Flying Solo

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 11, 202644 min

From revenue to real wealth: Smart financial strategies for solopreneurs

Salena Kulkarni is a chartered accountant, property investor, and the founder of Freedom Warrior . In this episode of Flying Solo,Cec and Salena sit down to unpack one of the biggest blind spots for solopreneurs: building personal wealth outside their business. With over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs make smarter financial decisions, Salena shares essential insights into common money mistakes, why being good with money isn’t the same as building wealth, and practical strategies to stop working harder and start making your money work harder for you. Whether you’re struggling with cash flow, balancing personal and business finances, or just wondering how to set yourself up for long-term financial security, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you shift your money mindset and take control of your financial future. Key Topics 1. Common Money Mistakes for Solo Business Owners Focusing solely on revenue and profit, while neglecting broader measures of business health and personal wealth (Salena Kulkarni at 02:48) Reinvesting all spare capital back into the business without considering if it could work harder elsewhere (Salena Kulkarni at 03:07) Failing to separate business and personal finances, leading to lack of structure and vulnerability in cash flow disruptions (Salena Kulkarni at 03:54) 2. Importance of Mindset and Money Psychology Many business owners believe they’ll start building wealth “when the business is stable”—a threshold that often never arrives (Salena Kulkarni at 03:33) Money psychology (scarcity vs. abundance) drives financial behaviour and outcomes, often more than income level (Salena Kulkarni at 07:28) Developing financial literacy and actively working on shifting mindset is as crucial as managing mechanics and cash flow (Salena Kulkarni at 24:08; 25:52) 3. Creating and Managing a Money System Establishing a clear separation between business and personal finances and setting up money systems for both (Salena Kulkarni at 05:26; 23:30) Implementing disciplined cash flow management, including regular transfers to tax, profit, and savings accounts (Salena Kulkarni at 29:16) Paying oneself as an employee to avoid the feast-and-famine cycle and manage personal expenses consistently (Salena Kulkarni at 31:55) 4. Investing Beyond the Business for Long-Term Wealth Not relying on the business as a sole retirement plan; diversify investments to reduce exposure (Salena Kulkarni at 13:28) Learn about investment risk, identify 3–5 investment “pillars,” and avoid rushing into deals without understanding them (Salena Kulkarni at 18:31) Building assets outside of the business creates financial security and a “sleep at night” factor, regardless of business volatility (Salena Kulkarni at 06:19; 20:31) Time-stamped overview 00:00 Career transition to wealth building 05:44 Importance of cash flow management 09:39 Managing business finances and wealth 11:09 Managing cash flow and investor mindset 15:52 Analysing Business Finances 19:12 Planning Strategic Business Investments 23:17 Personal money systems and investing 26:46 Binary views on wealth and success 29:06 Setting up separate bank accounts 34:53 Financial planning and business survival 38:25 Learning from investment losses 41:31 Influence of The Millionaire Next Door 43:21 Closing and listener reminders Host : Cec Busby Guest: Salena Kulkarni Sound Abu Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 4, 202645 min

Redefining success: How to thrive without sacrificing your wellbeing

This week, we dive into the perils of hustle culture and ask: what happens when your drive for success starts to derail your health, energy, and happiness? Our guest is Andrew Horsfield—author of Better: Escape Average, Beat Burnout, and Own Your Life. Once a high-flying corporate achiever himself, Andrew hit burnout hard and was forced to radically rethink how we define success and pace ourselves in business. Today, Andrew helps professionals and business owners tackle the everyday stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt that can come with running your own operation—without sacrificing wellbeing along the way. In this episode, we get real about burnout, decision fatigue, and why we chase "finish lines" that always seem to move. We'll explore practical strategies to protect your energy, set boundaries, and rediscover a sense of freedom in your work. If you're grinding non-stop or feeling stuck despite looking successful on the outside, this conversation is for you. Key topics Burnout signs and when to change Normalising overwork culture Metaphorical finish lines and happiness metrics Optimising daily routines and travel prep Role transitions and mental boundaries Handling failure and self-awareness Separating identity from business success The importance of rest and recovery Managing inner critics and self-doubt Progress tracking and celebrating small wins Time-stamped overview 00:00 Introduction to Burnout and Success 01:16 Understanding Burnout: Personal Experiences 04:45 The Finish Line Mentality in Business 08:39 Optimising Work and Daily Routines 10:23 Transitioning Between Roles 12:46 Managing the Inner Critic 15:44 Dealing with Failure and Setbacks 20:21 Separating Identity from Business 23:41 The Importance of Rest 27:58 Embracing Boredom for Creativity 30:55 The Power of Saying No 34:00 High Performance and Pressure 37:05 Tracking Progress and Rewarding Yourself 40:20 Redefining Success Host: Cec Busby Sound: Abu Baker Guest: Andrew Horsfield. Find out more about Andrew /https://www.andrewhorsfield.com/ Buy his book https://www.andrewhorsfield.com/book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 28, 202644 min

The experiment mindset: Small tests, big business wins

In this episode, leadership coach Tamsin Simounds shares insights from her book 'The Experiment Mindset' on how to ditch perfection, take smarter risks, and make sustainable progress in personal and professional growth. Discover how to reframe your approach to goals, overcome imposter syndrome, and embrace a learning-focused mindset. Key topics The concept of the experiment mindset and its application in personal and business growth Overcoming imposter syndrome through evidence and identity mapping The importance of focusing on the process rather than just outcomes How to set meaningful horizons and test hypotheses in life and business Common mistakes in adopting the experiment mindset and how to avoid them Time-stamped overview 00:00 The Quest for Perfection in Business Planning 04:50O vercoming Imposter Syndrome 10:42 Rethinking Growth and Success 15:53 Understanding the Experiment Mindset 21:55 Implementing Small Experiments for Progress 23:32 Maximizing Profits Through Experimentation 26:45 Increasing Revenue and Exposure 28:36 Overcoming Fear of Failure 31:24 The Experiment Mindset vs. Goal Setting 34:28 Understanding Behavioral Systems 38:48 Interpreting Data Effectively 43:45 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Host: Cec Busby Sound :Abu Baker Guest: Tamsin Simounds. Find out more about Tamsin Buy a copy of The Experiment Mindset Connect with Tamsin on LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 21, 202648 min

How successful founders spot opportunity and build brands

Bernadette Schwerdt is a copywriter, ghostwriter, business book coach, and founder of one of Australia’s leading copywriting schools. She’s spent years uncovering what makes entrepreneurs turn million-dollar ideas into thriving businesses … insights she’s compiled in her book, Secrets of the New Online Entrepreneurs. In this episode, Bernadette takes us through her unconventional career journey from acting to advertising to building a successful online business. We’ll dive deep into how she’s worked with top founders from brands like Airtasker, Bondi Sands, and Luxury Escapes, discovering what really sets successful businesses apart. We’ll unpack how to spot real opportunities (and avoid those that are doomed), the pivotal role of storytelling in building your brand, and how AI is reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business, you’ll come away with practical tips on research, risk-taking, and building your personal brand, all straight from the frontline of Australia’s entrepreneurial scene. Key topics 1. Turning Ideas Into Businesses Bernadette explores why few people turn great ideas into million dollar businesses, emphasizing the differences between dreamers and doers. Bernadette shares real-world examples from entrepreneurs she’s interviewed, highlighting how successful founders have built global brands from scratch. Core lessons include spotting real opportunities, understanding what builds a thriving business, and leveraging both passion and pragmatism. 2. Research, Validation, and Risk-Taking Bernadette stresses the importance of deep research, using competitor and adjacent market analysis before launching a business. The balance between pragmatic realism (e.g., Google searchest o invalidate ideas quickly) and taking calculated risks is highlighted with stories such as the coffee shop/barber example and her nephew’s Pokémon card arbitrage. Effective founders conduct pre-mortems and scenario planning—preparing for the worst and having contingency plans, as illustrated by experiences from companies like Swiss and Seek.com. 3. The Role of AI in Business and Content Creation AI is recognised as a powerful research and productivity tool, but Bernadette urges not to rely solely on it—human judgment, passion, and external conversations are still essential. In the copywriting world, AI is considered an “intern” or co-writer, and the value of trained writers is heightened due to their ability to brief AI effectively and filter quality from generic output . For small businesses, AI’s key benefit is productivity—handling repetitive or time-consuming tasks and assisting with research, hiring, and summarizing content . 4. Storytelling and Personal Branding Bernadette breaks down the structure of business storytelling: context, challenge, action, result, and learnings, emphasising its power in connecting with audiences and communicating core beliefs. Preparation and authenticity are crucial for public speaking; Bernadette shares that effortless speeches require significant rehearsal and a clear focus on audience takeaways. Building a strong personal brand, both online and in-person, is increasingly critical in a world where AI screens applicants and consumers buy from people, not just businesses. Timestamped overview 00:00 Beginning the ghostwriting journey 03:17 Pursuing passion in creative careers 07:22 Remote work versus office culture 10:01 Radek Sali's risk-taking decision 16:11 Discovering the card arbitrage opportunity 18:54 Finding a unique product niche 20:51 Pursuing passions carefully 26:03 Importance of clear storytelling structure 26:59 Advice for success stories 31:36 Overcoming growth challenges on a budget 35:58 Using AI for transcriptions 38:45 Importance of personal branding online 41:01 Building a Personal Brand 43:55 Becoming comfortable with social media Host: Cec Busby Guest: Bernadette Schwerdt. Find out more about Bernadette Sound: Abu Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 14, 202636 min

