Flying Solo

Friska Wirya, a change management expert, shares practical ways to implement change in businesses of all sizes. Topics include understanding resistance to change, the importance of co-creation, and the role of leadership and culture in fostering innovation. Get ready to transform your business with these valuable insights.

Evelina Bereni is an expert in assisting businesses to be more creative and embrace transformation. In this episode, Evelina will be sharing her insights on the importance of creativity and problem-solving in business, and why innovation should be a part of our everyday routines.We'll be diving into the ProSci methodology, microdosing fear, the power of diverse stimulus, and so much more. This episode is jam-packed with practical tips and strategies to help you take your business to new heights. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Evelina Bereni on this episode of Flying Solo!Key TopicsChange management and innovation:- Introducing the ProSci methodology- Building awareness about innovation- Training people on how to innovate- Importance of active and visible sponsorship for innovationCreativity and stimulus:- Using different stimuli to enhance creativity- Bringing hidden creative ideas to the conscious- Examples of using stimuli in virtual sessions and personal experiencesFailure, risk-taking, and experimentation:- Microdosing fear for enhanced focus- Learning lessons through experimentation and hypothesis testing- Importance of small failures and avoiding colossal failuresUnderstanding customer needs for innovation:- Observing and interviewing customers to gain insights- Understanding barriers for non-consumers- Developing future products and services based on customer insights AI and productivity enhancement:- Running master classes on using AI to enhance productivity- AI augmenting roles, not replacing them- Importance of building AI capability to stay relevantCollaboration and involving the whole business:- Driving innovation through collaboration and buy-in- Valuable insights from frontline employees- Involving everyone who can add value or create changeCapacity, burnout, and work-life balance:- Limited capacity to complete work and its negative impacts- Burnout becoming more common, especially in small businesses- Importance of managing work-life balance and well-beingTime stamped overview[00:02:05] Work overload leads to burnout, affecting well-being.[00:06:17] Use diverse stimulus to boost creative thinking.[00:07:23] Diverse stimulus helps trigger subconscious memories.[00:12:28] Risk taking and openness to failure drive innovation.[00:15:35] Understand customer needs, close accessibility gaps, innovate.[00:20:07] Innovation through collaboration adds value and success.[00:23:29] AI enhances productivity, augmenting roles, not replacing.[00:25:57] Metrics needed for successful innovation processes.[00:28:44] Incremental, breakthrough, and disruptive innovation percentages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tess McCabe is a graphic designer, author, marketing expert, and publisher. She has recently released a groundbreaking book titled Self Promotion Without Social Media. In this episode, Tess shares her insights and expertise on how to effectively promote your business without getting lost in the constant grind of content creation on social media. As a fellow solopreneur, Tess understands the struggles and challenges faced by small business owners when it comes to self-promotion. She provides valuable advice on connecting with customers, building relationships, and standing out in a crowded marketplace. We'll dive into topics such as personal branding, networking, website optimisation, reviews and testimonials, and the power of word-of-mouth. Join us as we explore alternative ways to promote your business and free yourself from the overwhelm of social media.Key TopicsSelf-Promotion Strategies- Understanding target clients and attracting them- Building personal relationships and showcasing expertise- Importance of attending events and networking- Effective communication and tweaking the message- Promoting through website, blog, and newsletter content- Offering lead magnets or incentives to attract ideal clients- Communicating the purpose and goals of the business- Building trust through effective communication- Building relationships with clients and customers Importance of Visibility and Different Channels- Different promotional activities for different types of businesses- Key channels like social media and website- Consistency and professionalism in presenting the businessPaying to Promote Content and Utilising Marketing Avenues- Spending money to create high-quality engaging content- Paying to promote the content for attracting new audiences- Conversations with clients about optimization and marketing strategiesPreparation and Confidence in Self-Promotion- Importance of preparation in self-promotion- Effectively communicating what you do, who you work with, and why- Practicing simple statements for clear communication- Building confidence through preparation- Attending events and bringing support if neededReviews and Testimonials for Promoting Business- Sending prompts to clients for writing reviews- Including client promotions within the review- Placing reviews in portfolio and linking to client's website- Personal anecdotes and stories in the speaker's bookOrganic Connections and Word-of-Mouth Marketing- Personal