The Hidden Cost of Cost Cutting: Why Businesses Need a Better Strategy

Running a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending?

In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Haskell to unpack the smart side of cost management—one that doesn’t sacrifice quality, capability, or growth. Whether you're scaling, restructuring, or trying to improve margins, this episode will help you recognise the difference between cutting costs and optimising them.

Michael shares practical strategies including how to:

• Identify hidden inefficiencies eating into profit
• Decide which roles must remain local and which can be outsourced or made remote
• Use alternate staffing models (salary, contract, offshore talent) to protect cashflow and capability
• Improve margins without compromising service or output
• Shift thinking from “spend less” to “invest smarter”

Listeners will walk away with a clearer, more confident approach to costs—one that strengthens operational discipline and business value rather than weakening it.

Michael Haskell is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience helping businesses grow smarter and faster. He’s taken companies public and now serves as the managing partner of Navitas Consulting, a firm that helps businesses scale by placing top finance talent - remotely and cost-effectively.

Michael has worked across New Zealand, Singapore, and the U.S., and is passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and impactful. He’s also a dynamic speaker who shares real-world advice on growth strategy, cost management, and leadership.

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