

Flying Solo
Flying Solo
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 33min
From burnout to balance: Science backed ways to beat burnout and boost energy
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

Jul 20, 2025 • 34min
The $2 Million tipping point: essential shifts for small business success
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"
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Jul 13, 2025 • 33min
Closing the Empathy Gap: Daniel Murray on Leadership Skills for Soloists and Entrepreneurs
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
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Jul 3, 2025 • 37min
How to create a purpose driven personal brand
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

Jun 19, 2025 • 39min
Mastering End of Financial Year: Tax tips for soloists
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

Jun 12, 2025 • 34min
Fair go for small business: Navigating red tape and rising costs
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
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Jun 6, 2025 • 41min
Making AI your business ally: Tech tips from Tracy Sheen
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
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May 22, 2025 • 34min
Unlocking earning power: Your guide to financial confidence and career success
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

May 15, 2025 • 35min
Why emotional intelligence is the secret to business success
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
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May 12, 2025 • 38min
How to unlock the power of reinvention
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
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