also delve into what "Fighting for Fair" means to 2degrees, which is their commitment to providing a level playing field for all New Zealand businesses, and what this means for not only businesses but employees of 2degrees.
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Andrew share their passion for business and the success of Auckland and New Zealand, and how they compare on the world stage. The conversation showcases why these awards are kind of a big deal and the impact they have on recognising and celebrating excellence in the business community.
In the second episode of the Kind of a Big Deal podcast, co-hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke dive deeper into the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards, discussing who can enter, the entry process, and the different categories available.
Natalie and Mike stress the importance of bringing your team into the entry process, as it not only helps to create a stronger submission but can also drive excellence within your business. They also introduce the concept of the "Grandmother Approach," which involves writing your entry in a way that your grandmother would understand, to ensure clarity and simplicity in your submission. They talk about why this is important and why it makes an impact on your entry being strong.
The hosts also discuss the significance of the awards as a badge of excellence within the business community and how they can help to elevate and validate not only your brand but your internal strategies.
As the episode continues, Natalie and Mike take a closer look at the various award categories, sharing insights into what each category entails and providing examples of businesses that have excelled in each one.
Overall, the episode offers valuable advice and tips for businesses looking to enter the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards and highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating excellence within the community.
In the first episode of the Kind of a Big Deal podcast, co-hosts Natalie Woodbridge and Mike Burke discuss the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. They explore how businesses can learn from the awards program and use it as an opportunity to better understand their strategy and marketing.
The hosts also discuss the history of the awards program and how it supports the transformation of businesses. They emphasise that just entering the awards is already a big deal, as it can provide businesses with valuable feedback they can use for business growth and gain recognition for their achievements.
Natalie and Mike provide insight into the judging process and share stories of businesses that have gone through the awards program. They discuss the importance of celebrating excellence and empowering businesses to achieve their goals.
The hosts talk about how every year the awards program can be even bigger and more impactful than it already is. They discuss ways to further support businesses and provide them with resources to grow and succeed.
Overall, the first episode sets the stage for a series of conversations about how businesses can use the Auckland Business Awards as a tool for growth and success.
In this episode, we have our lead judge in Excellence in Customer Service Delivery Category, Gillian Taylor. Gillian will tell us about how to make your entry stand out.
Welcome to the second episode of Awards Podcast. The Westpac Auckland Business Awards 2020 categories are:
- Excellence in Innovation
- Excellence in International Trade
- Excellence in Customer Service Delivery
- Best Emerging Business
- Excellence in Marketing
- Employer of the Year
- Excellence in Strategy & Planning
- Excellence in Community Contribution
- People’s Choice
Pick yours!
The Westpac Auckland Business Awards are delivered annually by Auckland Business Chamber.
The high profile awards celebrate innovation and creativity in the business sector and have been a highlight of Auckland’s business calendar for over 15 years. As well as offering recognition for your organisation, the awards provide the opportunity to benchmark and gain expert advice on how you can continue to grow.
If your business is located in the greater Auckland region and you want a platform to showcase your success, this is the awards for you.
Find out more: https://www.aucklandbusinessawards.co.nz/