experience with trade shows and local markets- Side project leading to a client, friend, and colleague- Value of word-of-mouth and social proof- Gathering reviews and testimonials from clientsTimestamped overview00:01:56 Book design, small business support, website design.00:04:22 Struggles with promoting business on social media.00:07:30 Visibility key for business, varies by type. Use multiple channels consistently and professionally.00:11:31 Prepare and practice promoting yourself in networking.00:13:44 Passion, values, trust: keys to entrepreneurship.00:17:17 Client reviews provide opportunities for self-promotion.00:21:43 Interest in ideal clients and how they find you.00:24:55 Networking events help build business connections.00:28:17 Meeting turned friendship and business collaboration. Organic marketing success story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donna McGeorge, one of our favourite productivity experts, and she joins us today to help you prepare for the busiest time of the year. With sales season and the holidays approaching, business owners face increasing challenges in juggling tasks. But fear not, Donna will share loads of practical advice on harnessing AI's power to streamline your processes, optimise your productivity, and ultimately save you time and mental energy. Whether it's using ChatGPT for written communication or exploring the AI features in popular programs like Microsoft and Google, Donna's insights will help you make the most of these tools now!Key topicsAI and Productivity- Use of AI and ChatGPT in businesses to save time and mental energy- Using ChatGPT for business: such as written comms, emails, proposals, and presentations- Time-saving benefits of using Chat GPT for everyday administrative tasks- Integration of AI in popular programs like Microsoft and GoogleProcesses to Improve Productivity- First lever to create time: Streamlining meetings- Importance of quality and effectiveness in meetings- Evaluating your time- Advocating for shorter meetings, such as 25-minute meetings- Importance of defining the purpose and outcomes of each meeting- Purpose-driven meetings over detailed agendasTimestamped overview[00:01:45] Save time and energy with Chat GPT, 37 per cent time savings.[00:05:21] Fewer meetings means more productivity and relief.[00:08:40] Remote vs. office productivity depends on work.[00:10:21] Prioritize high impact tasks for efficient days.[00:14:44] Working at the right level for success.[00:16:41] Prioritize time wisely, focus on important tasks.[00:21:34] Feeling overwhelmed? Write down everything.[00:23:57] Working longer hours doesn't lead to more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now, if you think that transformation is only in the realm of big business, it's time to reshape your view. Transformation is a precursor to innovation, and today’s guest knows all about it. Adam Bennett is the author of Great Change – The Way to Get Big Strategy Done. He’s a former CEO and big four bank CIO, and these days, he devotes his time to management consulting, where he assists businesses of all sizes through transformational change. If you're ready to reshape your business for the better, listen up as Adam has plenty of great advice.Key Topics Transformation in Business- Three elements of transformation: external disruption/opportunity, strategy/choice, action/implementation- The importance of implementation for an effective strategy- Universal principles applicable to small and large businesses- Crucial mindset elements for successful business operation: curiosity, humility, openness to change- The consequences of clinging onto old ways of thinking- The role of ambition and urgency in the organization and individuals- Stepping outside the company's perspective to view the business through the customers' eyes- Aligning business operations to meet current and future customer needs- Gathering customer feedback for valuable insights- Analyzing and acting upon customer feedbackFear and Uncertainty in Business Transformation- Fear stemming from uncertainty and potential job loss- Transformation leading to different ways of doing things and requiring new skills- Importance of honesty, transparency, and directness with employees about potential outcomesLeadership and Management- Definition of leadership as taking people on a journey and adapting to change- Definition of management as dealing with complexity and being efficient- Distinction between leadership and management- Important qualities in leadership: sensitivity to the world, aspiration for transformationSmall Business Operations and Reflection- Need for focus and thoughtfulness in small businesses due to limited resources- Experimentation with strategies to remain competitive- Varying impact of AI on different industries- Recommendation for small business owners to experiment with AI tools like GPT for operation enhancement- Utilizing AI as a complementary tool, not a replacement- Time-saving and expanded thinking capabilities of AI in business management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a small business owner, chances are there have been times when you’ve put your health and wellbeing into the too hard basket. But today’s guest, Dr Brett Lillie, believes it doesn’t have to be that way.By rediscovering the 'athlete within' Dr Brett says you can rekindle your love for movement and find your mojo to live a happier, healthier life. He joins us today to share some