How NZ Business Owners Can Stay Sane, Get Clarity, and Lead — Not Just React
You’ve probably read plenty of End of Financial Year (EOFY) blogs by now. The ones that shout:
“You need to know your numbers!”
“Why are you still doing this at the last minute?”
“Where’s your rolling 12?!”
And I’ll be honest… I was tempted to write one of those too.
But then I thought — maybe what we really need right now isn’t another reminder of what we should be doing. Maybe what we need is something different. Something that makes space to breathe. To reflect. To lead — not just react.
The Real Conversation NZ SMEs Need Right Now
Not about tax.
Not even about just the numbers.
But about how we run businesses in 2025 — and how we stay sane doing it. Because here’s the truth I keep seeing on repeat in coaching rooms, board meetings, workshops, and client catch-ups:
- Business owners are tired.
- They’re expected to be everything — strategist, salesperson, HR, IT, emotional sponge.
- They’re surrounded by information but starved of insight.
- They’re overwhelmed by options but unclear on direction.
- And most of them are winging it more than they’d like to admit.
What We Need Now: Rhythm, Reflection, and Real Support
Below are some guiding principles for building a better business — and a better life around it.
1. Checkpoints, Not Panic Stations
- Lead don’t react. If you wait for the end of March to look at your numbers, you’re reacting — not leading.
- Use rolling 3s and 12s. Spot trends early. Make your numbers a conversation, not a confession.
2. Your Time and Energy Are Strategic Assets
- If you’re still doing all the admin, chasing invoices, firefighting your inbox, and living in spreadsheet hell — something’s got to give.
- Automate what you can. Delegate what you should.
- Think in terms of systems, not heroics.
3. Accountability Beats Willpower Every Time
- We all want discipline, but it rarely comes from inside the building.
- That’s why TAB Boards work. You show up monthly. You talk real numbers, real challenges, and real wins.
- No fluff. No networking cupcakes. Just grown-up conversations about growth, cashflow, people, direction, and execution.
4. AI’s Not the Answer — but It Can Be Your Assistant
- You don’t need to “leverage AI” like some guru on LinkedIn.
- You just need to save time, make better decisions, and stay on top of things.
- Yes — AI can help with that. (So can someone show you how.)
5. You Are Not Your Business
- You are not your profit margin. You are not your cashflow. You are not your inbox.
- The best leaders know when to zoom out, get perspective, and challenge their own thinking.
- That’s where reflection models, REBT-style coaching, and peer support come in.
So, No, I’m Not Going to Lecture You About EOFY
Instead, let me ask you:
- Are you flying blind or leading with clarity?
- Are you solving root issues or reacting to symptoms?
- Are you growing something sustainable, or just surviving another year?
If the answers, make you squirm — that’s OK. You don’t need a new accountant.
You might just need a new rhythm: one that gives you space, strategy, and support.
EOFY is just a date. What matters is what you do the rest of the year.
Want to try something different?
- Join a TAB Board.
- Get a coach who doesn’t sugar-coat things.
- Build a business that runs with you — not on top of you.
Because at the end of the day, it’s about running your business in a way that keeps you sane, clear-headed, and ready to lead — not just react.