Business, people, and the stuff we can’t ignore.

This week’s note is a bit more real than usual.

The posts below touch on how culture doesn’t build itself, what good leadership really looks like, and a hard stat that hit me in the chest: someone in NZ’s construction industry takes their own life every five days.

It’s heavy – but worth saying out loud.

Because under all the strategy, sales, and plans, it’s people that matter. Always.

Hope there’s something here that gives you a moment to pause – and a way to move forward better.

Take care out there.

Jon Randles

Want To Try The Bottleneck Scorecard? Click here

Most business owners don’t realise they’ve become the bottleneck… until they’re overwhelmed, disconnected from their team, and quietly resenting the business they built.

Great Culture: Built by Design, Not by Chance
Good culture might happen accidentally – but more often, it takes planning and effort. I’ve been watching firsthand as Jason Venu from Coversure puts on a masterclass in how to grow a fast-moving team – and keep them tight. In a short time, he’s built momentum and 10x’d his team not by pushing harder, but by pulling people in. Everyone’s got a seat at the table – literally.

Branded shirts, team lunches when people are in the office, family days, and so many little moments… Read More

The Reality of Suicide in NZ’s Construction Industry

I was Yesterday-Years-Old when I learned that 1 person in NZ construction industry takes their own life every 5 days.

That’s a terrifying statistic.

I’ve always known that NZ has the unenviable position of being top of the suicide charts per capita, but that point really hit home last night when I heard that stat: 1 person, every 5 days.

I heard it via listening to Raman Lee, who delivered a really powerful talk on this subject… Read More

Beyond the Guesstimate

I wanted to share a podcast episode I recently featured on: Beyond the Guesstimate – Sales, Marketing & Building a Business (Not Just a Job).

Whether you’re a tradie, architect, or running a small business in any sector, this episode will give you the sales and marketing clarity you didn’t know you needed.

We covered how to sell without feeling “salesy,” market without burning cash, and why marketing isn’t just an expense – it’s your growth engine.

Watch the full episode here – hope you enjoy it!