science-backed strategies from his new book Rediscover Your Athlete Within, which will get you moving and grooving again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If presenting to an audience or pitching to clients is part of the bread and butter of your business, then today's guest has some fantastic strategies to share. David Fish is a renowned keynote speaker and author whose new book, What It Takes To Create Winning Presentations, delivers some fabulous advice on how to employ storytelling to connect, engage and convince. If you’d like to become a more effective communicator, listen up as David has a wealth of experience in the advertising industry, working on strategic thinking and creating impactful campaigns for big brands. While his keynote 'Attitude for Altitude' catapulted him onto the world speakers stage with its message of personal growth and triumph over adversity. So buckle up as we this inspiring aviator takes flight on the latest episode of Flying Solo.Key Topics and Talking PointsTelling your story effectively  - Ineffective content delivery hinders the impact of great ideas and strategic thinking  - Emphasis on story structuring and content organization, not just presenter skills  - Significance of structuring and delivering information in business presentations From Blimps to Flying Solo  - David's childhood fascination with blimps and their town's history of airship production  - Career plans to become a blimp pilot disrupted by a bankrupt airship company  - Transition to becoming a pilot and blending aviation with their workStrategic Thinking in Advertising  - Advertising as a means of communication and making brands famous  - Experience in advertising, including strategic thinking and creating television and billboard ads  - The role of identifying the target audience and creating compelling, meaningful contentWhen strategy and passion combine  - Working with companies of all sizes to bring strategy to life and improve communication  - Applying the discipline and culture of aviation to strategic execution in business  - Blending 30 years of marketing experience with a passion for flying and aerobaticsResilience and Personal Growth  - David diagnosis of leukemia and reflection on identity and priorities during treatment  - Discovering the importance of flying and personal growth, setting boundaries, and prioritization  - Sharing their journey to inspire others to reassess their own lives beyond their health experience.Timestamped overview[00:01:15] Fascinated by blimps, wanted to be pilot.[00:06:17] Leukemia diagnosis leads to personal reflection and change.[00:11:40] Cancer patient defies doctors to fly aerobatics.[00:14:48] Aviation's discipline and culture of learning.[00:19:20] Clarity and conciseness are crucial for effective presentations.[00:21:45] Engage audience, tell compelling story, and conclude journey.[00:25:40] Strategy consultant works with companies embracing change.[00:28:50] Positive reflection on transformative past experience.[00:31:56] Unconventional route leads to finally flying a Blimp. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's guest, Fleur Heazlewood, firmly believes in the power of resilience. She understands that resilience is not something innate but rather a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. And when it comes to avoiding burnout and managing stress, resilience is your best friend. Fleur believes building up a resilience toolkit allows you to recognise when stress becomes overwhelming and prevent its negative consequences.In this episode Fluer shares her best strategies for taming stress and avoiding burnout. She sheds light on the impact of stress on our bodies and provides valuable insight into different stress responses. If you're looking for practical strategies for managing stress and fostering resilience, join us today as we explore ways to navigate stress, enhance self-care, and promote overall success and resilience. Get ready to take flight and embark on this transformative journey with us on Flying Solo - your podcast for thriving in a hectic world. Let's soar together!Key topicsStress vs. Burnout- Everyday stress vs. burnout- Symptoms of burnout- Differentiating between stress and burnoutMaintaining Control and Discipline- Feeling out of control in a distracted world- Distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable factors- Taking action on rising costs and financial control- Implementing restrictions and alarms for device controlMorning Routines for Success- Importance of morning routines- 10 to 15 minutes of morning activities for optimism and focus- Examples of morning activities- Clearing the mind and prioritising the dayHealthy vs. Unhealthy Stress- Viewing stress as healthy or unhealthy instead of good or bad- Purposeful stress in certain situations- Short-term stress management and its limits- The need for rest, recharge, and recalibration to avoid burnoutProtecting Personal Time- Negative impact of immediate device and social media engagement in the morning- Prioritizing personal time and mental well-being- Protecting morning and nighttime hours from external influences- Promoting sleep with calm and careWellbeing in the Workplace- Small business owners' responsibility for employee well-being- Legal obligations for a psychologically safe workplace- Minimizing psychosocial hazards in the workplace- Recognizing the impact of work practices and pressuresImproving Sleep Quality- The connection between stress, busy minds, and sleep struggles- Creating a disconnection between work and sleep- Setting a closure for eating habits to improve sleep quality- Engaging in activities that help the mind prepare for restRefreshing and Recharging- Ineffectiveness of relying on holidays for rest and rejuvenation- Exhaustion and delayed holidays due to the pandemic- Making daily refreshment and recharging a priority- Planning and scheduling regular holidays for well-beingTimestamped overview[00:02:30] Recognise stress, breathe, and be compassionate.[00:06:41] Different stress responses, no right or wrong.[00:09:26] New mindset: Prioritise health over work.[00:13:59] A short morning routine can boost happiness.[00:18:11] Tips for better sleep: limit work, no late-night eating, relax before bed without screens.[00:21:25] Protect your personal time; limit device use.[00:26:01] Healthy stress is helpful; chronic stress is harmful.[00:28:48] Burnout: exhaustion, disconnection, and loss of efficacy.[00:31:48] Recognise burnout, prioritize, seek support, change work habits.[00:35:46] Different preferences and risks in work, flexibility appreciated, some need office time, important to have conversations about well-being.[00:39:01] Disable notifications, regain productivity, focus on deep work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Andrew May, shares an incredible story of transformation and entrepreneurship. Brace yourself for a tale that involves gambling syndicates, art galleries, and even a Ferrari. But it doesn't stop there! Andrew also dives into his journey as a performance and mindset coach; shares the rituals and lessons that have helped him assist 1000s of business owners, elite athletes and corporate leaders to become more focused and productive and explains where culture and values sit when it comes to creating a positive work and home life.Key Topics 1. The Power of Morning Rituals- Resetting the body clock and optimizing cortisol levels- Morning sunlight and physical movement to increase alertness- Delaying caffeine consumption for sustained energy2. Aligning Values with Work- Shift in mindset due to COVID-19, prioritizing purpose and meaning- The possibility of finding a job that aligns with values and provides financial success- Importance of self-awareness in determining success and refusing to work with companies lacking self-awareness3. Creating a Positive Organisational Culture- The role of leaders in setting the tone and culture within an organization- Social contagion theory and how individual behaviors influence the overall culture- Managing physical, psychological, and emotional states to contribute to a positive working environment4. The Impact of Fitness on Personal and Professional Life- Personal training business and the benefits beyond physical fitness- Positive effects on creativity and cognitive processing capacity- How improved well-being leads to better business performance5. Pursuing Passion and Taking Calculated Risks- Prioritizing passion and fulfilment over solely focusing on making money- The importance of taking calculated risks to pursue one's true passion- Reflecting on career choices and making decisions based on personal interests6. Strategies for Productivity and Success in Business- Unconscious behaviour and the importance of habit stacking- Planning the day as a warm-up for optimal performance- Utilizing check-ins and meetings for effective task management7. Personal Journey and Business Growth- Transition from sports science to personal training business- Growth of the business and expansion into multiple locations- Pursuing higher education in coaching psychology to elevate the business8. Lessons from Athleticism and Sports Coaching- Experiences as a junior and senior athlete in running and football- Lessons learned from coaching various sports teams- Applying knowledge of physiology and biomechanics to understand people in personal trainingTime stamped overview[00:02:56] Choosing passion over money leads to success.[00:05:15] Finished degree, worked as strength/sprint coach[00:10:42] Gambling syndicate leads to transformative art gallery.[00:13:24] Personal training led to improved relationships and business.[00:17:39] Reset your body clock with morning routines.[00:21:53] Different energy personalities: gazelle, bear, tiger, dolphin.[00:26:15] Batching tasks massively helps with balance.[00:27:37] Habits matter. Daily planning is crucial.[00:30:43] Culture sets tone, affects entire organization. Toxicity spreads.[00:35:52] Admiral Wendy Malcolm emphasizes living by values.[00:38:21] COVID and business transformation.[00:42:06] Connect with nature, small joys fuel energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we delve into the concept of meaningful work and its importance in finding fulfilment in our careers. Our guest, Nina Mapson Bone, is the Managing Director of Beaumont People and an expert in helping individuals discover their unique path to career satisfaction. She shares her insights from decades of experience and stories from her new book, "Meaningful Work." Join us as we discuss how meaningful work can impact not just our personal lives, but also our businesses, recruitment processes, and overall culture. So, let's dive in and discover how we can find meaning in our work with the help of Nina Mapson Bone. Welcome to FlyingSolo EP 392: The Power of Meaningful Work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices