Episodios

  • Why emotional intelligence is the secret to business success

    Why emotional intelligence is the secret to business success
    May 15 2025
    Amy Jacobson is a human behaviour and emotional intelligence specialist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. She has made it her mission to help leaders and organisations embed emotional intelligence into their workplace culture—something she believes is often overlooked, yet crucial for business success. In this conversation, Cec and Amy explore what emotional intelligence really is, why it’s a gamechanger for business owners, and practical ways to develop these skills—whether you’re managing a team, navigating tricky conversations, or fostering a positive workplace culture, even in remote settings. Drawing on years of hands-on corporate experience and her new book, "The Emotional Intelligence Advantage," Amy shares actionable advice for building empathy, self-awareness, and resilience in both personal and professional life. Key topics Of course! Here are four key themes from the episode, each with supporting bullet points: 1. Emotional Intelligence as a Learnable Skill It’s not an innate trait, but a set of skills that can be developed and improved throughout life. Practice, repetition, and self-awareness are essential to growing emotional intelligence. Ownership and responsibility for one’s actions and emotions is central to EQ. 2. The Crucial Role of Empathy Empathy is different from sympathy: it requires understanding another’s emotions without judgment. Empathy can be taught and is essential for healthy workplace culture and leadership. Practicing empathy helps navigate difficult conversations and build trust. 3. Navigating Difficult Conversations Address tough issues promptly—don’t avoid or delay. Focus on emotions rather than just facts or situations. Use techniques like the “Ask-Ask-Tell” method to encourage self-ownership while maintaining boundaries. Emotional regulation (such as staying calm and listening) is key during heated discussions. 4. Building a Positive Team and Workplace Culture Emotional intelligence underpins workplace culture, especially with remote and flexible teams. Relationships and understanding what makes people “tick” drive effective collaboration. Lack of emotional intelligence can breed toxicity, poor performance, and disengagement. Timestamped overview 00:00 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace 04:46 Emotional Intelligence: Ownership & Impact 09:23 Teaching Empathy in Toxic Workplaces 12:28 Overcoming Fear in Tough Talks 16:34 "Handling Anger with Empathy" 18:45 "Empathetic Communication Technique" 21:42 Building Emotional Connections 26:17 Perspective on Leadership Differences 29:12 "Breathe: Cultivating Emotional Intelligence" 32:16 Celebrate the Book's Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 m
  • How to unlock the power of reinvention

    How to unlock the power of reinvention
    May 12 2025
    Cec Busby sits down with Gary Waldon—a true master of transformation, whose career has spanned an incredible 44 different jobs, from teacher to topless waiter to CEO advisor, and now bestselling author. Together, they dive deep into the topic of reinvention and the inevitability of change, whether it comes by choice or crashes into your life unexpectedly. Gary shares stories from his colorful career, practical advice for embracing and managing major life and business shifts, and why detaching your identity from your job title is crucial for resilience. You'll also hear about his CREATE framework for navigating change, insights on building a failure-proof mindset, and how emerging technologies like AI can play a pivotal role in your next reinvention. Key topics 1. The Nature of Change & Reinvention · Change is inevitable for everyone in life and business. · Reinvention means building on past experiences, not starting from scratch. · Personal identity is often wrapped up in what we do, making change psychologically challenging. Adapting to both chosen and unexpected disruptions is crucial for growth. 2. Practical Tools for Navigating Change · Gary’s CREATE framework: Change happens, Reality check, Empower, Action,Try again, Enjoy it. · Taking the first small step breaks the paralysis of fear. · Honest self-assessment and seeking outside perspectives help reveal blind spots. · Building resilience through a growth mindset and viewing failure as part of the process. 3. Embracing Failure & Overcoming Internal Barriers · Acknowledge and address the fear of failure — it’s a major blocker for many. · “Bob,” the inner critic, tries to hold us back; recognising and managing self-talk is essential. · Using humour helps release emotional tension and brings mental clarity. · Normalise failures and plan detours; anticipate things won’t always go as planned. 4. Leveraging Technology & Keeping Purpose · AI and tech are transforming business approaches and opening up new opportunities. · Early and proactive exploration of tools like AI can future-proof businesses and careers. · Reinvent with purpose—avoid chasing constant newness without direction. · Stay curious and open-minded to change, measuring progress and knowing when to pivot. Timestamped overview 00:00 "Mastering Change with Gary Walden" 06:30 Personal Growth Through Life Challenges 08:11 Embracing Change and Moving Forward 11:06 Embracing Change and Resilience 15:46 Empowered Clarity Through Action 18:55 "Resilient Growth Mindset" 23:17 AI Tools Empower Small Business Owners 25:12 Impending AI Revolution Impact 29:22 "Bob: Your Brain's Protective Boss" 31:36 "Laughter: Essential Emotional Release" 34:41 AI: Expanding Personal Opportunities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 m
  • From burnout to boss: How Fiona Campbell built a thriving VA empire

    From burnout to boss: How Fiona Campbell built a thriving VA empire
    May 1 2025
    In this episode of Flying Solo, we chat with Fiona Campbell – founder of Thought Penny and the VA Lead Network – about how she turned redundancy on maternity leave into a booming remote business. Fiona shares her journey from C-suite EA to virtual assistant queen, her top tips for setting up systems that scale, and how she gets a whopping 70% open rate on her emails. If you’re drowning in to-dos, struggling with delegation or unsure whether a VA is worth the investment, Fiona’s got you covered with smart, actionable advice to streamline your solo business – and reclaim your time. Key topics 1. Building a Successful Remote and VA Business · Fiona’s journey from executive assistant to launching Thought Penny and the VA Lead Network · The impact of niching down and leveraging online presence to quickly gain clients · Addressing common client needs: supplementing skills, freeing up time, and growing teams 2. Essential Systems and Automation for Soloists · Importance of task management tools (e.g., Asana) for visibility and organisation · Strategies for identifying which business tasks to automate or delegate · Encouragement to document workflows, even for solos, to enable growth and efficiency 3. Finding and Working with the Right VA · Process of matching business owners with suitable VAs through detailed onboarding and education · Avoiding the pitfalls of hiring solely based on lowest cost or unrealistic role expectations · Key advice: hire for capability and value, with clear communication and role definition 4. Maximising Email List Engagement and Deliverability · Maintaining a high-quality, engaged list through ruthless pruning and double opt-in practices · Creating relevant, valuable content and offering subscriber preferences to boost open rates · Ensuring technical setup (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) for strong email deliverability and reputation . Timestamped overview 00:00 Streamlining Business with Fiona Campbell 06:12 Virtual Assistant roles & responsibilities 10:06 Letting go in business delegation 11:30 Evaluating task automation needs 15:36 Task management: Digital vs. Paper 20:39 Optimising Virtual Assistant roles 24:19 Beware cheapest Virtual Assistants 28:41 High subscriber lists hurt reputation 31:50 Optimise email engagement strategy 35:02 Optimising email preferences 38:12 "Set SPF records to avoid spam" 40:25 Outsource Tasks You Dislike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 m
  • Mental strength for solopreneurs: Essential resilience skills with Melli O'Brien

    Mental strength for solopreneurs: Essential resilience skills with Melli O'Brien
    Apr 17 2025
    This week's episode of Flying Solo focuses on the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of being a solo entrepreneur—our personal wellbeing and resilience. Melli O'Brien, renowned coach, mindfulness educator, and author of Deep Resilience has aided over a million individuals worldwide in finding inner calm and clarity. She shares her personal journey from dealing with mental health crises to becoming a beacon of mindfulness and strength. In this conversation, Melli dives into the key skills necessary for cultivating resilience, breaking down her four-part method designed to empower you through life's adversities. Whether you're feeling burnt out, caught in overthinking traps, or simply eager to strengthen your mindset, this episode is filled with practical insights and strategies to help you reconnect with your inner strength and values. Epsode highlights Melli O'Brien's Background and Journey Her experience with a difficult childhood leading to mental health challenges. Hitting a crisis point with mental health issues like an eating disorder, depression, and suicidal ideation. Discovering resilience and happiness as skills and seeking guidance. Development of Skills and Writing of "Deep Resilience" Book Encounter with teachings from Buddhism and psychology about resilience. Development of skills leading to significant personal transformation. Motivation to write her book based on patterns observed in others. Discussion on Resilience and Inner Strength Difference observed between those who struggle and those who thrive under adversity. Introduction to the "deep resilience method" and its foundational skills. The FEAR and RISE Models Explanation of the FEAR model, outlining elements leading to spirals of struggle. Introduction to the RISE model as a counteracting strategy to FEAR. Mindfulness and Its Misconceptions Addressing skepticism around mindfulness and its practical benefits. Explanation of how mindfulness helps manage thoughts and emotions effectively. Practical Application of Mindfulness and Managing Overthinking Real-life example from Melli's personal experience with her cat's health emergency. Implementing mindfulness techniques and regulating negative thoughts. Addressing Burnout and Maintaining Balance Understanding and recognising the signs of burnout. Importance of balancing life activities through an inventory of "drainers" and "sustainers." Timestamped overview 06:17 Deep Resilience and Personal Growth 10:05 Overcoming FEAR Pattern 11:52 Managing Emotions and Stress Wisely 15:52 Staying Connected to Your Values 18:53 Overcoming Anxious Thoughts 21:14 Mindfulness Simplifies Emotional Awareness 27:20 Resilience Framework: 3 C's for Wellbeing 28:49 Mastering Skills Through Practice 34:57 Mindfulness to Combat Burnout 38:47 Burnout Check-In: Drainers vs. Sustainers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 m
  • Shani Taylor's Blueprint for scaling micro businesses to millions

    Shani Taylor's Blueprint for scaling micro businesses to millions
    Apr 10 2025
    Shani Taylor is an award-winning business coach, speaker, best-selling author, and even hailed as the Global Coach of the Year by the Duchess of York. Her passion lies in empowering everyday Aussies to become masters of leadership, sales, and human behaviour, ensuring they can scale their businesses without facing burnout. In this episode, Shani shares her unique journey from a challenging upbringing to her phenomenal success, where she grew her business from scratch to an international success story, serving clients in 25 countries. We'll dive into her philosophy of using conversation and relationship-building as tools for growth, how mindset and behavior are key to scaling businesses, and the crucial role of mentors in one's journey to success. Join us as Shani uncovers her secrets to achieving that elusive seven-figure revenue and learn how you can implement her techniques in your own business endeavours. Key topics Shani’s business journey and evolution Transition from content creation to a focus on coaching. Initially starting with minimalist goals that led to unexpected success. Development from a focus on her personal needs to broader business coaching. Reflection on how her services and business model have evolved over time. Mindset and daily habits for success Importance of starting the day with business priorities. Shani’s disciplined approach to balancing health, business, and personal life. The concept of anchoring actions to navigate fleeting emotions. Prioritizing business tasks over leisure to maintain momentum and growth. Role of mentorship in business growth The impact of mentors who have achieved desired outcomes on her success. Distinction between free mentorship and investing in quality guidance. The importance of surrounding oneself with mentors who tell the hard truths. Emphasis on the value of paid programs and serious coaching for true growth. Leadership and resilience The significance of self-leadership before influencing others. Understanding the necessity of compartmentalization in effective leadership. Coping with the daily emotional fluctuations of business through designated reflection time. Building resilience to withstand the challenges and criticism that come with entrepreneurship. Timestamped overview 05:01 Exceptional Intrapreneurial Dedication 10:11 Authentic Coaching: Practicing What You Preach 13:27 Building Resilience for Business Growth 15:36 Start Your Day with Priority 19:53 McMentorship vs. Quality Mentorship 21:53 Prioritising Business: A Daily Ritual 27:00 Compartmentalising Emotions in Leadership 28:33 Emotional Management with Timers 34:00 Symbolic $100 Business Gesture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Achieving financial freedom: Todd Polke shares strategies for solopreneurs

    Achieving financial freedom: Todd Polke shares strategies for solopreneurs
    Apr 3 2025
    Todd Polke, is an investor, entrepreneur, and international educator in wealth creation. With over two decades of experience assisting thousands in mastering their finances, Todd is here to share insights from his new book, "Escape the Middle." This episode promises to equip you with strategies to tackle financial stagnation and construct a future tailored to your financial goals. Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to elevate your wealth, Todd's expertise will motivate you towards achieving economic independence. Don't miss this conversation filled with practical steps to help you take charge of your money and transform your financial future. Key topics Foundational Principles of Wealth Creation Recognition that traditional approaches to money management may lead to burnout and stagnation. Emphasis on the importance of changing financial rules to achieve sustainable growth. Understanding that value creation, rather than time-for-money exchanges, paves the way for financial freedom. Business and Personal Wealth Integration Importance of treating personal finance like a business with clear strategies and systems. Leveraging business profits to build personal wealth outside of the business itself. Creating a "Finance Farm" to allocate funds into purpose-driven accounts for future wealth. Developing a Wealth-Oriented Mindset Necessity of mindset shifts to break traditional financial beliefs and adopt millionaire habits. Overcoming self-limiting beliefs by stepping out of comfort zones and learning continuously. Instituting habits like micro-investing and "Money Night" to regularly manage and grow wealth. Practical Financial Strategies for Solopreneurs Automating financial processes with technology to ensure consistent wealth-building actions. Viewing wealth creation as attainable and normalizing it as part of everyday life. Adapting strategies based on individual life stages, affirming it's never too late to start. Timestamped overview 00:00 "Financial Freedom with Todd Polke" 04:54 Success Requires a System 07:15 Prioritize Personal Wealth Now 11:07 "Building Financial Foundations" 14:45 Automate Financial Goals Setup 19:52 "Adopting Millionaire Habits" 22:39 "Weekly Wealth Hour" 26:27 Micro Investing for Wealth Creation 30:20 Invest Equity, Not Just Pay Mortgage 32:13 Rethink Mortgage Payoff Strategies 37:03 The Nature of Comfort Zones 40:58 "Escape the Middle" Availability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 m
  • Solo success: How to build a wealthy and purposeful life

    Solo success: How to build a wealthy and purposeful life
    Mar 31 2025
    Emma Lagerlow, a wealth and mindset coach, entrepreneur, and author of Worthy and Wealthy. In this episode of Flying Solo, Emma shares her journey and insights on building a life of abundance by aligning self-worth, purpose, well-being, and time. Listeners can expect to learn about the five pillars Emma believes make up a truly wealthy life, how self-worth influences financial empowerment, and why aligning your purpose with your work or passions is key to true wealth. Emma also delves into the importance of being money mindful, breaking free from scarcity mindsets, and finding harmony between personal growth and financial success. Whether you're a solopreneur struggling to balance time and business or someone seeking financial freedom, this episode promises valuable takeaways on living a rich life on your own terms. Sit back, relax, and get ready to rethink your approach to wealth! Key points 1.Redefining Wealth Wealth goes beyond financial accumulation to include self-worth, purpose, well-being, and freedom. Emma's shift from a corporate career to focusing on holistic wealth reflected in her book "Worthy and Wealthy." Importance of feeling abundant and fulfilled in the present, not just in financial security. 2. Mindset and Empowerment Self-worth significantly impacts financial empowerment and decision-making. Overcoming the scarcity mindset involves awareness and intentional financial behavior. Tools like journaling and affirmations can help shift money beliefs and improve financial mindset. 3. Purpose and Personal Growth Aligning personal purpose with business goals enhances fulfillment and success. Financial freedom should incorporate well-being and purposeful living, not just accumulation. Time management and prioritizing personal well-being support a harmonious balance between work and life. 4. Practical Application and Teaching Open discussions and practical exercises like chores help teach kids financial principles. Emma emphasizes the importance of transparency in financial discussions with family. Applying wealth principles requires continuous reflection and adjustment to align with life changes. Timestamped overview 00:00 Redefining Wealth Through Life Experience 05:35 "Balancing Self-Care, Money, and Time" 09:01 "Money Mindset Awareness & Action" 10:20 Money Mindfulness and Beliefs 15:41 Defining Financial Freedom 17:56 Time Management for Business Owners 21:33 "Redefining Wealth Beyond Material Success" 25:05 Align Life with True Purpose 27:00 "Reframing Wealth with Emma" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 m
  • From relationships to revenue: Sales strategies for success

    From relationships to revenue: Sales strategies for success
    Mar 20 2025
    In the episode, we're joined by the incredible Ingrid Maynard, a renowned sales performance expert and founder of The Sales Doctor. Ingrid is here to revolutionise the way you think about selling! We'lll dive into Ingrid's game-changing approach that turns your entire business into a sales engine without the usual pressure. Ingrid shares why simply being customer-centric isn't enough anymore and how you can build value at every touch point in your business. We'll hear about Ingrid's journey from a shy, introverted teenager at The Body Shop to becoming a national sales manager and author of "The Sales Revolution." Key Topics Sales Strategy and Methodology Introduction of "Culture of Customer" concept to frame sales differently. Components: Customer consciousness—treating everyone as a customer—and commercial competence. Focus on value delivery through financial, functional, and emotional benefits. Shifts from traditional selling to value-based conversations to enhance customer relationships. Overcoming Sales Challenges Suggested higher activity levels and engagement to drive sales pipeline. Emphasized the importance of relationship building and trust as the foundation of sales. Identifying and leveraging opportunities with existing and past customers first. Creating structured, outcome-driven conversations to better connect with clients. Practical Sales Tips for Solopreneurs Encouragement to step out from behind the screen and engage face-to-face. Increasing frequency and quality of interactions to nurture the ecosystem. Understanding competitors not to fixate on them but to better position one’s offerings. Exploring different channels where customers are active, like social networks or business networks. These topics offer a comprehensive view of the strategies and advice discussed in the episode. Timestamped overview: 00:00 "Shy Teen's Sales Transformation" 03:54 "Transformative Journey into Service-Oriented Selling" 09:45 Mastering the Art of Business Offers 12:55 "Understanding Real Sales Value" 14:13 "Understanding Value in Sales" 18:20 "Customer Consciousness & Commercial Competence" 21:53 Transforming Sales Through Genuine Help 26:58 Engaging Multiple Decision Makers 28:12 "Understanding Presence and Competition" 33:11 Optimizing Revenue with Certainty 35:08 Embrace In-Person Meetings Again Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
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