Flying Solo

Melissa Laurie is the founder of Oysterly Media—a fast-growing social video agency that’s making big waves across Australia, Asia, and beyond. With over 1000s of followers on TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn, plus brand collaborations with giants like Hilton and Microsoft, Melissa is redefining how brands use short form video to connect with their audiences. Together, Cec and Melissa dive deep into the power of short form video, the rising impact of employee-generated content, and what it takes for small businesses to really stand out on social media. Melissa shares actionable tips, insights on emerging trends like social search and YouTube Shorts, and busts common myths about building an authentic brand presence online. If you’re a small business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur ready to take your social media game to the next level, this episode is packed with real-world advice you can start using today. Key topics 1. The Power of Short Form Video Rapid growth across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts Effective way for brands to build trust and capture attention Short, engaging content requires both creativity and strategy 2. Employee Generated Content (EGC) Empowers staff to create authentic, engaging videos for company profiles Helps activate employee engagement, attract talent, and advertise naturally Training and confidence-building are essential for effective EGC 3. Making Content Stand Out The first few seconds (“first frame”) are crucial to stop the scroll Research trending searches and questions to create relevant videos Use pattern interruptions and creativity to maintain viewer interest 4. Evolving Social Search and Discovery Social platforms are overtaking traditional SEO for product/service discovery Incorporate keywords and answer search-driven questions in videos YouTube Shorts presents an untapped marketing opportunity, especially in Australia 5. Building Your Personal and Business Brand Founder-led content humanises brands and builds recognition Regular, value-driven posting helps refine skills and grow audience Experimenting with styles and staying authentic are key to success Timestamped overview 00:00 "Trailblazing in Social Media" 05:05 Employee-Generated Content Benefits 07:44 Boosting Camera Confidence for Cafes 10:20 Captivate with Cafe Art Magic 14:00 Search Strategy: Engaging Your Audience 18:43 Boost Business with Strategic Video Scripts 22:42 Cross-Platform Short Video Strategy 26:36 Thought Leadership in Video Marketing 27:52 "Engaging Video Content Tips" 33:08 Social Media Video Mastery Tips 34:40 "Follow Melissa Laurie Online" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leanne Shelton is an AI coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Human Edge AI Training. Leanne’s journey from content marketer and copywriter to AI advocate proves that you don’t need a tech background to harness the power of AI in your business. If the thought of AI makes you feel overwhelmed or worried about losing your “human touch,” this episode is your perfect antidote. Leanne shares her mission to demystify AI for busy, non-techie leaders and introduces insights from her new book, AI Human Fusion. Together, Cec and Leanne explore how small business owners can adopt AI tools in a way that’s strategic, ethical, and—most importantly—aligned with their own values. Tune in for practical advice, mindset shifts to conquer AI-induced overwhelm, and Leanne’s unique “HABITS” framework for building healthy AI habits. Key topics 1. Adopting a Human-First Approach to AI Advocates for placing humans—not technology—at the centre of AI adoption and business processes. Stresses the importance of retaining critical thinking, creativity, and personal connection. Encourages conscious decisions about when and how to use AI, ensuring it complements rather than replaces human input. 2. Navigating Fear and Overwhelm Acknowledges widespread anxiety and panic around AI, fueled by media and uncertainty. Offers mindset shifts to help business owners feel more confident and empowered using AI. Advises against using AI simply for the sake of it, and instead to solve genuine pain points. 3. Practical Guidance for Non-Techies and Teams Designed support tools, like her book and the HABITS framework, for non-technical leaders and small business owners. Emphasises onboarding AI like a junior team member: providing clear context, instructions, and feedback. Recommends fostering a team culture of openness, curiosity, and structured learning around AI use. 4. Responsible and Ethical AI Integration Highlights the need for clear internal and external AI policies to guide ethical and secure usage. Stresses the importance of transparency with clients and stakeholders about how AI is used. Warns against “productivity traps” and encourages balancing efficiency with quality and trust. 