From cringe to confidence: how to make selling feel good

Does the thought of sales and selling make you squirm? You’re not the only one. Yet, selling a part and parcel of doing business, so how can you get over the ick? To help us reframe our thinking and banish that cringe factor for good we're joined by Kate Toon. Kate is an ,award-winning business mentor, digital marketing coach,and author of the bestselling "Six Figures" series, including her latest, "Six Figures in Sales." We discuss what it really takes to sell without sleaze, why honesty trumps hype, how to price your services with confidence, and why building genuine rapport is your greatest sales asset—whether online, offline, or somewhere in between. If you’ve ever struggled with selling, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you find a sales style that actually feels good. Time stamped overview 00:00 Applying advertising skills to small business 03:56 Criticism of Meta advertising platforms 09:27 Setting freelance income goals 10:56 Discussing pricing strategies 15:28 Understanding Google's EEAT criteria 18:00 Challenges of running a bookshop 22:35 Importance of honesty in sales 23:38 The impact of brand connection 28:06 Improving your website's about page 30:17 The importance of strong writing skills 33:29 Focusing on emotional appeal Key topics 1. Mindset Shift in Selling · Selling is not inherently "pushy," but simply about matching solutions to the people who need them and overcoming objections rather than convincing uninterested parties (05:12). · Highlighting that discomfort with selling often comes from a misconception—it becomes easier and less "cringe" when you know your audience genuinely wants or needs what you offer (05:35). · Moving away from "bro marketing" and push tactics, Kate Toon advocates for honesty, conversation, and real rapport with potential clients (00:48, 08:31). 2. Pricing and Value Perception · Accurate pricing starts with logical, unemotional calculation understanding minimum viable income, realistic billable hours, and tiered income goals (09:27). · Price is rarely the main objection in sales; most clients can afford the service or product but are concerned about value and outcome (14:10). · Transparent communication about what is feasible within a client's budget and honest conversations about the value provided are crucial for long-term trust (12:21, 13:38). 3. Building Trust and Reputation · The "EEAT" (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) acronym from SEO as vital for any business's digital and real-world reputation (15:28). · Consistent branding and authentic rapport—both online and offline—help potential customers feel confident, acknowledged, and valued (19:11). · Testimonials, peer recommendations, and clear evidence of qualifications play a pivotal role in building the authority and trust that drive conversion (16:43, 28:24). 4. Human-Centric Digital Marketing (Beyond Ads) · Kate Toon advocates for organic methods over paid advertising, emphasizing SEO, content quality, and relationship-building (04:53, 27:01). · Businesses should build extensive and authentic about pages, accumulating third-party endorsements and trust signals to enhance their digital footprint (28:24). · Content—especially copywriting—should be clear, jargon-free (unless appropriate to the audience), personable, and genuinely reflective of the brand's voice (30:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 7, 202637 min

The rhythm of influence: mastering modern persuasion

In this episode of Flying Solo, Jeff Purser, communication strategist and author of Yes Yes Yes, shares insights on modern persuasion techniques. He emphasises the importance of timing, empathy, storytelling, and listening skills for soloists and small business owners to influence effectively without manipulation. Key topics The shift from hard sell to empathetic influence The importance of timing in persuasion Storytelling as a persuasion tool Masks of persuasion and emotional sequencing Listening skills as a key to influence Timestamped overview 00:00 Introduction to Persuasion for Soloists and Small Business Owners 01:12 Jeff Persa's Career Journey and Inspiration for the Book 03:08 Why Old School Sales Tactics No Longer Work 04:19 What Healthy Persuasion Looks Like Today 05:21 The Critical Role of Timing in Influence 07:07 Preparing Your Approach Before Engaging a Client 09:43 The Three Act Structure of Persuasion and Influence 11:21 The Power of Timing in Idea Landing and Authority 14:00 Lessons from Steve Jobs and Bill Gates on Persuasion 16:31 The Customer as the Hero in Business Storytelling 18:41 The Five Heartbeats Framework for Emotional Sequencing 21:03 The Masks of Persuasion and When to Use Them 23:29 Listening Skills as a Foundation for Influence 25:26 Effective Questioning to Understand Customer Needs 27:02 Persuasion in Internal Business Relationships 28:31 Overcoming Introversion and Presentation Anxiety 35:58 Key Takeaway: Persuasion is a Learnable Skill Host: Cec Busby Sound: Abu Baker Guest Jeff Purser Find out more about Jeff: https://jeffpurserproductions.com/ Buy a copy of Yes! Yes! Yes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 30, 202629 min

Small budget, big buzz: Jasmin Hyde’s PR playbook for soloists

Jasmin Hyde is the founder of strategic communications agency Hyde & Seek. She sits down with Flying Solo to explore the ins and outs of PR for small businesses. Jasmin brings a wealth of insight on building visibility and telling powerful brand stories. Discover why PR isn’t just for big brands, how to get your story noticed without a huge budget, tips for pitching tobmedia, and how to communicate your brand’s purpose authentically. Plus essential advice on navigating reputation management and the rise of AI in communications. If you’re looking to level up your brand’s profile, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you find your voice and get your message out there. Timestamped overview 00:00 Introducing Jasmine Hyde 05:20 Starting a brand during Covid 06:52 Early PR and brand building 12:43 Media briefing session tips 14:35 Researching the right media contacts 18:10 AI's impact on media industry 22:43 Importance of proof in green claims 25:44 Benefits of proactive PR 27:35 Understanding PR's supportive role 30:20 Ending and subscription reminder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 23, 202636 min

Running on Empty? The health wake-up call for solo business owners

In today's episode,we're tackling a crucial yet often overlooked facet of entrepreneurship: your health. As a business owner, you enjoy unparalleled freedom, but it also means you're the sole safety net—no HR to check in and no one to notice when you’re burning out. Our guest is Daniel Kirkbride, founder of Cyora specializes in helping founders and CEOs uncover hidden health issues that could be holding them back. Drawing from thousands of health reports, Daniel shares eye-opening insights about why most high performers are operating well below their biological capacity—even if they think they’re doing fine. We’ll explore the "solo founder health trap," how to identify early warning signs of burnout, the importance of sleep, nutrition, and movement, and practical steps you can take to avoid running yourself into the ground while building your business. If you’re running on coffee and adrenaline and wondering if it’s really sustainable, this episode will help you tune into what your body is telling you and move towards a healthier, more resilient way of working. Timestamped overview 00:00 Early career and clinic beginnings 04:08 Transition to functional medicine 06:24 Why functional medicine matters 10:22 Common deficiencies in high achievers 15:07 Simplifying before adding improvements 19:17 Listening to your body's signals 19:54 Common signs of underlying health issues 24:14 Fitness basics and starting points 28:15 Healing timelines for health issues 32:12 Simplifying health and wellness routines 33:57 Prioritizing health like business 36:49 Closing remarks and goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 16, 202633 min

Preparing your business for sale: Insights on exit planning with Simon Bedard

Today we’re diving into a critical topic that many business owners overlook—your exit plan. After pouring years of passion and energy into your business, have you thought about how you’ll eventually move on? Simon Bedard is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience guiding owners through the exit process and author of "Exit Like an Expert." Bedard reveals why the biggest challenge in selling a business isn’t the market, but lack of preparation—only 20 to 30 per cent of businesses that go to market actually sell. So, we’ll explore the mindset shifts needed, the importance of planning ahead, common pitfalls to avoid, and strategies to maximise the value of your business when it’s time to say goodbye. Whether you’re thinking about selling soon or just want to prepare for the future, this episode is packed with essential advice on creating a smooth and rewarding exit. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Why business owners need exit plans 05:39 Closing down a small business 08:56 Reducing owner dependence 10:15 Making a business attractive to buyers 16:17 Types of buyers explained 17:09 What buyers look for 20:41 Advice for selling a business 25:44 Preparing your business for sale 29:16 Seller remorse and post-exit regret 33:03 Preparing for a business exit 34:27 Closing and next steps Key topics 1. Exit Planning for Business Owners Many business owners neglect to plan their exit, leading to complications or missed opportunities when it’s time to move on (00:15, 05:02). Only about 20-30% of businesses that go to market actually sell, largely due to lack of preparation (00:37, 02:23). Starting exit planning early gives owners more control over outcomes and allows for smoother transitions (05:04, 22:39). 2. Risks and Challenges in Selling a Busines Smaller businesses are harder to sell due to higher risks and difficulties obtaining funding (02:45, 02:55). Owner dependence—when the business relies heavily on the owner—makes transition difficult for buyers (09:05, 09:40). Concentration risk, such as relying too heavily on one customer or supplier, can lower the business’s value and turn buyers off (11:57, 19:02). 3. Buyer Perspectives and Value Drivers Buyers are primarily interested in the future earning potential of a business, not just its past success (17:00, 18:00). Strategic buyers look for synergies, like technology, IP, or key clients that fill gaps in their own business (15:49, 16:10). Factors like recurring revenue, diversified client base, and robust operational systems are attractive to buyers (11:02, 18:00, 18:21). 4. Emotional Aspects of Exiting Many owners feel emotionally attached to their businesses, which can lead to “seller’s remorse” or failed deals at the last minute (14:36, 29:16). Some owners prioritize legacy and the future of their employees or business mission over getting the highest price (14:49, 13:49). Planning for life after business—having purpose or activities lined up—helps avoid existential crises post-exit (30:44, 31:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 9, 202638 min

From million-dollar mistakes to marketing mastery with UNTMD Founder Maria Kathopoulis

Maria Kathopoulis has firsthand experience with the frustrations of marketing spend that fails to deliver results. After investing $250,000 in agencies across two businesses without seeing the returns, she took a bold new approach—launching UNTMD, a consultancy that flips the traditional agency model on its head and prioritises tangible revenue and real outcomes over vanity metrics. Maria shares her journey from costly missteps to scalable growth, exploring why understanding your business metrics, knowing your customer, and demanding accountability from your marketing partners is more important than ever. Plus, discover how AI is transforming marketing strategies for solopreneurs and small businesses, and learn practical tips for maximising your budget, no matter how lean. Timestamped overview 00:00 Frustration with marketing spend 05:18 Rebuilding and marketing the app 07:08 Learning business metrics and marketing 13:37 Focusing on what drives profit 15:45 Common business mistakes and misconceptions 19:33 Marketing strategies for different industries 23:21 Using AI to empower businesses 27:06 Using AI for business growth 30:27 Using AI to streamline tasks 34:32 Focusing on high-yield channels 36:25 Challenges scaling and building teams 39:39 Keys to business longevity'' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices