Looking for inspiration to kick-start the new year? Check out our summer session highlights for the best advice we've heard from experts this year...

In this episode, we're joined by David Fastuca, co-author of the B2B Sales Playbook. David, who has successfully built a $150 million sales pipeline and scaled a SaaS business in a competitive market, shares his expertise on developing a simple, repeatable sales system that stands out from the pushy tactics many dread. We'll explore key aspects like the impact of AI on sales, the importance of having a structured sales operating system, and actionable insights for overcoming common sales challenges. Whether you're struggling to land deals or looking to refine your sales approach, this episode is a must-listen for actionable strategies and practical advice. Tune in and transform your sales game today!

Key Topics

Timestamped overview

00:00 Intro to Dave

05:24 Embrace AI or Fall Behind

06:44 AI Enhances Customer Engagement Efficiency

10:22 Human Oversight Required for AI

14:26 "Belief, Market Need, Feedback Loop"

18:36 Turning Cold Calls Into Warm Leads

20:47 Strategic Prospect Engagement Steps

22:55 Continuous Customer Understanding Essential

29:00 Personalized Messaging Over Generic Outreach

32:25 AI Analysis for Sales Insights

33:25 "B2B Sales Playbook Preview"

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Summer's here, and we're taking a break, so we've put together a season of summer highlights for your listening pleasure. Kick back and enjoy!

Money! How to manage it, how to make the most of it, and how to attract more of it, are questions we’d all like answered and this week’s guest, Clare Wood, has some practical solutions. 

Clare is a sought-after money mentor, author, speaker and CPA-qualified accountant who helps service-based businesses to scale. She also runs The Profit Academy, an online school created to help business owners increase their profits exponentially.

When it comes to money management, Clare knows just what it takes to help business owners make more money and create a life of financial freedom and fun.

Episode notes

In this episode, Clare unpacks:

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As you kick back over summer, check out our season highlights for great advice on hot topics for small business owners.

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

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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People and culture specialist Claire Gray, author of the new book Thriving Teams: When Teams Unite, Align and Achieve, dives into what truly makes a business excel—whether you’re leading a handful of people, working with an evolving group of freelancers, or just starting to build your own crew.

Claire shares insights from her extensive experience in leadership development, team dynamics, and her own entrepreneurial journey. We cover the essentials of building strong teams, the difference between simply performing and genuinely thriving, and why understanding your purpose and practicing quality conversations can make all the difference.

You’ll also learn practical strategies for fostering psychological safety, empathy, and accountability, even when your team is made up of remote workers or freelancers.

Key topics

1. The Essentials of Thriving Teams

2. Leadership Skills and Development

3. Creating Alignment and Accountability

4. Fostering Healthy Team Culture

5. Practical Steps and Resources

Tips for discovering purpose and leveraging team strengths

Addressing misalignment or tension through open communication and curiosity

Resources like Claire Gray ’s book and practical tools for team development

Time-stamped overview

00:00 From Psychology to HR Journey

03:06 Leadership Skills Gap Insights

06:45 "Defining Purpose at Four Levels"

13:07 "Psychological Safety and Team Alignment"

14:08 Fostering Open, Respectful Conversations

17:20 "Psychological Safety and Accountability"

20:46 Empathy, Authenticity, Adaptive Leadership

24:09 "Effective and Intentional Meetings"

30:08 "Fostering Quality Conversations"

31:19 "Thriving Team Insights with Claire"

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Melinda McCormack unpacks the growing sense of isolation many of us feel—at work, in our communities, and even at home—thanks to our fast-paced, tech-heavy lives.

In this episode, we explore the art and science of empathy, drawing from Melinda McCormack’s decades of experience helping leaders and teams navigate challenging emotional terrain. With insights from her new book, “Pulse: Empathy Is Your Edge,” you’ll discover a practical, five-step framework for building trust, breaking through resistance, and creating truly sustainable change.

Key topics

1. The Challenge of Disconnection and the Need for Empathy

Modern life’s disconnection fueled by technology and excessive screen time

Emotional overwhelm and resistance to change as common experiences

Empathy as a critical tool to rebuild genuine human connection

2. Melinda McCormack’s Personal Story and Empathy Mission

Inspired by the experience of raising her son after losing her partner

Focused on building emotional strength and resilience in herself and her son

Transformation from adversity to an advocacy for empathy and emotional awareness

3. The Pulse Framework for Empathy

Purpose: Anchoring in personal values and “why”

Understanding: Building self-awareness of emotional patterns (“emotional DNA”)

Learning and Shifting: Developing emotional skills, forming new habits, reframing thoughts

Embracing Change: Combining emotional agility with rational decision-making

4. Bringing Empathy to Work and Leadership

Emotional intelligence reframed as a business-critical skill, not just “soft”

Importance of authentic, adaptable leadership in an age of rapid change and AI

Creating psychological safety, inclusion, and trust in teams

5. Everyday Practices and Repairing Disconnection

Techniques for self-check-ins and intentional emotional responses

Approaches to overcoming resistance, self-limiting beliefs, and perfectionism

Practical steps for mending relationships—apologizing, humility, and face-to-face connection