5. Getting Started and Building Healthy Habits Suggests starting small: experimenting with basic tasks and training AI on your unique business context. Advocates developing healthy AI habits now to prevent poor practices later. Recommends maintaining control by treating AI as a collaborative assistant to support—not replace—your expertise. Timestamped overview 00:00 "Humanising AI Content Creation" 06:03 "Understanding AI Beyond Tools" 09:35 "AI: Enhance Efficiency, Retain Humanity" 12:49 Effective Content Creation Process 16:14 "Integrating AI: Strategy and Ethics" 17:40 "AI Policy: A Dual Purpose" 20:31 "AI Efficiency vs. Communication Clarity" 24:09 Polite Habits with AI Assistants 28:31 Building Trust Through Employee Surveys 29:59 Team Alignment on AI Usage 33:36 "AI Human Fusion Insights" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With hustle culture running rampant and burnout becoming all too familiar, Tim Jack Adams is on a mission to help Australians flip the script on stress, reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and nature. Drawing from his new book, "Energised," Tim shares science-backed strategies and simple daily habits that actually work to recharge our batteries and move from exhaustion to sustainable wellbeing. If you’re feeling drained, longing for balance, or just want practical tips to boost your energy and connection, this episode is your toolkit for building a more fulfilling, energised life. Key topics 1. Understanding Burnout and Disconnection Explores the prevalence of burnout among soloists and small business owners. Identifies the impact of hustle culture and constant busyness on wellbeing. Highlights loneliness as a rapidly growing epidemic with significant health consequences. 2. The Power of Connection and Reconnection Discusses “The Great Reconnect” movement and the importance of meaningful human connection. Differentiates true connection (valuing, seeing, hearing others) from mere communication or online friendships. Emphasises the critical role of real-life relationships and community for health and happiness. 3. Tools and Habits for Sustained Wellbeing Introduces the seven tools of green exercise (e.g., movement, reflection, breath) and eight areas of wellbeing (e.g., purpose, relationships, fun). Encourages creating daily rhythms or habits—like nature walks or technology-free meals—to recharge energy. Suggests practical boundaries around device use to foster presence at home and in relationships. 4. Nature's Unique Role in Health Explains the scientific and emotional benefits of time spent in nature, from reduced stress to increased clarity. Advocates for nature as a reset for mind and body, cutting through daily distractions. Recommends solo time outdoors for self-reflection and purpose discovery. 5. Practical Steps and Takeaways Urges listeners to check in regularly on their own “battery” and that of loved ones. Offers actionable advice: set tech boundaries at meals, greet family members with attention, and make time for daily self-care. Points to further resources, including Tim’s book “Energised,” for ongoing support. Time-stamped overview 00:00 "Reconnecting Through Water Sports" 04:33 Defining and Measuring Wellbeing 09:12 Disconnected Spectators, Not Connectors 10:34 "Disconnect to Reconnect During Meals" 14:53 "Welcoming Your Partner Home" 17:46 Finding Self-Worth and Purpose 20:39 Entrepreneurial Burnout: Self-Reliance Consequences 24:39 Balancing Life and Work Priorities 29:38 Finding Purpose Through Nature 31:20 "Energised: Overcoming Burnout" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jenny Stillwell is a renowned business strategist, former CEO, and author of "The 7% Club." Jenny brings decades of experience guiding businesses through the ups and downs of growth. In this epsidoe of Flying Solo she dives deep into why the $2 million mark is such a crucial tipping point for scaling up. Cec and Jenny explore everything from mindset shifts and delegation challenges to the power of intentional leadership and building your “A team.” Whether you’re itching to take your business to the next level or just want to run things smarter, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you think like a true CEO—even if you’re still wearing all the hats. Get ready to discover what it takes to break into that elusive 7% of businesses that crack the $2 million ceiling and scale with confidence. Key topics 1. Jenny Stillwell’s Background and the 7% Club Concept Experience as a CEO, adviser, and author focused on business growth The formation and reasoning behind “The 7% Club”: only 7% of Australian businesses exceed $2 million revenue The $2 million mark as a turning point requiring new strategies and structure 2. Mindset and Role Shift for Scaling Businesses Importance of moving from “doing it all” to a CEO mindset The major mindset shift and the “dance of trust” needed for delegation Need to build processes and empower the team, not just hand off tasks Recognising when founders are bottlenecks to growth 3. Building a Foundation to Scale Intentionally putting the right people in the right roles (“A team”) Documenting and sharing core processes and knowledge Gaining a strong grip on business financials and key metrics Adapting structure to support future–focused growth 4. Challenges, Motivation, and Leadership Insights Avoiding chasing revenue at the cost of profit, margin, or wellbeing Staying motivated during plateaus and being honest about personal goals Navigating difficult leadership moments: tough conversations and confident decision–making The value and impact of mentorship and having visible role models 5. Myths and Realities of Scaling and Growth Distinction between growth (steady increase) and scaling (leveraging systems/tech for rapid expansion) Hiring shifts: from generalists to specialists as the business matures Common misconceptions—reaching revenue targets doesn’t solve all challenges Creative exercises (like envisioning 10x growth) for long–term planning Time-stamped overview 00:00 "From Corporate to Serial Entrepreneur" 05:46 Growth Challenges in Business Transition 07:33 Intentional Growth and Strategic Shifts 12:43 Strategic Leadership and Team Building 14:08 "Essential Keys for Business Success" 19:30 Strategic Growth and Happiness Alignment 23:27 Navigating Difficult Conversations 26:58 "Scaling vs. Growth Explained" 30:18 Specialized Hiring for Business Growth 32:25 "Jenny's Insights & 7th Cent Club" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Murray is a leadership expert, speaker, and author of the game-changing new book, The Empathy Gap. Daniel shares his personal journey from a highly analytical thinker who struggled with empathy, to an advocate who believes that empathy isn’t just a “soft skill”, it’s a strategic superpower every business leader can learn and harness. Daniel breaks down why empathy is so crucial in today’s complex, fast-paced world, how it goes beyond just being nice, and why it’s essential for building trust, navigating conflict, and driving real results in business. Whether you’re working solo, managing a team, or just looking to connect on a deeper level with those around you, this episode is packed with research-backed insights and practical tools to help you bridge the empathy gap. Key topics 1. The Strategic Power and Learnability of Empathy Empathy is not an innate trait but a learnable, research-backed leadership skill. It’s often mislabeled as a “soft skill” despite requiring conscious, ongoing effort. Empathy can be a leader’s strategic superpower, influencing outcomes beyond technical decisions. 2. Empathy in Action: Leadership, Conflict, and Accountability Leaders must understand underlying motivations and emotions, not just tasks or data. Empathy helps resolve conflicts and fosters more meaningful, constructive conversations. There's a clear distinction between coddling (sympathy) and holding people accountable while being empathetic. 3. Developing Empathy: Practical Steps and Personal Growth Daniel outlines a four-step process focusing on curiosity and overcoming unconscious bias. Building empathy requires humility and a willingness to move beyond assumptions. Self-empathy and reflection are essential, especially for soloists and entrepreneurs navigating challenges. 4. The Value of Empathy in Business and Team Culture Signs of an empathy deficit include suspicion, defensiveness, and poor communication. Healthy cultures are rooted in trust, curiosity, and openness to understanding others’ perspectives. Empathy allows small businesses and soloists to adapt more quickly and connect deeply with clients. 5. Embracing Change: Emotional Intelligence and the Future As technology and AI reshape work, emotional intelligence is increasingly vital. The future of effective leadership will centre on trust, human connection, and empathy-driven practices. Daniel emphasises the need for empathy to bridge complexity and create genuinely supportive environments. Time-stamped overview 00:00 Unspoken Issues Impact Performance 05:34 "Balancing Data and Human Connection" 08:34 "Build Skills Through Conscious Curiosity" 12:42 Transforming Conflict Perspective 15:38 Empathy's Role in Performance Evaluation 20:02 Prioritize Curiosity to Prevent Unraveling 22:53 AI's Impact: Rapid Decisions, Human Connection 26:00 Understanding Local Needs in Charity Work 29:12 Embracing Humility for Growth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, host Cec Busby sits down with Vinisha Rathod—Sydney-based branding specialist, keynote speaker, and founder of P3 Studio. Vinisha isn’t just flipping the script on personal branding; she’s rewriting the whole playbook. Drawing on her 15 years of experience helping leaders and businesses make a real impact, Vinisha shares her unique approach to building a personal brand that goes well beyond shiny surface appearances. Instead, it’s about deep alignment with your values, your purpose, and your true self. Key topics 1. The Importance of Personal Branding Your personal brand is your reputation and what you’re known for, especially in a world of changing careers. A strong personal brand opens up opportunities, both locally and globally, via your online presence. It allows you to express your true values and attract aligned opportunities, not just business but in life. 2. Authenticity and Consistency Authenticity isn’t a static trait; it’s a practice and skill to develop. Being the same person online as you are in-person builds trust and credibility. Consistency in what you stand for is essential—people learn to know you for certain values and causes. 3. Practical Tips for Building an Online Presence Be clear about what you do and why you do it; don’t underestimate silent observers on platforms like LinkedIn. Thoughtful, value-driven sharing trumps frequent, superficial, or generic posting. Use storytelling and genuine insights to set yourself apart from AI-generated or “humblebrag” content. 4. Vulnerability and Networking Showing vulnerability—once you’ve processed your experiences—creates deeper connections. Authentic networking focuses on meaningful conversations over quantity or wide reach. Knowing your personal networking style helps you build relationships in a way that suits you. 5. The Briefcase Effect & Its Impact The “Briefcase Effect” is about carrying your true essence—your best self—into every environment. It’s about attracting the right people and opportunities while filtering out what doesn’t serve you. The overall aim is to transition from mere survival to thriving and creating a positive impact for others. Timestamped overview 00:00 Building Your Brand Beats Networking 04:22 "Mastery Over Passion Framework" 09:07 Navigating Career and Life Choices 10:26 "Reputation and Personal Branding" 15:46 Consistency Builds Trust 17:48 "Briefcase Effect: Showcasing Personal Branding" 21:14 "Balancing Life: Contentment and Growth" 27:24 Building Connections Beyond Work 31:05 "Embrace Your Comfort Zone Identity" 33:22 Thriving for a Better World 35:12 "Embrace Authentic Success" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of Flying Solo Cec is joined by Mark Chapman, Director of Tax Communication at H&R Block, to break down everything you need to know about end-of-financial-year preparation. Find out everything from how to get your paperwork in order, to avoiding common mistakes. Make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table when it comes to deductions. Mark offers practical advice on essential record keeping, explains which documents are a must-have, and even spots some tax traps and scams to watch for. So grab your receipts (and maybe a coffee), and let’s get ready to tackle tax season together! Key topics 1. Essential tax prep and record keeping ·      Importance of keeping all income and expense records (receipts, invoices, etc.) ·      Advice to update records regularly, ideally year-round, or as soon as possible before June 30 ·      Consequences of poor record keeping: missed deductions, higher accountant fees, and complex returns 2. Common deductions and maximising claims ·      Home office: Options to claim using the fixed-rate method (70c/hour) or proportion of actual home expenses ·      Additional deductions for items like business equipment, software, and subscriptions (e.g., Canva, Blinkist) ·      Avoid double-dipping by not claiming the same expenses under multiple methods 3. Changes and updates for this Financial Year ·      Instant Asset Write-Off available for eligible assets up to $20,000 ·      No other major changes to small business deduction rules this year ·      Importance of following current rules and consulting with a tax professional 4. Business vs. personal expenses ·      Need to apportion shared expenses between business and personal use, and substantiate claims ·      Risks for company owners who mix personal withdrawals with business funds (Division 7A implications) ·      Recommendation to seek professional advice to properly separate and track finances 5. Avoiding ATO pitfalls and audit risks ·      Substantiation is key: receipts typically required (not just credit card statements) for most claims ·      ATO is vigilant about double claims and personal/business expense separation ·      Proper documentation reduces audit risk and ensures legitimate deductions are not missed  Timestamped overview  00:00 Start tax prep early 03:17 Complicated tax return challenges 06:46 Home business tax deduction tips 10:17 Home office tax claim guidelines 13:48 ATO compliance for sole traders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cec Busby sits down with Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), for a discussion about the current landscape for small businesses. With a major decision from the Fair Work Commission to raise the minimum wage by 3.75% set to take effect, Cec and Luke unpack what this change—and a host of other pressing issues such as rising business costs, increasing red tape, late payments, and compliance burdens—means for small business owners. Key topics 1. Current Challenges for Small Business Rising costs: energy, rent, wages, insurance Complex and increasing regulatory and compliance requirements Eroded profitability and productivity due to these pressures 2. COSBOA’s Advocacy and Campaigns “Fair Go for Business” campaign: proposed tax cut from 25% to 20% Ongoing lobbying for less red tape and better policy Engagement and strong support from the small business community 3. Digital and Operational Transformation Push for small business digital adoption and use of AI Need for government support in training and capability building Programs like Cyber Wardens help improve cyber hygiene and digital skills 4. Support and Resources for Small Business Owners Mental health initiatives (e.g. NewAccess for Small Business Owners) Female Entrepreneurs Program and other support services Open invitation for business owners and soloists to get involved with COSBOA 5. The Impact of Policy Decisions Latest minimum wage increase and its cost implications The challenge of passing on new costs to customers The importance of linking wage growth to productivity Timestamped overview 00:00 COSBOA Advocating for Australia's Small Businesses 06:09 Business and Regulatory Challenges 09:17 Small Business Red Tape Burden 12:20 Proposal Gains Strong Voter Support 14:39 "Tax Cuts Boost Small Business Growth" 19:21 "Government-Led Wage Increases Questioned" 20:42 Boosting Productivity Key to Wage Growth 23:12 "Regulatory Impact Assessment Importance" 