Special Presentation: Flying Solo

Introducing Flying Solo with Katie Kangas, a podcast where professionals share how they have pursued their dreams of architectural practice and design.

Listen to the full season 1

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas explores what it really means to fly. She begins with perspective—examining why choosing to step into the unknown and aiming for “blue oceans” can open up new horizons for both personal life and professional practice. Drawing inspiration from Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim, Katie reflects on how architects and solopreneurs can create fresh opportunities rather than competing in overcrowded markets. Flying becomes a metaphor for dreaming big and daring to venture into new territories.

Katie then shifts to how Solopreneurs must pivot in professional practice. Just as birds adjust midflight, entrepreneurs must cultivate adaptability and nimbleness. She highlights the precision of a hawk shifting direction in the air—its sharp instincts serving as a powerful model for business strategy when plans inevitably change. Like the hawk or even the falcon in flight, success often comes from being able to adjust quickly without losing momentum.

The conversation continues with possibility—the endless opportunities that flight symbolizes. Different models of business growth can be paralleled to birds such as the hummingbird, albatross, and swift, each with unique flight patterns. From rapid bursts of creative energy to long-distance endurance, these birds illustrate the many ways Solopreneurs can flourish. With the right mindset, the potential for growth, impact, and earning is limitless.

The episode concludes by recapping the three themes: Perspective, Pivot, and Possibility. Together, they form a guide to embracing the entrepreneurial journey. Referencing Atomic Habits by James Clear, Katie underscores how small, consistent steps can lead to extraordinary results. Join the Flying Solo community on Instagram and connect through Gabl Media to continue exploring what it means to build a practice—and a life—on your own terms.

To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz on the Flying Solo Website. 

Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group.

Mark R. Page, founder of EntreArchitect and Gabl Media, has been building a community of small firm architects who are having tough conversations to improve their professional practice and live their best life every day.