Pictured above: Olivia Blaylock.
With a fresh perspective from Silicon Valley and a focus on strategic clarity and innovation, CEO Olivia Blaylock aims to strengthen Icehouse’s role in fostering business growth and resilience amid evolving challenges for Kiwi SME owners.
In July 2024, Olivia Blaylock stepped into the role of CEO at Icehouse, taking the helm of an organisation known for its commitment to nurturing New Zealand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Olivia brings with her personal insights and experiences as a SME owner and Icehouse Owner Manager Programme alumni, marketing savvy, and optimism for the future as she looks to enter a new growth phase for the organisation.
With a rich history of over two decades, Icehouse has consistently played a pivotal role in empowering business owners to scale and thrive. Founded by David Irving, Icehouse has been instrumental in guiding SMEs through various stages of their growth journey. The organisation offers a range of services designed to upskill business leaders, enhance their strategic thinking, and foster sustainable growth. Its core mission is to provide comprehensive support that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term aspirations of business owners.
A key measure of success for the organisation is the tangible growth businesses realise as a result of their engagement with Icehouse. “We measure our success on impact for our customers; full-time jobs, revenue growth and export growth. Significantly, those who work with us grow at two and a half times those that don’t [according to Stats New Zealand data], a pretty amazing stat.”
Icehouse is also a nonprofit, something Olivia believes gives the organisation a certain credibility. “I’ve been the owner of a business selling training services and the fact that [Icehouse] is here for the good of New Zealand is much easier to talk about. So, I guess really I want us to stand proud of our legacy, but look to make sure that we remain relevant and accessible for customers, and if we are not the right people, that we can introduce them to other partners in our ecosystem.”
Recently back from a trip to the US where she spent two weeks at the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Growing Companies, Olivia has further honed her perspective on Icehouse’s role. She says that the key takeaway from her time in Silicon Valley was the importance of a clear strategy and a strong organisational culture. “The importance of having a clear strategy and a really great culture are crucial,” she says. “Strategy without culture is aimless, and a great culture without strategy is ineffective.”
The new CEO’s emphasis on these elements underscores Icehouse’s commitment to helping SMEs navigate the complexities of the current business environment. By integrating strategic clarity and cultural cohesion into their support framework, Icehouse aims to equip business leaders with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive landscape.
Adapting to a changing landscape
In her new role, Olivia is keenly aware of the challenges facing businesses today.
“One of the biggest things I noticed during my time in Silicon Valley is that mindset is critical. People in other countries seem to be bouncing back quicker, partly because they maintain a more positive outlook.” This observation resonates with Icehouse’s approach to fostering resilience and optimism among its clients.
Olivia’s recent focus has been on providing clarity to business owners. She says that many are seeking guidance on where to direct their efforts, particularly in the current economic climate.
“They’re looking for clarity and knowing where to put their effort right now.”
This insight aligns with Icehouse’s mission to offer actionable strategies and support tailored to the needs of each business.
The organisation has also been proactive in addressing pressing issues such as financial management. Olivia notes an August workshop hosted with Frank Accounting at Icehouse focused on managing finances in turbulent times. “Businesses need to be more intentional and considered about where they apply their discretionary resource. It’s tough out there, and more important than ever to avoid expensive missteps. The smart players are relying on the numbers and making informed, fact-based decisions.”
Her recent exposure to cutting-edge technologies at Stanford has reinforced Olivia’s belief in the importance of embracing innovation. She acknowledges the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies and their potential impact on businesses.
“When you’re in Silicon Valley, what you’re exposed to is next level. AI is going to change things significantly, and it’s our responsibility to demystify it for our clients.”
Icehouse is committed to integrating these insights into its offerings, helping SMEs navigate technological disruptions and leverage new opportunities. Olivia’s vision includes a greater focus on technology and its implications for business growth.
“We need to take a leadership role in some areas like AI,” she says, emphasising the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Enhancing collaboration and ecosystem integration
Under Olivia’s leadership, Icehouse is positioned to strengthen its role within the broader business ecosystem.
“I’d really like to see us play in the ecosystem a bit more. There are so many great organisations out there, and we need to work together to provide comprehensive support to businesses.”
She envisions greater collaboration with other organisations such as the EMA, chambers of commerce, and business mentor organisations. This approach aims to create a more interconnected support network for SMEs, ensuring that businesses receive the right guidance at every stage of their growth.
“How can we get a proper ecosystem going where customers, regardless of their size, are getting the right support?”
This vision reflects Icehouse’s ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for business owners. By leveraging partnerships and integrating with other organisations, Icehouse aims to enhance the effectiveness of its support and provide a holistic approach to business growth.
Looking ahead
As Oliva settles into her role, she is keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The current economic climate presents difficulties for many SMEs, but she sees potential for growth and resilience.
“There will be opportunities, and it might just be that we need to look for them in different places,” she notes.
Without wanting to sound too cliché, her advice to business owners is to: “Use this time to think about how you can thrive in 2025. It’s a great opportunity to re-evaluate your strategies and engage directly with customers.”
Icehouse’s dedication to supporting SMEs remains unchanged under Olivia’s leadership, albeit with a renewed focus on strategic clarity, innovation, and collaboration.
This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of NZBusiness magazine. To read the issue, click here.
