Flying Solo

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

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. 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

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

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

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 highlightsMelli 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 overview06:17 Deep Resilience and Personal Growth10:05 Overcoming FEAR Pattern11:52 Managing Emotions and Stress Wisely15:52 Staying Connected to Your Values18:53 Overcoming Anxious Thoughts21:14 Mindfulness Simplifies Emotional Awareness27:20 Resilience Framework: 3 C's for Wellbeing28:49 Mastering Skills Through Practice34:57 Mindfulness to Combat Burnout38:47 Burnout Check-In: Drainers vs. Sustainers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 overview05:01 Exceptional Intrapreneurial Dedication10:11 Authentic Coaching: Practicing What You Preach13:27 Building Resilience for Business Growth15:36 Start Your Day with Priority19:53 McMentorship vs. Quality Mentorship21:53 Prioritising Business: A Daily Ritual27:00 Compartmentalising Emotions in Leadership28:33 Emotional Management with Timers34:00 Symbolic $100 Business Gesture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 topicsFoundational 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 overview00:00 "Financial Freedom with Todd Polke"04:54 Success Requires a System07:15 Prioritize Personal Wealth Now11:07 "Building Financial Foundations"14:45 Automate Financial Goals Setup19:52 "Adopting Millionaire Habits"22:39 "Weekly Wealth Hour"26:27 Micro Investing for Wealth Creation30:20 Invest Equity, Not Just Pay Mortgage32:13 Rethink Mortgage Payoff Strategies37:03 The Nature of Comfort Zones40:58 "Escape the Middle" Availability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices