Breaking Solo

Donna Amos
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

🎧 Breaking Solo is your go-to podcast for insights from solopreneurs who’ve made it happen—sharing their strategies, challenges, and the tools they use to stay ahead.

  1. Fix It in the Right Order: Ken Steven on the Five Growth Drivers Solopreneurs Keep Getting Wrong

    4d ago

    Fix It in the Right Order: Ken Steven on the Five Growth Drivers Solopreneurs Keep Getting Wrong

    What if the reason your revenue is stuck isn't that you're doing the wrong things — but that you're doing them in the wrong order? In this episode, I sit down with Ken Steven, business growth consultant and creator of the Revenue Growth Readiness Scorecard, for a conversation that genuinely shifted how I think about scaling a solo business. Ken spent years turning around companies stuck on a $5–7M plateau — with a 93.7% success rate — and along the way he kept seeing the same five growth drivers stymie progress over and over: mindset and vision, offer and business model, marketing and visibility, systems and automation, and authority and reach. We talk about why the conventional advice to "fix your weakest driver first" is often dead wrong (using a brilliant car-won't-start analogy), why most coaches and consultants leap to spending more on marketing when the real problem lives upstream in their offer, and why pricing is the single fastest lever to add $20K/month to a solo business. Ken also opens up about the moment he doubled his rate on a whim and won the gig anyway, the pivot to taking a piece of the upside on business turnarounds, and why solopreneurs who score "green" across all five drivers are often the ones quietly leaving the most revenue on the table through complacency. I took his free scorecard before the conversation — and the discussion that came out of my results made me rethink what "doing well" actually means in a solo business. If you've been throwing tactics at a plateau hoping something sticks, this is the diagnostic-first conversation you didn't know you needed. BIO Ken Steven is a seasoned business growth advisor and the creator of the Revenue Freedom Method™. For decades, Ken specialized in doubling the sales and profits of private companies, achieving that result for 93.7% of his clients. Today, his focus is on helping solopreneur coaches and consultants, and founders of service-based businesses, break through revenue plateaus. His goal is simple: to show you how to add at least $20,000 to your monthly revenue without adding more hours to your week. Website https://kensteven.com/ Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethsteven/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachKenStevenFreebie Giveaway Link The Revenue Growth Readiness Scorecard: https://scorecard.kensteven.com/ken-ldxawjii

    30 min
  2. Take Back the Pen: Donna Thorell on Building a Wellness Business for Women Who Look Like They Have It All Together

    May 22

    Take Back the Pen: Donna Thorell on Building a Wellness Business for Women Who Look Like They Have It All Together

    What do you do when the medical world keeps telling you "it's just hormones" and you know it's something more? In this episode, I sit down with Donna Thorell, founder of Vitality by Donna, who became her own case study after years of being dismissed by doctors — and ended up building an entire holistic wellness practice for women out of what she learned. Donna shares how she lost 70 pounds, rebalanced her body and mind, and reverse-engineered the system that's now helping her clients do the same. We talk about why she works exclusively with "women who look like they have it all together" (but quietly aren't), how she pieces together nervous system regulation, body awareness, nutrition, and movement into a single connected approach — and why she pushes back hard on the surgery-and-shots culture that's pressuring women to fix what was never broken. Donna also shares her Safe Touch Protocol, built on a sobering statistic about how many women carry trauma into every space they enter, and why treating every client as if you know their story (even when you don't) is the foundation of trust-based solopreneurship. We dig into her three-days-on, four-days-off work rhythm, why a coach needs a coach, and the upcoming pajama-party-style retreats she's running where multimillion-dollar executives and stay-at-home moms sit side by side as equals. Her advice to anyone starting out? Find your why — and don't let the world write the ending to your story. BIO m a trauma-informed Holistic Health Practitioner and the founder of a woman-owned wellness practice built for women who have been strong for too long.My work comes from lived experience. I am a trauma survivor who had to find my own way back when support didn’t exist for me. That journey became my foundation… and now it’s the work I bring to every woman I serve.I specialize in nervous system regulation and whole-person wellness, integrating nutrition, body-based therapies, and my proprietary SafeTouch Protocol to help women move out of survival mode and back into their bodies. This isn’t surface-level care… it’s deep recalibration that restores energy, reduces inflammation, and rebuilds confidence from the inside out.I work with high-functioning, emotionally giving women… professionals, caregivers, leaders, and survivors… who are ready to stop just getting through life and start fully living it.Through private immersions, coaching, and specialized treatments, I create spaces where women can regulate, rebuild, and lead their lives from a place of clarity and power.I don’t help women cope.I help them come home to themselves… and from there, everything changes. Website Www.VitalityByDonna.com Social Media Links Vitality By Donna on IG and FB, Donna Thorell on Linkedin

    24 min
  3. From "Churning Fluff" to Sales Impact: Richard Cook on Building a B2B PR Business Across Continents

    May 17

    From "Churning Fluff" to Sales Impact: Richard Cook on Building a B2B PR Business Across Continents

    What do you do when a client tells you your entire industry is "churning fluff"? If you're Richard Cook, you let it shake you — and then you use it to reinvent the way you work. In this episode, I sit down with Richard, founder and managing director of London-based B2B PR consultancy Champion Communications, for a conversation that ranges from accidental solopreneurship to running a UK business from São Paulo. Richard shares how his original business partner's maternity leave nudged him into going solo by design, how that single offhand "churning fluff" comment pushed him to redefine PR as a demand-generation engine instead of a press-release factory, and why he believes it's never been a more possible time to build a service business alone. We dig into his 5 AM routine (born of necessity, kept by choice), why he's traded LinkedIn for Substack as his daily intellectual fuel, and the surprisingly elegant way he's using Claude to map out which media outlets have OpenAI licensing agreements — so his clients' stories land where AI models are actually reading. Richard also shares the most underrated piece of advice he wishes he'd taken seriously: don't be afraid of fear. The terror of solopreneurship doesn't go away — but you can learn to use the adrenaline instead of running from it. If you've ever wondered whether the panic you feel is a sign you're failing or a sign you're paying attention, this conversation will reframe the whole thing. Bio Richard Cook is the Managing Director of Champion Communications, a London-based PR and communications consultancy specialising in helping B2B technology companies grow. Founded in 2008, Champion has grown into a tight-knit, high-performing team, making Richard no stranger to the challenges of building a small business.Rather than chasing vanity metrics, Richard is relentless in his pursuit of growth, showing the real value of PR through campaigns dedicated to generating leads and driving web traffic. It's a mindset that resonates deeply with founders and small business owners who need their marketing to move the needle.With a background spanning the Prince's Trust International, Kaizo, and Big Group, Richard brings a well-rounded perspective to communications and business growth. He has a passion for helping smaller companies punch above their weight, earn credibility, and get noticed in competitive markets. Website https://championcomms.com/ Social Media Links https://uk.linkedin.com/company/champion-communications

    21 min
  4. The Founder's Number Two: Beth Sanders on Fractional COO Work, Getting Crystal Clear, and Why Solopreneurs Need a Thought Partner

    May 10

    The Founder's Number Two: Beth Sanders on Fractional COO Work, Getting Crystal Clear, and Why Solopreneurs Need a Thought Partner

    What happens when sheer will gets your business to the point where willpower alone isn't enough? In this episode, I sit down with Beth Sanders, founder of Ballast Ops and a fractional COO who specializes in being the "number two" for founders who've outgrown going it alone. Beth shares why she left full-time work to partner with multiple founders at once, how being EOS-certified shaped her approach, and why she flexes to what each business needs instead of running the same playbook for every client. We dig into the irony of being great at time management for everyone except yourself, the change management framework she used to lead an entire company through becoming AI-first, and the personal ROI calculator that's reshaping how she says yes (and no) to work. Beth also shares the single piece of advice she'd give every new solopreneur — and why spending two months getting really, really clear on what you offer paid off more than any networking event ever could. If you've been white-knuckling your way through running every part of your business and quietly wondering whether you need a thought partner, this conversation will help you see what's possible on the other side. Bio Founders usually find me when execution starts slipping under growth: deals stall, customer retention softens, priorities collide, and teams lose clarity on what matters most.I step in to rebuild execution at the system level - aligning leadership, installing operating discipline, and turning strategy into results without adding friction or bureaucracy. Over the last several years, I've helped companies: - Scale revenue 5x+ across multiple growth stages- Increase close rates and shorten sales cycles- Improve customer retention and customer experience- Install EOS-based operating systems that teams actually run- Stabilize execution during inflection points, transitions, and downturns I think like an owner, execute like an operator, and lead without ego. I work best with founders who want a true operating partner - someone who owns execution across functions and builds results that compound. Fractional COO and EOS Growth Integrator. Operating style & assessments: Predictive Index (Captain) - Kolbe 8-6-3-3 - EOS Integrator (Masterclass Certified 2024) https://www.ballastops.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethksanders/

    14 min
  5. Built, Not Branded: Sarah Choudhary on Running Four Ventures, Solving Broken Systems, and the Permission-to-Authority Shift

    May 3

    Built, Not Branded: Sarah Choudhary on Running Four Ventures, Solving Broken Systems, and the Permission-to-Authority Shift

    What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start building because you can see exactly what's broken? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Choudhary — PhD in data science, Forbes Technology Council member, and CEO of ICE Innovations — for a conversation that completely reframed how I think about solopreneurship at scale. After 20+ years building AI strategy for 150+ organizations including Fortune 500s, Sarah is now bootstrapping four ventures simultaneously: ICE Rideshare (paying drivers fairly with a 25% commission instead of 30–60%), iChef (a home-cooked food marketplace), Sprowberry (a barter economy app), and Zora (an AI-powered decision engine for solopreneurs). We talk about how she runs multiple companies as one architecture instead of four separate chaos factories, why differentiation has to be built into the product (not the marketing), and the mindset shift she calls moving from permission to authority — the realization that wasted years of her career waiting for someone to green-light her ideas. We also dig into why AI is leverage (not labor replacement), why compounding only rewards the founders who stay in the game, and why protecting your sharpest 90 minutes is one of the most important business decisions you'll make. If you've ever felt the pull to build something but kept waiting for someone to validate the idea first, Sarah's story is the permission slip you didn't know you needed — and the proof you don't need one at all. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-solo/id1802739542 Bio Sarah Choudhary is a seasoned technologist, serial entrepreneur, and visionary leader with over two decades of experience spanning AI, machine learning, data science, and cloud computing. From pioneering integrations of artificial intelligence with real-world applications to founding and scaling multiple successful companies, Sarah's journey is one of relentless innovation. Holding a PhD in Data Science and having consulted for industry giants like Ernst & Young and Accenture, she now leads ICE Innovations — building the next generation of AI-powered platforms that redefine how we live, move, and eat. Website sarahchoudhary.com Social Media Links https://linktr.ee/sarahchoudhary

    19 min
  6. From Y2K to a Fictional Universe: Kevin Dunlap on Reinvention, AI, and the Power of Adapting

    Apr 27

    From Y2K to a Fictional Universe: Kevin Dunlap on Reinvention, AI, and the Power of Adapting

    What do a Y2K programmer, a Las Vegas lease-option real estate expert, and a sci-fi novelist building a Marvel-style universe have in common? They're all the same guy. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin A. Dunlap — author, speaker, and creator of the Crimson Alliance Universe — for a wide-ranging conversation about adaptability, perseverance, and what it really takes to keep going when the market shifts under your feet. Kevin shares how getting downsized during Y2K shattered his trust in corporate America, how he ran a successful lease-option real estate business in Vegas for 16 years (and pivoted 180 degrees through the 2008 housing crash), and how playing with AI image tools in late 2024 sparked an entirely new chapter — four published novels in just over a year, with twelve more in the works. We talk about why "authority" comes from "author," why every solopreneur needs a support system even when they're flying solo, and why building a universe beats building a series. If you've ever felt the ground shift in your business and wondered whether to quit or pivot, Kevin's story is a masterclass in choosing the pivot. BioKevin A. Dunlap is an author, entrepreneur, and former business consultant with over two decades of experience helping individuals and small business owners turn ideas into profitable ventures. His background spans real estate investing, international travel, college instruction, online education, and even a brief stint as a stuntman, giving him a unique perspective on both business and creativity.He is the author of several nonfiction books, including Launch!: The A to Z in Creating a Successful Business, where he breaks down complex strategies into practical, actionable steps for entrepreneurs at every stage.Today, Kevin is focused on building the Crimson Alliance Universe (CAU), a growing science fiction world told through novels, interludes, and short-form stories. Designed to be accessible to new and longtime sci-fi readers alike, the CAU emphasizes strong character dynamics, humor, and high-stakes adventure across multiple interconnected storylines.Website https://www.kevinadunlap.com, https://TheCAU.net Social Media Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinadunlaphttps://www.facebook.com/kevinadunlap Freebie Giveaway Link https://TheCAU.net/join

    24 min
  7. Second Chances and Solo Ventures: Matt Melvin on Accountability, Redemption, and Building After the Fall

    Apr 20

    Second Chances and Solo Ventures: Matt Melvin on Accountability, Redemption, and Building After the Fall

    What do you do when your name is all over the internet and every background check becomes a closed door? In this episode, I sit down with Matt Melvin — author of Bully Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison— for a raw and deeply personal conversation about accountability, faith, and reinvention. Matt has lost more than a hundred jobs to background checks, walked away from an emotionally abusive work relationship, and is now channeling his lived experience into a mission to reach at-risk teens before their small choices become life-altering ones. We talk about the power of trading "you/we/they" victimhood language for "I statements," why he uses the David-and-Saul story as his personal accountability test, the daily habits that helped him lose 100 pounds without ever stepping foot in a gym, and the upcoming Guinness World Record attempt he's part of in Philadelphia this May. If you've ever felt defined by your worst moment — or wondered whether it's possible to build something meaningful on the other side of it — this one will stay with you. Bio When Matthew Melvin started working at a car dealership in South Burlington, Vermont, he never thought that one mistake would lead to a life-changing stint in prison. Feeling he wasn’t being paid his full commissions on car sales, he made an impulsive decision to get what he felt he was owed. He hatched a badly-thought out plot to steal a car, sell it as his own and keep the profits. However, a basic reference and background check quickly revealed that the vehicle’s title was not in his name, but still belonged to the dealership. He was arrested and sentenced to prison.While Matthew has taken responsibility for his poor life choices, he believes he has been treated unfairly due to his sexual orientation, religious and political affiliations, and his adult diagnosis of autism. While he and his lawyer argued that his punishment would be best served in a mental health facility, Matt was unfortunately sentenced to 18 months in prison to be served in general population.Terrified and alone, Matthew began his prison term with the best of intentions—to keep his head down and serve his time as uneventfully as possible. But being a gay, Christian, Trump supporter brought him unwanted and negative attention. He was bullied by cellmates, targeted by gangs and even raped in one facility. The months he was imprisoned felt like decades and there were times he doubted he would make it out alive.Bullied Behind Bars chronicles Matthew Melvin’s life feeling like an outcast, enduring a lonely and friendless childhood, and being punished for a crime that began with the honorable goal of him just trying to make a living. Website www.bulliedbehindbars.com Social Media Links IG- Bulliedbehindbars, X-Barsbullied, and Facebook- Matthew.Melvin.5621

    13 min
  8. The Stever-Shaped Key: Finding Your Niche by Being Unapologetically You

    Mar 29

    The Stever-Shaped Key: Finding Your Niche by Being Unapologetically You

    What happens when the smartest person in the room can't figure out their own marketing? In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and solopreneur Stever Robbins — host of the legendary Get It Done Guy podcast and Harvard MBA — for one of the most refreshingly honest conversations I've had on this show. Stever opens up about discovering he's neurodivergent in his 60s, and how that single revelation reframed 30 years of marketing struggles. We dig into why choosing a niche the traditional way never worked for him, and the unconventional experiment he's running instead: making himself the niche. We also talk about why AI is the ATM moment for solopreneurs, why "work hard and you'll get ahead" is advice we'd never actually take, and why the key to standing out isn't finding the perfect product — it's showing up as the most unapologetically specific version of yourself. If you've ever felt like you don't quite fit the solopreneur mold, this one's for you. Bio Stever Robbins is a serial entrepreneur, solopreneur, startup veteran, and leadership strategist who has spent his career helping people turn expertise into influence, opportunity, and thriving businesses.He has been part of nine startup teams, inventing the world’s first downloadable financial statement for the Quicken Visa Card. He co-founded FTP Software, helping to build some of the early internet infrastructure. Along the way, he has worn just about every entrepreneurial hat: founder, early employee, advisor, coach, and investor.Stever is also the former host of the top-10 iTunes business podcast The Get-it-Done Guy, where he produced nearly 600 episodes helping professionals and entrepreneurs work smarter, build better systems, and make meaningful progress on what matters most.Today, he works with entrepreneurs, consultants, and independent professionals who want to build reputation-based businesses—where opportunities, partnerships, and clients come through trust, relationships, and credibility rather than constant hustle.A graduate of MIT and Harvard Business School (which he attended on a dare), Stever has spoken at institutions including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT, and Columbia, and has been featured in Fast Company, Inc., The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. His unconventional journey—from growing up in a traveling New Age commune to building startups and advising leaders—shapes his unique perspective on work, success, and building an extraordinary life. Website www.steverrobbins.com Social Media Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/stever/https://www.instagram.com/stever.robbinshttps://x.com/SteverRobbins

    58 min
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About

🎧 Breaking Solo is your go-to podcast for insights from solopreneurs who’ve made it happen—sharing their strategies, challenges, and the tools they use to stay ahead.

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Amos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Donna Amos
  • Show Website
    Breaking Solo

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