Time-stamped overview

00:00 Empathy's Role in Strength and Growth

03:49 "From Struggle to Connection"

07:12 "Human-centered Leadership in AI Era"

12:46 Emotional Agility and Self-Trust

15:28 "Shifting Beliefs for Growth"

18:27 "Beliefs Drive Daily Self-Check"

21:55 Call Centre Frustration Experience

26:39 Reframing Change for Collaboration

28:30 "Humanity, Empathy, and Connection"

32:12 "Empathy: Your Edge"

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From his humble beginnings in a working-class family to conquering the high-stakes trading floors of London, Andrew Baxter shares how those early struggles shaped his money mindset—and why he believes financial freedom is possible for anyone who’s willing to learn the process.

Andrew breaks down the myths and realities of investing, the emotional roadblocks that often hold us back, and practical steps for building wealth—even during tough economic times.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your finances, you’ll hear relatable stories, actionable advice, and an insider’s look at how everyday Australians can use knowledge, strategy, and a little courage to create a more secure future. Get ready to rethink your approach to money, overcome those common investing mistakes, and discover what it really takes to crack the wealth code.

Key topics

Absolutely! Here’s a condensed sequence of the episode’s major themes, each with a few supporting bullets:

1. Andrew's Background and Money Mindset

Grew up in a working-class home with limited financial resources

Influence of upbringing on his motivation to succeed and views about money

Early career shift from small-town life to high-stakes London finance

2. Career Transitions and Search for Fulfilment

Experience on the competitive London trading floor (the reality vs the “Billions” myth)

Decision to leave London seeking more fulfillment and life balance

Relocating to Australia, embracing new opportunities and challenges

3. Making Investing Accessible: Education & The Wealth Playbook

Founding Australian Investment Education after teaching on the golf course

Philosophy: Focus on process, consistency, and removing jargon

The Wealth Playbook aims to demystify investing for everyday Australians

4. Advice for Business Owners and Professionals

The necessity of having multiple income streams in uncertain economic times

Overcoming ego and professional pride to pursue side hustles

Adapting to AI and technological changes through upskilling

5. Common Financial Mistakes and Keys to Success

Letting emotion and ego override disciplined decision-making

Importance of building a process and learning before acting

Taking action—avoiding both procrastination and recklessness

Time-stamped overview

00:00 "City of London Finance Journey"

04:33 Success Without Fulfillment

07:02 "Dot-Com Era to Investment Journey"

10:25 "Investing Requires a Strong Why"

13:29 "Success Requires Strategy, Not Emotion"

18:26 Overcoming Ego in Professional Services

20:17 AI's Impact on Professional Careers

24:38 "Creating Tomorrow's Wealth Today"

28:37 "Boosting Business Cash Flow Strategies"

29:44 "Building Wealth Through Education"

34:57 "Learn Once, Grow Forever"

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Jordana Borensztajn is a comedian, keynote speaker, communication expert, and now, author of The Little Book of Influence.

From being escorted off Facebook’s Silicon Valley campus  when she was dressed as a giant, like button to being booed on a cruise ship and even suffering an egg-related injury, Jordana has experienced her fair share of epic fails. But instead of shying away from these cringe-worthy moments, she’s turned them into comedy gold and powerful lessons on resilience, vulnerability, and authentic communication.

Jordana shares how she mines her most embarrassing moments for laughter and learning, why leaning into vulnerability is so crucial for business owners, and how her “Presence Framework” can help anyone connect and influence more authentically. Plus, she opens up about the power of finding joy, the importance of listening to your body, and how her passion for magic

Key topics

1. Turning Failure into Power and Comedy    

2. Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

3. The Presence Framework for Influence

4. Managing Pressure and Prioritising Wellbeing

5. The Joy of New Experiences: Magic and Mentalism

Time-stamped overview

00:00 Turning Cringe Into Comedy

03:41 From Comedy to Connection

07:50 Accused of Being Outside Mark's house

11:47 Authenticity Through Vulnerability

16:26 "Stories Inspiring Growth & Joy"

18:29 Authenticity Over Perfection

20:57 Dancing Breaks Fear Loops

26:46 Easing Perfection Pressure for Entrepreneurs

28:59 Energy Management Through Mindfulness

31:58 Magic: Love, Hate, or Revealing

35:30 Podcast Recap and Reminder

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Dr. Paul Taylor is a former Royal Navy air crew officer turned neuroscientist, psychologist, and exercise physiologist, to break down the concept of ‘Death by Comfort’, Dr. Taylor’s new book, The Hardiness Effect, explores how embracing a little stress and discomfort can make us stronger, sharper, and healthier.

Dr Taylor dives into the science behind resilience, the dangers of modern convenience, and practical strategies for building mental and physical toughness—like cold showers, purposeful challenges, and reframing stress as an opportunity for growth.

Whether you’re a small business owner wrestling with burnout or simply feeling stuck in a rut, this conversation offers actionable advice and fresh perspective for building a life with more energy, meaning, and resilience.

