Taking Leaps of Faith: Adventures in Business with Alison Blanchett-Sax

What do camel riding in Jordan and running an accounting practice have in common? More than you'd think, according to Alison Blanchett-Sax from Smart Business Centre in Nelson.

In this chat with Sumith Dissanayake, Alison reveals how her adventurous spirit – from standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon to navigating desert landscapes – mirrors her approach to helping small business owners take those crucial leaps of faith. "If you don't try, you don't know," she says, and it's this philosophy that drives her work with passionate entrepreneurs.

Alison doesn't fit the typical accountant mould. She believes in understanding her clients' cultural backgrounds, passions, and dreams before crunching any numbers. Her multicultural team brings diverse perspectives to serve Nelson's varied business community, and she's adamant that authenticity beats standardised packages every time.

The conversation touches on how AI will reshape accounting (spoiler: it won't replace the human touch), why she pays her staff hourly rather than salaries, and her ongoing quest for work-life balance – though she admits she hasn't quite nailed that one yet.

From humble beginnings with just a printer and computer, Alison has built a practice that prioritises bespoke advice over cookie-cutter solutions. Her next adventure? Vegas and another crack at the Grand Canyon – this time with her husband in tow.

Got something to say about the future of accounting in NZ? Let’s chat — you could be our next guest.

Email - Sumith@brisca.co.nz

Chapters

• 0:00 If You Don't Try, You Don't Know
• 0:36 Guest Introduction: Alison Blanchett-Sax
• 1:06 Standing on the Edge of the Grand Canyon
• 2:36 From Camels to Cashflows
• 4:05 When Passion Meets the Numbers
• 6:51 Why AI Can't Replace a Good Chat
• 8:57 Understanding Different Ways of Doing Business
• 10:42 The Clients and Team That Click
• 17:04 The Balance I Haven't Quite Nailed Yet
• 21:03 The Next Adventure Awaits