Breaking Solo

Donna Amos

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

    1D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Get Seen, Get Heard, Get Paid: Publicity Secrets for Solopreneurs with Jill Lublin

    MAR 22

    Get Seen, Get Heard, Get Paid: Publicity Secrets for Solopreneurs with Jill Lublin

    What if the missing piece in your solopreneur journey isn't another strategy — it's visibility? In this episode, I sit down with publicity expert and four-time author Jill Lublin to talk about how solopreneurs can get in front of the right audiences without a big budget or a PR agency. Jill shares how she went from law school dropout to director of publicity at four independent record labels, and what that journey taught her about perception, promotion, and building a business you love. We dig into why local media is still a goldmine, how to use podcasts strategically, and the one piece of financial advice Jill wishes she'd gotten on day one. If you've been hiding behind your work instead of getting your name out there, this episode is your wake-up call. BIO Jill Lublin is an international speaker, media strategist, and four-time bestselling author known for her work in publicity, networking, influence marketing, and kindness-driven business practices. She has spoken to audiences worldwide, delivering over 200 engagements a year and has shared stages with thought leaders such as Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and Lisa Nichols.Jill’s expertise centers on helping entrepreneurs, authors, and business leaders increase visibility, build strong relationships, and grow profitability through strategic publicity and influence techniques. She authored bestselling books including Get Noticed…Get Referrals, Guerrilla Publicity, Networking Magic, and The Profit of Kindness, the latter of which hit #1 in multiple categories.Jill has worked with over 100,000 clients throughout her 25+-year career and has been featured in major media outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Fortune Small Business, and The New York Times. She also teaches her signature Publicity Crash Courses and hosts programs that inspire purposeful and kind leadership in business. Websiteh ttps://jilllublin.com/ Social Media Links https://www.instagram.com/jilllublin/?hl=en, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilllublin/ Freebie Giveaway Link https://jilllublin.com/about-jill/#publicity-master-class

    19 min
  7. Unlocking the Secrets of Solopreneurship

    MAR 7

    Unlocking the Secrets of Solopreneurship

    In this episode of Breaking Solo, host Donna Amos speaks with Evan Cox, a solopreneur specializing in nonprofit marketing. They discuss Evan's journey from working in a large nonprofit to becoming a solopreneur, the challenges he faced, and the importance of understanding multiple audiences in marketing. Evan shares insights on standing out in a competitive market, industry trends for solopreneurs, essential tools for business management, and daily routines that enhance productivity. He also offers valuable advice for those starting their solopreneur journey and highlights exciting projects he is currently working on. takeaways Evan emphasizes the importance of serving multiple audiences in nonprofit marketing.His journey includes unexpected career turns that shaped his approach to business.Entrepreneurship reveals personal gaps and encourages self-discovery.A clear message is not enough; it must also be compelling and relevant.Evan's unique approach to StoryBrand helps him stand out in a crowded market.Simplicity in business processes is crucial for scalability. BIO For more than fifteen years, I have served businesses, nonprofits, churches, and the leaders who guide them. Whether serving on staff at internationally-renowned nonprofits or running a coffee company in Southeast Asia that helped local farmers develop sustainable agriculture and business practices, my work has taken me around the globe. Today, my team and I have the privilege of working with small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and churches across multiple continents so they communicate the right message and then infuse it throughout all their marketing–from strategy and copy to websites and fundraising. Website https://evancoxconsulting.com/ Social Media Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/evancox1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_c Freebie Giveaway Linkhttps://evancoxconsulting.com/resources/

    30 min

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🎧 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.