Key topics

1. The Hardiness Effect: Foundations and Background

2. Stress, Adaptation, and Practical Resilience

3. The Role of Lifestyle and Technology

4. Burnout, Mental Health, and Applying Hardiness

 Timestamped overview

00:00 "Hardiness: Strength Through Discomfort"

03:48 "Modern Life Mismatches Our Genome"

06:50 "Stress Builds Cellular Resilience"

12:13 Stress Inoculation and Growth

15:38 "Building Resilience Through Challenges"

18:05 Embrace Adversity, Build Confidence

20:14 "Finding Purpose and Setting Boundaries"

23:52 Life Beyond Screen Time

26:29 Preventing Burnout Early

30:34 "1 in 400 Trillion Life"

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Donna McGeorge is a productivity expert and bestselling author. In her latest book, Red Brick Thinking’ Donna shares why our instinct to always add more—tasks, meetings, apps—might be holding us back, and how strategic subtraction can help us achieve more with less stress.

In this chat, we dive into practical ways to break up with the busy, how to set healthy boundaries (without guilt!), and why younger generations are leading the charge in prioritising health over hustle. If you’re a business owner or freelancer looking to lighten your workload, make smarter decisions, and rethink what you “have” to do, this conversation will leave you inspired to red brick your day and build a happier, more productive life.

 Key topics

1. Red Brick Thinking and Productivity Philosophy

Donna McGeorge’s concept: focus on what can be removed rather than added (“strategic subtraction” vs. “addition bias”)

Encourages breaking away from hustle culture and overwork

Red Brick Thinking promotes achieving more by doing less

2. Mindset Shifts for Small Business Owners

The tendency to feel obligated to do everything, especially for soloists who “are the business”

Importance of questioning self-imposed rules and what tasks truly add value

Cultivating boundaries and saying “no” without guilt

3. Practical Subtraction Strategies

Audit meetings, clients, and daily activities to identify what can be stopped

Reduce time-wasting meetings by focusing on purpose and outcome (e.g., 25-minute meetings)

Use technology mindfully—eliminate unnecessary apps/tools and leverage AI only for clear business problems

4. Shaping the Future of Work and Wellbeing

Trends toward four-day workweeks and slower, balanced work lives

Post-pandemic increased focus on health and work-life boundaries

The value of downtime and boredom for creativity and better decision making

Timestamped overview

00:00 "Red Brick Thinking Explained"

05:25 "Questioning the Value of Busyness"

07:27 "Rethinking Unnoticed Efforts"

11:53 "Clear Goals for Meetings"

13:30 "AI: Solving Problems, Not Clutter"

18:04 "Respecting Boundaries Builds Understanding"

21:46 "Will It Make the Boat Faster?"

25:49 "The Danger of Constant On"

27:50 AI, Productivity, and Four-Day Week

30:20 Reducing the Weight of Obligation

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Peter Baines is one of Australia’s most impactful solopreneurs. After serving as a forensic investigator and responding to major disasters like the Bali bombings and Boxing Day tsunami, Peter found his purpose in building children's charity Hands Across the Water. 

In this episode of Flying Solo, he shares advice on finding a journey worthy of your heart and soul, as well as practical guidance for small business owners seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Whether you’re searching for purpose or curious about integrating philanthropy into your business, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of doing good.

Key topics

1. The Journey of 'Hands Across the Water'

Peter’s background as a forensic investigator and his response to the Boxing Day tsunami.

Founding the charity to support orphaned children in Thailand.

Realisation that the work was ongoing after building the first home.

Growth from helping a few children to supporting hundreds with homes and educational opportunities.

2. Finding and Sustaining Purpose

Making an impact doesn’t require a profound life event; small actions matter.

Importance of finding a cause or activity that brings meaning beyond financial goals.

Personal fulfillment often comes from helping others or the community.

Value in choosing a journey “worthy of one’s heart and soul.”

3. Integrating Social Responsibility for Small Businesses

CSR and philanthropy aren’t just for large corporations—small businesses can make a difference.

Shift from one-way giving (philanthropy) to reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnerships with charities.

Importance of aligning business values with charity partners and setting clear expectations.

Engaging employees and stakeholders in meaningful causes enhances buy-in and impact.

4. Overcoming Challenges and Leadership Lessons

Navigating unexpected setbacks, such as the COVID crisis and loss of funding.

Lessons in resilience: drawing hope from challenging experiences and colleagues.

Effective crisis leadership means making courageous decisions and staying present.

Advice to listeners: pursue causes that are personally meaningful and sustainable, and do your due diligence.

Timestamped overview

00:00 Forensic Investigator: Bali to Tsunami

06:06 Building a charity

09:52 Expanding charity Impact in Thailand

11:53 Rethinking Corporate Social Responsibility

15:08 "Choosing the right partners"

18:03 Effective CSR Partnerships explained

24:25 "Resilience amidst challenges"

26:56 Leadership lessons from crisis

31:37 Choosing meaningful causes for business

34:08 "Sustainable, meaningful partnerships matter"

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