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. 3d ago

    Reinventing Success: Lisa Messenger on Collective Hub, AI, and Balancing Motherhood

    On this episode of Flying Solo, Cec Busby sits down with trailblazing entrepreneur Lisa Messenger, founder of The Collective Hub. Known for her fearless approach to reinvention and disrupting the status quo, Lisa Messenger has built an extraordinary career, from launching a globally celebrated print magazine at the height of “print is dead,” to growing her business from three staff to 36, traversing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and making a purposeful pivot to a lean, AI-powered education and community platform for founders. Lisa reflects on business failures, the courage to start and close ventures, lessons learned from scaling too quickly, the power of knowing your purpose, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. She shares insights into teaching herself AI, creating digital communities, the joy and challenge of motherhood after a long IVF journey, and her new adventure as a fiction writer. Listeners will get the inside story of how Collective Hub is relaunching for the digital age and practical tips for solopreneurs looking to thrive with fewer resources and greater impact. Key topics 1. Reinvention and Business Evolution Lisa Messenger discussed shifting from running a large team (36 staff, hundreds of freelancers) to now having zero staff, emphasizing that "bigger isn't necessarily better" 02:26. She explored how staying attached to her purpose of "igniting human potential" allowed her to change delivery mechanisms—from print magazine to digital products and an AI-powered platform 05:10. Reinvention involved learning new skills such as AI and collaborating with past team members to relaunch the Collective Hub community and membership 13:10. 2. Lessons from Success and Business Failure Lisa Messenger highlighted the courage it took not only to launch the print magazine but also to close it down publicly, stressing the importance of not letting ego or identity keep you stuck in a failing business 07:06. The rapid growth led to challenges she was unprepared for, like managing 17 different revenue streams and teams in 37 countries, which ultimately was unsustainable 08:20. She emphasised the need for business acumen and possibly bringing in the right COO or 2IC earlier to balance visionary leadership with operational competency 09:09. 3. Embracing and Teaching AI for Solopreneurs Lisa Messenger became a certified prompt engineer and now uses over 50 AI tools, with ChatGPT as her central “motherboard” for orchestrating tasks and business automation 16:02. She runs AI retreats, guiding participants from various backgrounds (including corporate heads) through practical applications, showing skeptics how AI can streamline and empower their businesses 18:17. Practical takeaway: she encourages solopreneurs to simply start with ChatGPT, building familiarity through step-by-step personal “training” of the AI to work as their digital twin and assistant 22:17. 4. Personal Growth, Motherhood, and Work-Life Balance Lisa Messenger reflected on how becoming a mother, after a long IVF journey and surrogacy, fundamentally shifted her priorities and business direction 28:47. She described consciously downsizing her business model for more freedom, focusing on purpose and high-impact tasks rather than scale and staff 26:17. Motherhood changed her outlook: she now blocks out specific time for projects, controls her schedule, and puts family at the forefront, contrasting her earlier years of relentless work 27:49. Time-stamped overview 00:00 Starting a magazine despite skeptics 06:50 Starting and shutting a print magazine 10:22 Building Opportunities and Relaunching with Jade 11:41 Attempting new print format 14:38 Adapting to New Business Challenges 19:52 Building your virtual team 22:17 Getting started with ChatGPT 27:16 Balancing writing projects and freedom 30:32 Balancing career and IVF journey 33:08 Transitioning to traditional publishing 36:01 Finding inspiration from Save the Cat 39:53 Creating digestible content for entrepreneurs 42:04 Creating a community leaderboard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 21

    How to use storytelling as a business advantage: Lessons from Four Pillars Gin

    Matt Jones is  co-founder of Four Pillars Gin—the brand that launched from a $30K crowdfunding campaign and rose to become Australia’s most awarded craft gin before being sold in 2023. Since then, Matt has authored a bestselling book, advised business leaders, and created the new podcast “Storywork,” which explores howa compelling story is a business’s greatest competitive advantage—especially in the age of AI-generated content. Cec and Matt unpack the essential ingredients of building a brand that stands out, the role of authentic storytelling in business success, and how founders can harness the power of their story to connect with customers, staff, and investors. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories from one of Australia’s leading voices in branding and storytelling. Key topics 1. The Power of Storytelling in Business Matt Jones emphasizes that genuine storytelling is a major competitive advantage, especially in an AI-driven world where generic content is easy to produce. Distinguishes between product quality and the storytelling needed for others to recognize and value that quality 02:56. Businesses should focus on both excelling at what they do and communicating those differences effectively to inspire others to spread the story 03:11. 2. Building a Brand: The Four Pillars Gin Experience Matt Jones and his co-founders recognized the tension between product excellence and narrative, utilizing both to grow Four Pillars 02:56. Emphasizes inspiring others to tell your story as a crucial growth lever, especially when budgets are tight 04:06. Launched Four Pillars through a presales crowdfunding campaign, validating that people were buying into their story and ambition early on 10:09. 3. The Role of Founders and Leaders in Storytelling Matt Jones argues that business leaders must become their company’s "storytellers-in-chief" to build trust and credibility 24:21. Founder visibility is important both for proactive brand building and for crisis communication 22:20, 23:27 Customers look for genuine human presence—having founders visible creates authenticity and makes the business more believable 22:18. Practical Advice on Crafting and Sharing the Right Story Begin by clarifying your business strategy and understanding what sets you apart before developing external narratives 13:25. Use a "butterfly" Venn diagram model: identify what the world needs and what is special about you, and tell your story at the intersection 17:29. Don’t outsource your authentic voice to AI—use technology to amplify your real advantages, not to generate bland, generic content 25:16. Matt Jones encourages business owners to stay curious, consume resources about brand storytelling, and write down insights to clarify and improve their own story 35:56. Time-stamped overview 00:00 Building Four Pillars Gin 04:06 Difference between earned and paid media 06:57 Choosing Leaders and Brands with Purpose 11:03 Importance of Visual Storytelling 15:33 Defining the business narrative 17:29 Finding your unique value proposition 19:56 Importance of introspection and feedback 26:02 Valuing storytelling and AI potential 30:11 Highlighting Australian Success Stories 33:21 Facing Facebook News Threat 36:48 Matt's new podcast Storywork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Aug 14

    Rewriting your money mindset for independence

    Amir Rodnia is a licensed financial planner, wealth strategist, and author of the new book Freedom Game Plan. Amir shares his personal journey from working long hours as a kitchen hand—risking his life for $100 during a Brisbane flood—to achieving true financial freedom. Amir introduces practical frameworks like the “Freedom Score” and the “RICH Trifecta” to help business owners shift their mindset, build more buffers, reduce risk, and ultimately create a life on their own terms. He explores why so many entrepreneurs end up swapping one boss for hundreds of clients, how to break out of the “wage cage,” and why net worth alone doesn't guarantee happiness or flexibility. Whether you’re a soloist, business owner, or just looking for a new approach to wealth, this episode offers inspiring stories and actionable advice to help you rethink what financial success really means. Key topics 1. Redefining Financial Freedom and the "Wage Cage" Many business owners end up working harder for themselves than they did as employees, often becoming trapped in what is described as the "wage cage" 00:28. Financial success should be measured not just by how much you earn, but by how much freedom your income buys you 00:41. The ability to choose how you spend your day, rather than being forced by financial obligations, is positioned as the ultimate form of freedom 06:54. Soloists and small business owners are just as susceptible to the wage cage as employees, especially when the business cannot run without them 07:12. 2. The Freedom Score and Pathways to Independence The Freedom Score is introduced as a way to measure financial freedom: it tracks the percentage of living expenses covered by passive income 09:11. Achieving a 100% Freedom Score means you can choose whether or not to work, with your lifestyle sustained by passive income 09:33. Financial freedom differs from financial independence; the focus shifts from simply building wealth to maximizing life choices 10:07. Increasing your Freedom Score involves building passive income streams, such as investments, alongside active business income 12:16. 3. The RICH Trifecta: A Decision-Making Model The RICH Trifecta is a framework for evaluating investments and business decisions, standing for Risk, Income, Capital, and Hassle 12:48. Reviewing your business through this lens helps identify vulnerabilities, such as dependence on a single client or lack of systems 13:10. It encourages business owners to transition income from high-risk, high-hassle business activities to lower-hassle, diversified investments like shares or property 13:56. The framework promotes the use of surpluses from strong months to create long-term stability and freedom 13:56. 4. Practical Wealth-Building Steps and Common Mistakes Suggestions for moving towards financial security include taking inventory, making a plan, and using tools such as insurance and buffer capital 17:03. Diversification is advised for preservation, but focusing intensely on your core business makes sense while building wealth 19:47. Business owners frequently neglect superannuation, a critical mistake that can undermine long-term security 22:55. Systemizing business operations and developing passive income streams (such as online courses or investments) are vital for reducing risk and eventually creating a saleable business asset 35:03. Time-stamped overview 00:00 Overworking and risky decisions 05:36 Turning point in financial mindset 08:41 Explaining the Freedom Score 11:20 Achieving financial independence balance 13:24 Managing Risks and Income Fluctuations 16:43 Assessing Business Challenges and Solutions 20:11 Balancing reinvestment and diversification 25:42 Benefits of an offset account 27:12 Current property market insights 32:39 Evaluating AI and influencer reliability 34:42 Making a business buyer-friendly 40:09 Podcast outro and subscription reminder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Aug 7

    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

  5. Jul 30

    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

  6. Jul 24

    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

  7. Jul 16

    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

  8. Jul 10

    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

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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
    511
  • 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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