Flying Solo

Flying Solo
  • 4.6 (11)
  • 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. MAR 19

    Mental health and wellbieng secrets for soloists

    Graeme Cowan is a resilience expert, workplace mental health advocate, and founding director of R U OK. Graeme shares his personal journey through one of the most severe cases of depression his psychiatrists had ever seen, revealing the early warning signs he missed, the pressures that contributed to his burnout, and the steps he took to rebuild his life. Now, as the author of "Great Leaders Care," he’s on a mission to educate business owners on why mental health is not a luxury but an essential skill for high performance. Cec and Graeme explore practical strategies for building resilience, creating supportive connections, and leading by example, both for yourself and your team. This episode is packed with tangible advice to help you nurture your wellbeing and stay in the “green zone”—where productivity and creativity thrive. Key topics 1. Mental Health and Early Warning Signs ·       Graeme Cowan shares his personal experience with severe depression, including early signs like waking up at 3-4am with anxiety and ignoring them until they became overwhelming. ·       He emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual warning signs and taking corrective action, such as cutting back on commitments and prioritizing sleep and exercise. ·       The role of self-care for solo business owners is highlighted, especially since there’s often no one else to check in on their well-being. 2. The Importance of Relationships and Connection ·       The Harvard Adult Development Study is cited, showing quality relationships are key to a longer, healthier, and happier life. ·       Graeme Cowan discusses creating “scaffolding” through regular connections and rituals with friends to support mental health. ·       Soloists often let relationships slide due to busy schedules, but scheduling time with people who are good for you is vital for emotional resilience. 3. Actions for Boosting Mood and Productivity ·       Intentional daily actions account for 40% of mood improvement, while genetics and life events have lesser influence. ·       Graeme Cowan recommends focusing on “VIP” – Vitality (physical health), Intimacy (relationships), and Prosperity (career purpose) – and investing in each area every week. ·       Being in the “green zone” (positive mood) leads to enhanced productivity, creativity, and performance. 4. Leadership, Well-being, and Modeling Healthy Practices ·       Leaders in small businesses must prioritize their own mental health, as modeling well-being motivates 91% of employees (compared to 38% if not modeled). ·       The ICARE framework outlined by Graeme Cowan helps leaders identify, support, and encourage help-seeking for those struggling. ·       Scheduling your “one thing” (the activity that centers you) and making it non-negotiable is a powerful mindset shift for avoiding burnout.  Timestamped overview 00:00 "Solo Business and Mental Health" 06:02 "Self-Care for Solopreneurs" 07:02 Mastering Mood and Happiness 12:20 "Prioritizing Relationships and Planning" 16:32 Origins of "Are You Okay?" 17:29 "Building the 'Are You Okay?' Movement" 22:44 Leadership Stress and Self-Care 27:39 "Finding Your One Thing" 28:43 "What’s Your One Thing?" 32:26 "Focus, Connection, Purpose"   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  2. MAR 12

    Late career transitions: How to design a meaningful third chapter

    Robyn Greaves is a career transition specialist and author of Your Third Chapter. In this episode of Flying Solo, she dives into what it means to reimagine your career and find new purpose—especially if you're in your 50s, 60s, or beyond. Rather than viewing this stage as time to wind down, Robyn shares why more people are choosing to start something fresh, whether that's launching a solo business, transitioning into advisory or fractional roles, or simply exploring a new passion. If you're wondering how to shift your mindset, rebuild confidence after redundancy, or make the most of your experience in a changing world of work, this episode is packed with insight and practical tips for navigating the next phase of your career journey. Key topics 1. Rethinking Retirement and the ‘Third Chapter’ Many people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are seeking more purposeful work rather than traditional retirement. The “third chapter” concept is about contribution, using one's wealth of experience, and designing work that feels meaningful. The traditional notion of retirement is evolving, with more people choosing to stay active and involved in new ways. 2. Navigating Career Transitions Later in Life Career changes can be prompted by redundancy, burnout, a desire for something new, or even health challenges. Transitioning successfully often involves self-reflection to identify values, transferable skills, and new aspirations. Robyn Greaves emphasizes experimentation—running small tests or starting side projects—to discover the right next steps. 3. Embracing Portfolio and Fractional Careers More people are building “portfolio careers,” combining several part-time, advisory, or freelance roles instead of relying on one job. Fractional roles allow experienced professionals to contribute to organizations in a flexible way, benefiting both parties. This approach provides greater work variety and income stability, often allowing people to pursue personal passions alongside professional work. 4. Mindset Shifts and the Value of Experience Overcoming internalized and societal misconceptions about age and retirement is critical for unlocking new opportunities. Building confidence after job loss or career change involves mapping out achievements and recognizing diverse skills. Experience, maturity, and resilience are major assets; leveraging them can offer significant business or consultative advantages. Timestamped overview 00:00 Redefining Work in Later Life 03:48 Aspirational Career Transformations 06:56 "Rethinking Purpose After Retirement" 10:10 Rethinking Work and Future Plans 14:17 "Burnout and Life Realignment" 20:19 Navigating Job Loss and Renewal 24:35 "Maturity Offers Unique Strengths" 26:32 "Clarifying Purpose and Values" 30:05 "AI Tools Need Human Oversight" 34:15 "Embrace Your Third Chapter" Host: Cec Busby Guest: Robyn Greaves Sound: Abu Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  3. MAR 5

    From spin to truth: Why integrity drives business growth

    Dominic Thurbon is a behavioral change expert, international speaker, and serial entrepreneur In this episode of Flying Solo Dominic tackles one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses in our era of misinformation and disinformation: honesty and truth. Drawing on experiences from his own entrepreneurial journey, his time as a climate change partner at EY, and insights from his upcoming book To Be Honest, Dominic  explores the profound impact truth—or the lack thereof—has on leadership, team performance, and the health of any business. He digs into the nature of truth in the workplace, the slippery spectrum between positioning and spin, and the crucial role psychological safety plays in creating a culture where people feel empowered to speak up. If you've ever wondered how to foster genuine honesty within your team, navigate the gray areas, or build lasting trust with customers, this episode will give you both practical strategies and thought-provoking perspectives. Key topics 1. The Crisis of Truth and Honesty in Business The modern business landscape is deeply affected by misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated content, making it difficult to discern the truth Dominic Thurbon argues that truth is no longer just a “nice to have” but the foundation of a healthy business and society. A business that loses its commitment to honesty also risks losing effective leadership, sound decision-making, and overall trust within the organization. 2. The Three Types of Truth in Organizations Dominic Thurbon outlines three types of truth: “they truth” (truths about outsiders), “we truth” (truths about the group or company), and “me truth” (personal truths and self-awareness). Most conversations tend to focus externally (“they truth”), even though individuals have more control and impact dealing with “me truth.” Each type of truth requires a different approach and skill set to address honestly and effectively within an organization. 3. The Dangers of Spin and the Importance of Truth for Trust and Performance Businesses that indulge in spin, rather than truth, may see short-term gains but erode trust and sustainable value over time. Long-term customer relationships and high performance are tied to integrity management and cultures where honesty is fostered. Dominic Thurbon makes it clear that nothing “burns trust faster” than realizing a business is dishonest, and that authenticity, though valued, cannot substitute for truth. 4. Psychological Safety and Honest Communication Creating psychological safety is essential for enabling honest conversations and feedback in the workplace. Leaders must work harder than they think to create spaces where employees feel safe to speak up, especially because of inherent power dynamics in organizations. Modeling vulnerability and being the first to admit personal faults (as demonstrated by the story of Peter Sheehan) is a powerful way for leaders to foster honesty within their teams.  Timestamped overview 00:00 "Accidental Entrepreneurial Journey" 04:11 "Truth-Telling Amid Misinformation" 07:05 "In-Group Truths and Leadership" 10:37 The Paradox of Truth 14:33 Morality and Lies in Business 17:45 "Positioning vs. Spin Explained" 21:43 "Sustainable Value Over Short-Term Spin" 23:13 "Truth, Trust, and Authenticity" 28:02 "Honesty Drives Business Performance" 31:38 "Making Truth Safe Matters" 33:16 "Power Dynamics and Speaking Up" 40:06 Pete's Bold Leadership with Feedback 41:42 Extraordinary Leadership and Accountability Host: Cec Busby Guest: Dominic Thurbon Sound: Abu Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  4. FEB 26

    Essential legals for soloists and small business owners

    This week, we take a deep dive into the world of small business legal essentials with special guest Tracey Mylecharane, founder of TM Legal Atelier and a passionate advocate for empowering small businesses. Tracey shares her journey from courtroom litigation to supporting creatives, consultants, and coaches in laying strong legal foundations, helping them dodge costly mistakes and avoid business pitfalls. Tracey unpacks the importance of having tailored contracts, client agreements, and privacy policies, revealing how the right legal framework can protect you from risk, enhance your professionalism, and reduce stress in your business. If you’re a solo entrepreneur who’s ever wondered what legal documents you really need, or how often to review your contracts, this episode s packed with practical advice and actionable insights to keep your business shipshape. Key topics 1. The Importance of Legal Foundations for Soloists and Small Businesses Many businesses end up in litigation due to lack of proper contracts or legal advice. Proper legal documents can help avoid costly disputes and destruction of businesses. Having the right legal foundations is empowering and can protect business owners from unnecessary risk. 2. Common Legal Gaps and Risks for Solo Business Owners Many soloists use templates or AI-generated contracts that are not fit for purpose. Industry-standard documents often lack specificity for individual businesses. Gaps in documentation can lead to misunderstandings, disgruntled clients, and potential financial loss. DIY and AI contracts can give a false sense of security and may not hold up legally. 3. Essential Legal Documents and Review Practices For businesses with a website: client agreement, website terms & conditions, and privacy policy are essential. Privacy legislation is evolving, soon requiring all businesses to have a privacy policy. Legal documents should be reviewed at least annually or whenever there is a change in business operations. Well-designed contracts grow and evolve with the business. 4.Building a Supportive Relationship with Legal Professionals Choosing a lawyer is like choosing a partner; comfort and clear communication are key. Accessibility and transparency in billing practices are important factors. A lawyer should be a long-term support, not a source of stress. The right legal documents and advice can be the most powerful tools for a business. Time stamped overview  00:00 Preventing Business Destruction Through Support 04:17 "Empowering Business Through Contracts" 09:45 ChatGPT Risks in Legal Work 12:40 Managing Expectations with Service Agreements 14:36 "No Free Work for Freelancers" 19:18 Australia's Privacy Policy Changes 22:57 Evolving Business Practices Checklist 26:42 Risk Management and Business Structure 28:42 Managing Risk for Small Businesses 31:24 Choosing the Right Lawyer Host: Cec Busby Guest: Tracey Mylecharane Audio: Abu Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  5. FEB 19

    The brave path to wealth: Mel Browne on money mindset and momentum

    Welcome to Flying Solo, the podcast dedicated to soloists and small business owners forging their own unique paths. In this episode, host Cec Busby sits down with Mel Browen to dive deep into the subject of financial literacy, especially for women who often feel uncomfortable taking control of their finances. Mel Browne, is a renowned financial educator and bestselling author who’s just released her latest book, Dare to Be Wealthy. unpacks the cultural and societal barriers that make wealth a “dirty word” for many women. They discuss the gendered language of finance, and explore the challenges—from pay gaps to the impact of menopause—that affect women’s wealth journeys. Mel offers practical strategies for moving beyond scarcity, building personal wealth alongside business success, and reframing financial confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or simply struggling to talk about money, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you dare to be wealthy, define what wealth means for you, and embrace financial choice. Key topics 1. Women & Money: Barriers and Empowerment Societal discomfort and shame women often feel around money Historical and cultural systems that have excluded women from finance Importance of reframing wealth as choice and opportunity, not greed 2. Mel Browne’s Financial Journey & Lessons Learned Overcoming financial crises after a divorce and starting from scratch Realisation that business success alone doesn’t guarantee personal wealth Shift to teaching strategies for building both business and personal wealth 3. Practical Strategies for Wealth Building Plugging expense “leaks” and creatively increasing income without burnout Automating and simplifying investments, starting with small, regular amounts Utilizing tools like super splitting and government co-contributions to catch up 4. Challenging Limiting Beliefs & Increasing Financial Literacy Addressing common self-doubt: “I’m terrible with money” through mindset shifts and education Recognizing unique challenges for women (e.g., menopause, ADHD) and planning for them Embracing the fact that women statistically outperform men in investing by using simple, steady strategies 5. Impact and Importance of Women’s Wealth When women control wealth, positive effects ripple through families and communities Role modeling financial confidence and literacy for the next generation Encouragement that it’s never too late to start, with resources and support available Timestamped overview 00:00 "Overcoming Doubt, Starting Anew" 03:27 "Lessons from Financial Missteps" 07:07 "Dare to Be Wealthy" 09:50 Gender Bias in Financial Stereotypes 16:00 "Invest Like a Woman" 17:47 Tackling Finances Amid Life Challenges 24:15 "Mastering Money Through Life Seasons" 26:49 Navigating Menopause and Health Choices 29:44 "Super Splitting for Fairness" 34:34 Simplified Investing vs. Emotional Trading 37:14 "Women’s Wealth Drives Social Impact" 39:29 "Start Building Wealth Today" Find out more about Mel Browne Host Cec Busby Audio: Abu Baker: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min

  6. FEB 5

    Shani Taylor on mentoring, scaling up, and authentic business growth

    On this episode of Flying Solo, host Cec Busby sits down with business mentor and founder of scaledup.io, Shani Taylor. Together, they cut through the noise and hype surrounding business mentoring, addressing the real challenges that solo and small business owners face when trying to scale. Shani Thares her no-nonsense insights on everything from moving beyond the solopreneur phase, to managing rapid growth, to overcoming myths about easy wins in business. With her direct, BS-free approach, Shani dives into the importance of clarity, authentic leadership, staying resilient through challenges, and making sure mentorship helps entrepreneurs become the best versions of themselves—rather than just parroting someone else’s ideas. Key topics 1. The Real Value of Business Mentorship Is mentorship a smart investment or just hype? Challenges in finding trustworthy mentors amidst industry saturation Shani 's direct, experience-based approach to coaching 2. Building and Scaling a Successful Business Shani's journey from solo content creator to seven-figure business owner The difference between solopreneurs and business owners scaling up Overcoming common business challenges as you grow 3. Healthy Mentor-Mentee Dynamics Dangers of idolising mentors and losing personal authenticity Signs a client is outsourcing responsibility rather than self-leading Program structures that encourage accountability and self-driven progress 4. Evolving Definitions of Growth and Leadership Growth means more than revenue: time, freedom, and staff well-being are vital Leadership style adaptations are crucial when managing teams versus clients Clarity in vision and breaking goals into actionable milestones 5. Sustaining Momentum & Measuring Success Keeping commitment beyond initial excitement with accountability processes The value of ongoing support (personal results specialists, check-ins) From engagement to conversion: ensuring your efforts lead to real business impact Time-stamped overview 00:00 "Business Mentors: Smart Investment?" 03:25 From Content Creator to 7 Figures 07:17 The Challenges of Being in Business 12:45 "Dangers of Overreliant Mentorship" 15:11 Avoiding Client Idolization 18:53 Evolving Leadership for Better Outcomes 21:19 "Focus on Achievable Goals" 26:00 "Timeless Principles for Selling Success" 27:18 "Mentorship & Advice Appreciation" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    29 min

  7. JAN 29

    Summer Session 2025 Highlights: Why emotional intelligence is the key to business success

    Don't know your IQ from your EQ? Never fear, kick back, and check out our summer season highlight as we dive into a conversation with Amy Jacobson on emotional intelligence and why it's so crucial for business success. Amy Jacobson is a human behaviour and emotional intelligence specialist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. She has made it her mission to help leaders and organisations embed emotional intelligence into their workplace culture—something she believes is often overlooked, yet crucial for business success. In this conversation, Cec and Amy explore what emotional intelligence really is, why it’s a gamechanger for business owners, and practical ways to develop these skills—whether you’re managing a team, navigating tricky conversations, or fostering a positive workplace culture, even in remote settings. Drawing on years of hands-on corporate experience and her new book, "The Emotional Intelligence Advantage," Amy shares actionable advice for building empathy, self-awareness, and resilience in both personal and professional life. 1. Emotional Intelligence as a Learnable Skill It’s not an innate trait, but a set of skills that can be developed and improved throughout life. Practice, repetition, and self-awareness are essential to growing emotional intelligence. Ownership and responsibility for one’s actions and emotions is central to EQ. 2. The Crucial Role of Empathy Empathy is different from sympathy: it requires understanding another’s emotions without judgment. Empathy can be taught and is essential for healthy workplace culture and leadership. Practicing empathy helps navigate difficult conversations and build trust. 3. Navigating Difficult Conversations Address tough issues promptly—don’t avoid or delay. Focus on emotions rather than just facts or situations. Use techniques like the “Ask-Ask-Tell” method to encourage self-ownership while maintaining boundaries. Emotional regulation (such as staying calm and listening) is key during heated discussions. 4. Building a Positive Team and Workplace Culture Emotional intelligence underpins workplace culture, especially with remote and flexible teams. Relationships and understanding what makes people “tick” drive effective collaboration. Lack of emotional intelligence can breed toxicity, poor performance, and disengagement. Timestamped overview 00:00 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace 04:46 Emotional Intelligence: Ownership & Impact 09:23 Teaching Empathy in Toxic Workplaces 12:28 Overcoming Fear in Tough Talks 16:34 "Handling Anger with Empathy" 18:45 "Empathetic Communication Technique" 21:42 Building Emotional Connections 26:17 Perspective on Leadership Differences 29:12 "Breathe: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence" 32:16 Celebrate the Book's Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  8. JAN 22

    Summer Session 2025 Highlights: Essential resilience skills for solopreneurs

    Looking for a great listen this summer? Check out our highlights from the past year and learn a new skill today! This week's episode of Flying Solo focuses on the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of being a solo entrepreneur—our personal wellbeing and resilience. Melli O'Brien, renowned coach, mindfulness educator, and author of Deep Resilience has aided over a million individuals worldwide in finding inner calm and clarity. She shares her personal journey from dealing with mental health crises to becoming a beacon of mindfulness and strength. In this conversation, Melli dives into the key skills necessary for cultivating resilience, breaking down her four-part method designed to empower you through life's adversities. Whether you're feeling burnt out, caught in overthinking traps, or simply eager to strengthen your mindset, this episode is filled with practical insights and strategies to help you reconnect with your inner strength and values. Key topics Melli O'Brien's Background and Journey Her experience with a difficult childhood leading to mental health challenges. Hitting a crisis point with mental health issues like an eating disorder, depression, and suicidal ideation. Discovering resilience and happiness as skills and seeking guidance. Development of Skills and Writing of "Deep Resilience" Book Encounter with teachings from Buddhism and psychology about resilience. Development of skills leading to significant personal transformation. Motivation to write her book based on patterns observed in others. Discussion on Resilience and Inner Strength Difference observed between those who struggle and those who thrive under adversity. Introduction to the "deep resilience method" and its foundational skills. The FEAR and RISE Models Explanation of the FEAR model, outlining elements leading to spirals of struggle. Introduction to the RISE model as a counteracting strategy to FEAR. Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions Addressing skepticism around mindfulness and its practical benefits. Explanation of how mindfulness helps manage thoughts and emotions effectively. Practical Application of Mindfulness and Managing Overthinking Real-life example from Melli's personal experience with her cat's health emergency. Implementing mindfulness techniques and regulating negative thoughts. Addressing Burnout and Maintaining Balance Understanding and recognising the signs of burnout. Importance of balancing life activities through an inventory of "drainers" and "sustainers." Timestamped overview 06:17 Deep Resilience and Personal Growth 10:05 Overcoming FEAR Pattern 11:52 Managing Emotions and Stress Wisely 15:52 Staying Connected to Your Values 18:53 Overcoming Anxious Thoughts 21:14 Mindfulness Simplifies Emotional Awareness 27:20 Resilience Framework: 3 C's for Wellbeing 28:49 Mastering Skills Through Practice 34:57 Mindfulness to Combat Burnout 38:47 Burnout Check-In: Drainers vs. Sustainers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
See All (489)

4.6
out of 5
11 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
    489
  • 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.

You Might Also Like