26:29 AI Boosts Small Business Productivity 31:07 Supporting Small Business Initiatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the mention of AI makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone—but what if AI could actually make your business smoother, more efficient, and free up valuable time? To help unravel the mystery (and bust a few myths), Cec is joined by Tracy Sheen, award-winning business tech expert, speaker, founder of The Digital Guide, and bestselling author. With over 30 years spent in the tech trenches—and a brand-new, jargon-free book called AI and You: Reimagine Business—Tracy shares practical advice for solopreneurs and small business owners looking to make sense of AI. Key topics 1. Demystifying AI for Small Business AI isn’t as intimidating as it seems; it's already embedded in everyday tools like Netflix, Google Maps, CRMs, and point-of-sale systems. Most small business owners have been using AI unknowingly for years. The goal is to make AI accessible, jargon-free, and practical for real-world application. 2. Overcoming Misconceptions and Building Mindset Many small businesses see AI as overwhelming, complicated, or even irrelevant—especially in regional Australia. Tracy emphasizes that AI is a collaborator, not a competitor. Success with AI starts with a mindset shift: treat AI as a new team member, not a threat to your business. 3. Practical Getting Started Tips Start small: Use tools like ChatGPT for fun, non-business tasks first to build confidence. Ask questions, play around, and don’t be afraid to “make mistakes”—it’s a learning sandbox. Focus on solving one key business pain point at a time with AI. 4. Recommended Tools & Everyday Applications Google NotebookLM: Great for synthesizing content, brainstorming, and creating conversational podcasts. CastMagic: Useful for repurposing long-form content (like podcasts and webinars) into social clips, emails, and blogs. Choose tools that address your particular business challenges or bottlenecks, whether content creation, marketing, or workflow. 5. Ethics, Transparency & Future-Proofing Be transparent about using AI in your business communications; customers appreciate honesty. Develop an AI policy, especially if you have EU clients, and review it regularly as things evolve. AI adoption is essential for staying competitive—digital literacy and curiosity are key assets for future growth. Time-stamped overview 00:00 "Solopreneurs: AI Simplified" 04:00 Tech as a Social Equalizer 09:17 AI Misunderstandings in Rural Australia 10:53 Everyday AI Usage Awareness 15:55 Embrace Curiosity for Better Answers 17:34 "Google Notebook: Content Conversion Tool" 22:23 "Virtual Teams for Solopreneurs" 25:19 "Social Media Help for Plumber" 27:43 AI Transparency Boosts Business Loyalty 31:42 Agenic AI Streamlines Executive Assistance 35:35 "NoteBookLM: Mind-Blowing Everyday AI Tool" 37:19 Embracing Rapid Technological Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roxanne Calder is a recruitment expert, business founder, and author of the eye-opening book "Earning Power." In this episode Ce and Roxanne unpack the core moments that shape our financial futures, from pay negotiations and navigating maternity leave to the small, everyday decisions that can make a big difference over time. With the gender pay gap costing women a million dollars over their lifetime, this is one episode you don't want to miss. Roxanne shares hard-hitting facts, personal insights, and actionable strategies to help women, and anyone supporting them, close the pay gap and take control of their earning potential. Key topics 1. Understanding & Combating the Gender Pay Gap Women can lose over $1 million due to the pay gap over a career. Factors include discrimination, career breaks (like maternity leave), and industry choice. The importance of being proactive and informed to minimize the impact. 2. The Power of Mindset and Self-Advocacy Women are often conditioned to underestimate their abilities or hesitate in seeking opportunities. Men tend to apply for roles even if underqualified, while women may hold back if not 100% qualified. Practicing negotiation, challenging self-doubt, and confidently asserting value are crucial to bridging the gap. 3. Planning Career Breaks and Re-Entry Financial and career planning before, during, and after maternity leave is essential. Stay connected to your workplace and keep skills updated during breaks. Open conversations with partners and employers about financial goals and upskilling can foster a smoother return. 4. Practical Steps for Business Owners & Professionals Know and confidently communicate your worth—don’t undervalue your services or accept less than deserved. Incremental, sustainable changes (like small savings or upskilling) can compound over time. It’s never too late to improve your financial trajectory—micro-decisions matter. Time stamped overview 00:00 Closing the Workforce Gender Gap 04:46 Gender Wage Disparity in Graduates 10:17 Impact of Maternity on Women's Finances 12:51 Realistic Planning for Maternity Leave 15:31 Know Your Worth in Negotiations 19:43 Empower Change: Choose Your Path 23:23 Resilient Recruiter: Value and Commitment 27:31 Small Steps, Big Impact 30:01 "Smart Savings Habits from First Pay" 31:29 "Earning Power: Take Financial Control" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices