Flying Solo

Flying Solo
  • 4.8 (60)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

The show for those starting or running a one person business, hosted by Cec Busby. With over 100,000 members and stacks of resources, Flying Solo keeps you on track.

  1. 3 days ago

    Building social courage: Lessons From 500 lunches with strangers

    Nick Bendel is the author of The 500 Lunches Effect. Nick  transformed his life and career by inviting 500 strangers to lunch over six years. Despite identifying as an introvert, Nick challenged himself to step out of his comfort zone in an experiment he calls “social courage.” In this episode, we dive into what he learned from hundreds of conversations with people from all walks of life—entrepreneurs, politicians, creatives, and more—and what these experiences taught him about networking, building genuine relationships, and overcoming fears and hesitation that is holding you back. Whether you struggle with confidence, hate networking events, or simply want to make more meaningful connections, this episode shares insights on how small interpersonal risks can lead to big personal and professional rewards. Key topics 1. Social Courage and Overcoming Hesitation Social courage is about taking action before you feel ready, even if it means risking embarrassment or failure Confidence is built through action, not the other way around The habit of talking yourself out of opportunities can compound negative effects over time, while practicing social courage leads to more happiness and success Social courage is like a muscle—developed through repetition and must be maintained 2. Building Genuine Relationships Through Networking Networking should focus on building good conversations rather than immediate sales or transactions Many people at networking events desire meaningful connections but aren’t sure how to achieve them Asking genuine questions and showing real interest in others fosters deeper relationships. Becoming a good listener and allowing others to share helps create trust and rapport. 3. The 500 Lunches Experiment Nick committed to meeting people from all walks of life, not just potential clients, to expand his social skills and mindset The project took six years instead of the planned five and involved people aged 18 to 95 and from diverse professions. Initial outreach was mostly via LinkedIn, and most people did not reply, but Nick learned to manage rejection. Some meetings, like with a hostage negotiator, were almost abandoned due to nerves, underscoring the effort needed to push past comfort zones. 4. Practical Advice for Soloists and Small Business Owners Changing your internal narrative is crucial—don’t be too hard on yourself and realize everyone has insecurities. Growth in social courage and networking comes from taking small, regular steps, such as reaching out to one new person per. Don’t follow someone else’s exact method; find a stretch activity that fits your personality and goals. Business opportunities often arise from authentic relationships formed through these courageous actions, not from directly seeking transactions. Time-stamped overview 00:00 Overcoming introversion for business success 04:21 Connecting with diverse individuals 09:22 Understanding social courage 10:08 Building Confidence Through Action 16:33 Understanding Nervous Conversation Habits 17:46 Overcoming rejection when networking 20:59 The power of curiosity 24:05 Meeting people while managing work 28:07 Overcoming fear of rejection 30:38 Closing remarks by Cec Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 30 July

    High performance without burnout: Lessons from elite sports for business owners

    Jessica Spendlove is a high-performance coach and author whose new book For the Long Run explores how sustainable success depends as much on rest, daily habits, and energy management as it does on ambition. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience working with elite athletes, military personnel, and business leaders, Jessica shares practical strategies for soloists and small business owners to avoid burnout, build healthy work rhythms, and prioritise self-care without guilt. Tune in as we unpack the myths around "optimisation," learn how to identify your personal domino habit, and discover simple changes you can make to boost your performance and wellbeing for the long haul. Key topics 1. High Performance and Sustainable Success Jessica Spendlove challenges the “work harder” mindset and promotes long-term habits and systems over constant hustle Her experience with elite athletes, military, and business leaders shows the importance of recovery and personal energy management Sustainable performance is achieved through prioritisation, not endless optimisation or habit stacking 09:53Error! Filename not specified. 2. Personalisation and the “Operating System” Approach Advocates for customising routines based on individual needs, goals, and current life season—not copying others’ regimens Introduces the concept of a personal operating system built on five “rhythms”: nutrition, movement, sleep, stress/recovery, and connection Emphasises consistency-with-flexibility (“rhythm”) over rigidity for better energy and stress management 3. Practical Habits to Prevent Burnout Identify and protect a “domino habit” each morning that positively sets the day’s tone Take intentional, stimulant-free “brain breaks” two or three times daily to support focus and recovery Reframe breaks and self-care as essential investments that enhance—not diminish—business performance 4. Managing Boundaries in Modern Work Life Working from home can blur lines between work and personal life, requiring proactive routines and boundaries Suggests shutting down devices, creating rituals to open/close the workday, and removing technology from the bedroom Encourages realistic self-compassion and gradual habit changes for lasting results 5. Key Takeaway: Prioritise What Works for You Focus on what’s possible on your busiest days rather than benchmarking against your “best self” Customisation and self-prioritisation benefit both individual wellbeing and everyone around you Sustainable success comes from small, meaningful shifts—not grand overhauls Time-stamped overview 00:00 Introducing Jessica Spendlove 05:11 Mentorship leading to career opportunities 08:54 Athletes and entrepreneurs' common goals 12:30 The problem with being busy 14:05 Finding Your Morning Domino Habit 19:40 Writing the book concept 22:09 Customising routines and personal rhythms 26:57 Balancing work intensity and rest 30:18 Prioritising self-care for productivity 33:32 Creating work-life balance rituals 36:55 Adapting to Your Current Season   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 24 July

    Are you the bottleneck in your business?

    Jayne Robinson is a former primary school teacher who redefined her life and career after asking herself the critical question: Is this all there is? Jane shares her journey from a career crossroads to becoming a personal transformation coach, international speaker, and author. In this episode they explore what happens when the business you built becomes a cage instead of freedom, how self-limiting beliefs can become bottlenecks in your work and life, and why embracing courage—and a little discomfort—might be the key to truly transformative change. Whether you’re feeling stuck, comfortable, or standing on the edge of your next big move, this conversation is packed with practical insights on breaking free from the “cage of comfort” and living life on your own terms. Key topics Jane Robertson’s Journey and Transformation Left teaching after a crisis of purpose and confidence Built a new career as a transformation coach and author Utilised personal adversity as a catalyst for change Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Business Surface problems often mask deeper stories and self-limiting beliefs Childhood experiences frequently shape current business behaviors Increasing self-awareness and reframing beliefs is crucial for growth The challenge of comfoirt zones The “cage of comfort” keeps many from pursuing true fulfillment Resentment, stagnation, or burnout signal a need for change Courage is needed to sacrifice comfort for personal and business evolution Action vs. Overthinking Over-reflection and learning can become forms of procrastination Taking imperfect action is more effective than waiting for certainty Asking for help and accepting you can’t do it all speeds growth Lessons from "The Freedom Experiment Writing the book increased Jane Robertson’s visibility and authenticity The book encourages readers to reflect honestly and pursue courageous change True freedom means living by your own values while making a positive impact Time-stamped overview 00:00 Questioning my teaching career 06:21 Navigating early career challenges 07:02 Choosing a niche in life coaching 10:13 Understanding identity and self-perception 14:00 Recognizing and managing default self 18:32 Choosing comfort over growth 23:06 Navigating fear and risk decisions 26:51 Overcoming Decision Paralysis 28:35 Discussing The Freedom Experiment 31:56 Finding clarity and creating change 34:50 Episode conclusion and outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 16 July

    Discipline over talent: Jason Dunn’s guide to success in sport and business

    At 62, Jason Dunn is a pretty remarkable individual. He has completed more than 14 Ironman events, multiple ultramarathons, and built several successful businesses along the way; and he’s still chasing new challenges, In this episode of Flying Solo, Dunn shares insights from his latest book, Greatness Doesn't Care, arguing that real success relies less on talent and more on the everyday choices we make. So settle in, as we explore the connections between discipline, resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and the mindset of an endurance athlete. Whether you’re building your business from scratch or facing tough times as a solo entrepreneur, this episode is packed with wisdom on pushing through discomfort, building habits that stick, and finding your own path to greatness—no matter what life throws your way. Time-stamped overview 00:00 Life experiences and personal growth 04:12 Struggling with purpose and habits 06:52 Overcoming fear through swimming 10:56 Creating actionable daily plans 15:41 Importance of planning and discipline 17:34 Mastering mindset for success 22:12 Overcoming challenges and thriving 24:01 Embracing challenges in training 29:55 Learning social media and helping others 31:22 Starting a Running Routine 35:47 Finding purpose through struggle 40:24 Learning vulnerability in leadership 44:03 Improving team communication 44:46 Finding mentors from other industries Key Topics 1. Discipline and Routine Jason Dunn emphasizes that discipline is critical for achieving success, whether in athletic pursuits or business Discipline involves consistently taking action on the most important tasks, regardless of how you feel . The Stoic philosophy of self-mastery resonates strongly, focusing on aligning wisdom (planning) with action 2. Mindset and Resilience Mastering your mindset is foundational for self-mastery and success Resilience is not just about surviving significant events, but about facing daily challenges and making small decisions consistently. Jason Dunn reframes struggle and failure as essential elements for growth and meaning, advocating to associate them with success . 3. Purpose vs. Goals Purpose is more powerful and sustainable than simple goal-setting). Many people fail at goals like New Year’s resolutions because they lack a deeper purpose behind the goal. A strong, meaningful purpose helps carry individuals through difficult moments and sustains motivation over time . 4. Avoiding Comparison and Harnessing Vulnerability Jason Dunn warns that comparison—especially through social media—undermines confidence and joy. Progress should be measured against your own previous self, not others, because greatness is being "better than yesterday. Embracing vulnerability leads to greater personal and business growth, allowing for admitting mistakes and creating deeper connections.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 10 July

    How managing energy beats time management for business owners

    Dr Amantha Imber is an organisational psychologist, founder of Inventium, and host of the acclaimed How I Work pHodcast. Despite years spent teaching leaders how to work smarter, Dr. Imber found herself burning out, leading her to question whether time management is really the answer to sustainable high performance. In this episode Cec and Amantha explore the importance of managing energy—not just time—and share practical, science-backed strategies for boosting, resting, and protecting your energy so you can thrive in your business without running yourself into the ground. If you’re a solo operator feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you recharge and avoid burnout. 1. Energy Management vs. Time Management Many believe time management is the key to success, but managing energy may be more important for sustainable performance. Burnout can occur even when using optimal productivity systems and time management tools. The importance of understanding and actively managing energy, not just time, is emphasised for business owners. 2. Recognising Burnout and Early Warning Signs Burnout is often a slow build-up, not an overnight event. Early warning signs involve depletion in three areas: physical (chronic fatigue), mental (brain fog, difficulty making decisions), and emotional energy (heightened sensitivity, frequent tears). Being able to identify these signs early can help individuals intervene before reaching a crisis point. 3. Practical Strategies for Boosting and Protecting Energy Simple, evidence-backed strategies (like a 30-second cold shower, the “mint hit,” or a “silent walk”) can rapidly improve energy levels Protecting energy is as crucial as boosting it—using tactics like the “70% rule” for delegating tasks to prevent unnecessary energy drain. Experimenting with different techniques and tracking results makes it easier to find what works for each individual’s unique needs. 4. The Role of People and Culture in Energy Management Working with “dementors” (energy-draining people) can significantly deplete emotional energy; addressing or removing such influences is key. Even valuable team members or clients may need feedback or boundaries if they negatively impact energy and culture. Firing clients and performance-managing team members who consistently drain energy may be necessary for long-term sustainability Timestamped overview 00:00 Experiencing burnout as a CEO 04:12 The burnout recovery fantasy 08:38 Research and writing the third book 13:41 Finding the minimum viable dose 15:40 Cold water therapy strategies 21:12 Struggling with low sales and stress 23:55 Firing difficult clients 26:09 Managing team performance issues 29:39 Boost, rest, and protect strategies 34:50 Delegating with the 70% rule 36:49 Challenges of Untrained AI Use 42:03 Recognizing early burnout signs 43:48 Using peppermint oil for energy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 2 July

    Making your small business newsworthy: Expert advice from Liz Nable

    Liz Nable is a former television journalist turned business owner who now specialises in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses to secure media coverage, build their public profiles, and position themselves as experts. Drawing on 15 years in newsrooms, Liz shares insider tips on what journalists look for, how to craft a compelling brand story, and why being the face of your business is a powerful advantage in today’s media landscape. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the thought of PR or wondering how to get your story noticed without a big budget, this episode is packed with actionable advice on pitching, standing out, and making your business unignorable to the media. Key topics 1. Common Misunderstandings About Media & PR Many small business owners perceive media and PR as overly complicated and too time-consuming to tackle alongside daily business demands There is a misconception that you must know journalists personally or be an expert in PR to get coverage Owners often underestimate the value of their own story and hesitate to be the face of their business, even though this human element is highly attractive to media 2. Effective Media Pitching Strategies Make it about the problem you solve or the issues in your industry, not just your product or service     Keep pitches concise—avoid lengthy, two-page life stories that overwhelm busy journalists Tailor your pitch by understanding the outlet’s audience and having familiarity with their recent content 3. Building Authority and Consistent Visibility Consistently pitch and show up in front of media professionals—being visible and easy to work with increases chances of being featured repeatedly Use social media and owned channels (website, email list, podcast) to reinforce expertise and share your story, which can complement and amplify earned media. Consider every piece of content or pitch as reusable across different channels, and repurpose ideas to maximize their reach 4. Trends and Evolving Media Landscape·      Journalists have a constant need for fresh content due to digital platforms, making it an opportune time for small business stories       There’s a growing appetite for authentic, human stories, especially those focusing on health, innovation, personal journeys, and cost-of-living challenges       Media is favoring independent, Australian-owned small businesses over faceless corporations, and human connection is more valued than ever  Timestamped overview 00:00 Introducing media expert Liz Nabel 03:15 Pitching to the Media 06:20 Tips for Effective Media Pitching 11:34 The power of human connection 15:59 Realizing the impact of business skills 18:08 Media Masters Academy for small businesses 20:41 Using the same content idea 24:59 Understanding Your Audience Online 28:35 Using social media for PR 30:55 Repurposing content for marketing 34:36 Growing interest in health media 39:59 Sustaining PR for small businesses 41:38 Sharing website and program info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 25 June

    From hustle to happiness: rewriting the rules for small business success

    Declan Edwards is the founder of BU Happiness College,  a positive psychology researcher, and author of the book How to Be Happy. In this episode of Flying Solo, Declan explains why happiness isn’t just a lucky outcome or the reward for success—but a practical skill that anyone can learn and practice. Declan shares insights from more than a decade of happiness research, unpacks the myths around what truly brings fulfillment (beyond just landing the next big client or hitting a revenue milestone), and delivers actionable strategies so that solo business owners can build happier, more meaningful lives—without waiting for everything to be perfect. If you’ve ever found yourself postponing happiness for some future achievement, this episode is for you. Declan Edwards emphasises that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion or lucky accident, but a skill that can be learned and practised through evidence-based methods. The concept of the "hedonic treadmill" (the "I'll be happy when..." mindset) traps individuals in a perpetual pursuit of future milestones rather than experiencing happiness in the present. Declan Edwards built his curriculum around 75 distinct skills that can increase one's happiness, though mastering all is not necessary—expanding your toolkit is what matters. The pressures of business ownership often amplify the happiness trap, as soloists connect their worth and contentment to their business outcomes. Introspection and self-knowledge are highlighted as vital skills, helping business owners separate their identity from the success or failure of their business. Success does not guarantee happiness; research shows that building happiness skills first makes professional and personal success more likely. The notion that happiness is simply about thinking positively or manifesting outcomes is refuted; Declan Edwards stresses that this kind of toxic positivity can be harmful and counterproductive. Negative emotions are seen as essential to a full human experience—happiness is not the absence of challenge or discomfort but the ability to navigate them effectively. The expectation that happiness means feeling good all the time is a misunderstanding; emotional complexity and resilience are key. Simple practices such as regular introspection, gratitude journaling, and savoring positive moments foster greater happiness and satisfaction. Human connection and relationships play a critical role; happiness is interdependent, benefiting both the individual and those around them through a measurable ripple effect. Declan Edwards encourages listeners to move beyond knowledge and actually implement takeaways from these discussions to see real change in their lives. 00:00 Chasing Success and Finding Happiness 06:11 Building a happiness skillset 07:34 Selecting key happiness skills 11:38 Balancing work and personal life 14:25 Goals and pursuit of happiness 19:14 Defining personal happiness 23:29 Balancing success and happiness 26:34 Practicing daily gratitude journaling 28:59 Practicing daily introspection 34:13 Contagiousness of happiness and its impact 35:20 Spreading happiness through our actions 38:32 Criticism of manifestation trends 42:31 Inspiring action from learned insights     Host: Cec Busby Sound: Abu Baker Guest: Declan Edwards Find out more about Declan. Key topics1. The Science and Skill of Happiness2. Happiness and Business Ownership3. Common Misconceptions and Toxic Positivity4. Practical Habits and The Ripple EffectTime-stamped overviewListen now: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 19 June

    The power of purpose: Cherie Mylordis on thriving in tough times

    Work futurist Cherie Mylordis explores the powerful role purpose plays in helping soloists and small business owners thrive—especially when times get tough. Drawing on her transformative experience as part of the founding team for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Cherie Mylordes shares insights into how a shared sense of purpose can energize teams, guide decision-making, and act as an antidote to burnout and uncertainty. Cherie  unpacks the practical ways any business—no matter the size—can define and activate its purpose to engage people, attract the right customers, and build a motivated, resilient culture. If you’ve ever wondered how to reconnect with what drives you or how to stand out in challenging times, this conversation has you sorted. Key topics 1. The Power of Purpose in Business Purpose unites people and drives engagement, as seen in the Sydney Olympics experience. Organizations grounded in purpose respond better during crises and uncertainty. Aligning personal and business purpose enhances motivation and combats burnout. 2. Making Purpose Practical for Small Businesses Purpose shapes customer experience, branding, and business ethos (e.g., nursery and mechanic examples). It serves as a filter for decision-making and prioritization, especially amid overwhelm. A clear purpose can attract ideal customers and staff while repelling mismatches. 3. Defining and Embedding Purpose Purpose is broader and more enduring than a vision or mission statement. Use thought-provoking questions (“Why do I exist? What if I couldn’t fail?”) to articulate purpose. Purpose must be seen, felt, and lived—visible in branding and present in daily actions. 4. Purpose as a Driver of Culture and Adaptability Purpose-driven organizations foster meaningful work and strong workplace cultures. Giving employees autonomy and permission to act on purpose ignites innovation and engagement. Revisiting and evolving purpose periodically ensures continued relevance as the business changes. 5. Future Trends and Takeaways Rising generations demand meaningful, purpose-driven work and flexibility. Technology should streamline tasks, freeing people for purposeful, human-centered work. Reflecting on purpose regularly guides businesses through uncertainty and opportunity. Time stamped overview 03:49 Preparing for the international Games 07:48 Eden Gardens business philosophy 10:36 Evaluating priorities through purpose 15:07 Exploring deeper business motivations 18:07 Recognizing team strengths and roles 20:17 Empowering Elderly to Thrive 24:15 Building a Purpose-Driven Team 29:53 Reevaluating business purpose 31:08 Rethinking business impact and growth 34:37 Finding clarity through purpose Host; Cec Busby Sound: Abu Baker Guest Cherie Mylordis Find out more abut Cherie and Nextgenify https://nextgenify.com/     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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4.8
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

The show for those starting or running a one person business, hosted by Cec Busby. With over 100,000 members and stacks of resources, Flying Solo keeps you on track.

Information

  • Creator
    Flying Solo
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    508
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Private Media. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction, distribution, or use of this podcast, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

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